Skip to content

You know it’s a good paddling location when the largest paddle in the world can be found here.

You know it’s a good paddling location when the largest paddle in the world can be found here. Built by Mark Teasdale, owner of Columbia Wetlands Outpost, the 60-foot-long, 5,300-pound paddle can be found on his property located south of the town of Golden. It’s a fitting statue for the region where the Columbia River snakes its way between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, offering some of the most scenic and easiest paddling in the country. The river flows past the Columbia Wetlands, home to over 350 species of wildlife including “diverse bird species [that] migrate through,” Mark says. “We see blue herons, eagles, ducks, geese, elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, black bears…it is beautiful all year round.” The Columbia can be paddled to Golden from its headwaters near the community of Canal Flats 160 kilometres south, but the most popular section that takes less than 3-4 hrs to complete starts in Nicholson and is a common day-off float among the locals.

Quick Facts

Length: 10-30 km
Season: Year-round
Style: Moving Water
Difficulty: Class I
River Features: Wood Hazards, Under current
Access: Canyon Creek Rd Bridge
Experiences: Canoe/Kayak/SUP

Columbia River Wetlands

  • 1

    Canyon Creek Road Bridge / Nicholson

    Parking is on the left just before the bridge along with the river access.

  • 2

    Limited take-outs at high water

    Limited take-out and on-lake/river exits at high water. Best accomplished at low water levels when more shoreline and beaches are present.

  • 3

    Columbia Wetlands

    The main channel is easy to follow but there are small tributaries that lead to the still waters of the wetlands. The only main fork is located just south of Golden and paddlers should stay left as the side channel offers excellent wildlife viewing but does not reconnect with the main river.

  • 4

    Fisher Road near the airport

    Take out is on River Right. Note this take out is easy to miss in high water

  • 5

    Bridges – Strong down current

    beware of pinning and underwater hazards posed by bridge pilings.

  • 6

    Confluence Park

    Take outs are the 2 large beaches just before the confluence of the Kicking Horse River. Outhouse and picnic tables available

  • 7

    Kicking Horse Drive Bridge

    Take-Out both upstream and downstream of the bridge.

Paddle pros

Here are the experts who will help perfect your paddling trip.

Tours and Rentals
Alpine Rafting

Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.

Learn More
Tours and Rentals
Columbia Wetlands Outpost

Explore the stunning Columbia Wetlands with self-guided rentals and unique accommodations for special occasions.

Learn More
Rentals
Float Golden

Float Your Way offers affordable paddle board rentals in Golden with door-to-door delivery. Choose your adventure and book online now!

Learn More
Tours and Rentals
Glacier Raft Company

Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River with Goldens original rafting company, Glacier Raft Co.

Learn More
Rentals
Golden Paddle

Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.

Learn More
Tours and Rentals
Golden River Adventures

At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.

Learn More
Tours
Hydra River Guides

Hydra River Guides offers many different activities, whether it’s a fast paced rafting trip or a gentle canoe ride they have it all.

Learn More
Tours and Rentals
Kootenay River Runners: Golden

Kootenay River Runners in Golden BC explores the mighty Kicking Horse River.

Learn More
Tours and Rentals
Wet n Wild Adventures

Experience thrilling rafting trips down the Kicking Horse River with Wet n Wild Adventures.

Learn More
Tours
Wild Water Adventures

Wild Water Adventures offers top-quality whitewater rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River since 1992.

Learn More

Explore more in this community.

Every corner of BC has something unique to offer. From freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island to rafting on the whitewater of Squamish, you will never find a shortage of amazing paddling.

Project Partners