Single Itineary
You know it’s a good paddling location when the largest paddle in the world can be found there.
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.
Columbia Lake is located in the Rocky Mountains, in the eastern part of the BC, and is the headwaters of the Columbia River. From there it snakes north through the East Kootenay region and past wetlands that are habitat for hundreds of species and migratory birds. Its flow is dependent on freshet and tends to be faster in the Spring months but mostly the area of the river leading up to, and past Golden is slow and calm year round. It’s a stunning setting for a paddle because the waterway is flanked by the Purcell Mountains to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east.
Gear & Safety
Paddlers should carry the usual safety gear and be aware not to approach any wildlife.
Columbia River Wetlands
Paddle pros
Here are the experts who will help perfect your paddling trip.
Alpine Rafting
Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.
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Explore the stunning Columbia Wetlands with self-guided rentals and unique accommodations for special occasions.
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Float Your Way offers affordable paddle board rentals in Golden with door-to-door delivery. Choose your adventure and book online now!
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Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River with Goldens original rafting company, Glacier Raft Co.
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Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
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At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.
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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 MoreKicking Horse Paddle Festival
The Kicking Horse Paddle Festival is an annual event that recognizes and appreciates the beauty of the Kicking Horse River and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
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Kootenay River Runners in Golden BC explores the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Experience thrilling rafting trips down the Kicking Horse River with Wet n Wild Adventures.
Learn MoreWild Water Adventures
Wild Water Adventures is known to be the best organized whitewater rafting trips near Banff.
Learn MoreExplore 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.