The water reflects a mosaic of green underneath the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains as the canoe pierces the still surface. Meanwhile, a heron stands among the grasses on the shoreline as it wades through the water to hunt for fish. The Columbia River Wetlands are the largest intact wetlands in North America, and the heron is just one of over 200 species of animal that call this area home. The Wetlands are just one of many unique spots for paddling in Golden. The area has something to offer every paddler, whether you’re into whitewater, fishing, birding, or multi-day canoe trips.
Columbia River Wetlands
The Columbia River Wetlands stretch an impressive 180km, making it the largest intact freshwater wetlands in North America. With this bold title comes an astounding amount of biodiversity, including elk, beavers, bears and more. The waterway consists of gently flowing water through a maze of channels and still lake-like pools of water which flow through the valley with the Rocky Mountains on one side and the Purcell Mountains on the other. Those with their own watercraft can take advantage of the countless put-in and take-out options to make the most of this choose-your-own-adventure destination. Beginner paddlers can set out for casual day paddles from the Columbia Wetlands Outpost, which is the home of the world’s largest paddle, while more adventurous paddlers can navigate the wetlands from Canal Flats all the way to the town of Golden. Another option for a shorter day trip is Golden Paddle, a local company that offers canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals with a launch site south of Golden and a pickup service to shuttle you and the gear back to your vehicle at their office at the end of the day.
Kicking Horse
While having the largest intact wetland is a hard accolade for Golden to top, another one worth mentioning is being the first destination in Canada to offer heli-rafting. When the Canadian Pacific Railway closed road access to the famous Lower Canyon of the Kicking Horse River, the owner of Glacier Rafting saw an opportunity and began regularly flying their Bell 407 helicopter carrying their 16-foot-long yellow rafts and groups of paddlers to access kilometres of consistent class 3-4 rapids. Situated near Golden and originating in the ice fields of the Canadian Rockies, the Kicking Horse River starts flowing slowly through a U-shaped valley before descending into the Kicking Horse Canyon and eventually joining the Columbia River. The Kicking Horse is one of the most famous waterways in Canada for white water enthusiasts, offering a range of class two to four rapids.
Mitten Lake
While whitewater is exciting, there is something to say about seeking adventures that fall on the more relaxing side of the spectrum. Mitten Lake is stocked annually with 8,000 Gerrard rainbow trout, known to grow exceptionally large for trout, making this the perfect spot to get away for a weekend of kayak fishing. The lake has a rec site with 27 campsites, a large dock, a small beach, and a boat launch area. Local fishing guides suggest getting your line deep and choosing lures that imitate small baitfish for your best chance at reeling in a lunker.
Reflection Lake
Kayak fishing isn’t the only way to spend a relaxing day on the water. If birding is more up your alley, head to Reflection Lake to view a wide variety of bird species. While there is a gazebo on the lake that is good for viewing the wildlife in the area, getting out on a canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard is the best way to immerse yourself in this birding destination. Some species known to nest in the lake are Virginia rail, pied-billed grebe, wood duck, hooded merganser, and the provincially Blue-listed eared grebe.
Cedar Lake
Looking for a family-friendly paddling destination? Cedar Lake is a small wilderness lake located between Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The forested rec site offers day-use facilities, as well as camping, making it a great spot to set up a base camp for several days while you explore Golden. The lake has a sandy beach and a dock, making it a great place to hang out and picnic after a paddle. And for all the anglers out there, the lake has been regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Whether you’re going out on the canoe with the kids, catching the sunset on a paddleboard after a day in town, or getting out for an early morning fish, Cedar Lake is a great place to be. The area also has excellent access to hiking and biking trails, making it a good spot for those who are eager to tackle a multi-sport day.
Kinbasket Lake
Kinbasket Lake is a 260km reservoir that stretches its three arms between Golden, Valemount, and Revelstoke. With most of its shoreline undeveloped, it is the perfect place for adventure seekers to experience the remote wilderness of the Rocky Mountains with a paddle in hand. The ideal place to start your paddling adventure is the Kinbasket Lake Resort. While an afternoon paddle from this location is a great place to start, those experienced with multi-day expeditions may set out from the resort and travel roughly 20km to Esplanade Bay Recreation Site for the night before paddling back to the resort the following day. Because Kinbasket Lake is a reservoir, the water level can vary by about 150 feet annually, and much of the shoreline is too steep to pull a canoe out of the water if winds were to suddenly pick up to dangerous speeds. Therefore, any long-distance paddling is only recommended for expert paddlers. Others may wish to drive to Esplanade Bay Recreation Site and stay within a safe distance from the site to enjoy this remote water body. The lake also offers anglers the chance to catch bull trout, ling cod, rainbow, kokanee, and whitefish, making it a great spot to go kayak fishing.
For many, Golden is just a place they pass by while travelling on Highway 1. For those who know better, Golden is an underrated outdoor recreation gem nestled between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain Ranges. Golden has something for every paddler with world-class whitewater, North America’s most extensive intact wetlands, countless little mountain lakes, and the 260km Kinbasket Lake. For more information on visiting Golden, visit https://www.tourismgolden.com/
