Single Itineary
A Scenic Journey Through the Canadian Rockies
The Elk River is a 220-kilometer-long river located near Fernie, BC. It is a tributary of the Kootenay River, and falls within the basin of the Columbia River. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the quaint community of Fernie offers something for every kind of paddler from mellow floats through the heart of the city to exciting class IV whitewater. And the best part is that they can all be found on the same river. The Elk River flows north to south and the two most popular Class I sections go from Sparwood to Hosmer and Hosmer to Fernie. A lower section of the river that’s accessed south of the small town of Elko, 30 kilometres south of Fernie, is popular with local whitewater rafting outfitters. Gord Bunston is a guide, instructor, and the owner of River City Repair in Fernie and knows the Elk well. He says there are many options for the novice and intermediate paddlers on the Elk and there’s even a three- or four-day Class 1-2 self-guided float people can do that starts off Line Creek Mine Road, 55 kilometres north of Fernie. From there paddlers can enjoy a meandering river tour and stop in various towns along the way, staying at such places as the Elk River Lodge, Brooks Creek Ranch, and Ghost Rider Lodge. The final take-out would be in the community of Elko. If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, this is the area to paddle. The Elk River flows past the base of multiple peaks including Mt. Hosmer, Mt. Broadwood, and Mt Bisaro, the site of Canada’s deepest cave. It also offers views of lush, forested riverbanks, and, depending on the season, plenty of wildlife sightings. Migratory birds stop here during the Spring and Fall months and large animals such as deer and black bears are plentiful during those times.
Hosmer to Fernie
Easy run, however there are log jams and trees are known to fall across the river around the corners and bends. One play wave. Just watch for wood, and if in doubt it can be walked.
Lower Elk
"Warmest" run in the Canadian Rockies! This is a great class 3 run with a hint of 4 at higher waters within Phillips Canyon. The Put-In is class 3 and the commercial companies use sleds to drag there gear down, but you won’t be so lucky so bring some carpet and the last pitch is the worst. The take-out is riverside.
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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Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.
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Apex Rafting
30+ years of Rafting in Revelstoke! Consistent Ownership since Day 1, fantastic rafting and a commitment to superior customer service keeps Apex Rafting top rated on Google, Facebook and Trip Advisor. 26 km of rafting with up to Class 3+ Rapids(Class 4 at high flows) Price also includes Rafting Trip Photos and fresh fruit & pastries. Hot Tub/Sauna available.
Canyon Raft Company
Located in Fernie BC the Canyon Raft Company offers anything from scenic floats to whitewater rafting, making it suitable for all.
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Castlegar Sculpturewalk
The Castlegar Sculpturewalk transforms downtown Castlegar into a vibrant outdoor art gallery, showcasing an exciting collection of contemporary sculptures by both local and international artists. This annual exhibition invites visitors to explore the city through the lens of public art, with each piece offering a unique perspective and creative expression. As you stroll through the walkable downtown core, don’t forget to vote for your favourite sculpture—the winner of the People’s Choice Award earns a permanent place in the city’s growing art collection.
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Columbia River Paddle
Explore Lake Windermere and the Columbia River through rentals and guided tours. Discover diverse wildlife and enjoy family-friendly paddling adventures.
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Explore Lake Windermere and the Columbia River through rentals and guided tours. Discover diverse wildlife and enjoy family-friendly paddling adventures.
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Columbia Wetlands Outpost
Explore the stunning Columbia Wetlands with self-guided rentals and unique accommodations for special occasions.
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Explore the stunning Columbia Wetlands with self-guided rentals and unique accommodations for special occasions.
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Edge of the World
Edge of the World offers a wide range of snowboarding, skateboarding, paddleboarding, streetwear, and goods in Fernie, BC.
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Edge of the World offers a wide range of snowboarding, skateboarding, paddleboarding, streetwear, and goods in Fernie, BC.
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Endless Adventure
Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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Endless Adventure – SUP Sturgeon Search
Endless Adventure offers thrilling rafting tours, kayak courses, paddleboard rentals, team building programs, and more in the beautiful Slocan Valley of British Columbia.
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FAR OUT GEAR RENTALS
Far Out Gear Rentals offers a wide range of outdoor adventure rentals and tours, including biking and paddling equipment. Explore BC’s stunning waterways and trails with our top-quality gear.
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Far Out Gear Rentals offers a wide range of outdoor adventure rentals and tours, including biking and paddling equipment. Explore BC’s stunning waterways and trails with our top-quality gear.
Learn More FAR OUT GEAR RENTALS
Far Out Gear Rentals offers a wide range of outdoor adventure rentals and tours, including biking and paddling equipment. Explore BC’s stunning waterways and trails with our top-quality gear.
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Float Golden
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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GearHub Sports
Discover quality paddle gear and apparel at GearHub. Find everything you need for your next adventure.
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Discover quality paddle gear and apparel at GearHub. Find everything you need for your next adventure.
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Glacier Raft Company
Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River with Goldens original rafting company, Glacier Raft Co.
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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
Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
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Golden River Adventures
At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.
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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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Hellman Canoe and Kayak
Hellman Canoes and Kayaks, based in Nelson, BC, crafts high-quality, custom-made canoes and kayaks designed for adventure and durability. Founded by passionate paddler Bob Hellman, this Canadian-owned business offers personalized watercraft for recreational and wilderness paddling, available at their specialized shop.
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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.
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Just Liquid Sports
Explore a wide range of outdoor gear, from apparel to safety and rescue equipment.
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Explore a wide range of outdoor gear, from apparel to safety and rescue equipment.
Learn More Just Liquid Sports
Explore a wide range of outdoor gear, from apparel to safety and rescue equipment.
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Kaslo Kayaking
Explore the beauty of Kootenay Lake with Kaslo Kayaking – offering kayak tours, rentals, lessons, and more in the stunning BC mountain town of Kaslo.
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Explore the beauty of Kootenay Lake with Kaslo Kayaking – offering kayak tours, rentals, lessons, and more in the stunning BC mountain town of Kaslo.
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Explore the beauty of Kootenay Lake with Kaslo Kayaking – offering kayak tours, rentals, lessons, and more in the stunning BC mountain town of Kaslo.
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Explore the beauty of Kootenay Lake with Kaslo Kayaking – offering kayak tours, rentals, lessons, and more in the stunning BC mountain town of Kaslo.
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Kokanee Creek Paddle Sports
Explore BC’s scenic waterways with kayak, canoe & paddle board rentals at Friends Beach, Kokanee Creek & Davis Creek Campground. Affordable rates!
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Kokanee Park Marina
Kokanee Park Marina is your one-stop-shop for all things outdoor adventure in beautiful Kootenay Lake’s North Shore. From boat repairs to marina services, camping supplies to rentals, we’ve got everything you need to explore the waterways and beyond.
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Kootenay Raft Co Rafting and Rentals
Kootenay Raft Co. offers thrilling rafting adventures in the Kootenays. Family-friendly trips, rentals, and custom group outings available.
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Kootenay Raft Co. offers thrilling rafting adventures in the Kootenays. Family-friendly trips, rentals, and custom group outings available.
Learn More Kootenay Raft Co Rafting and Rentals
Kootenay Raft Co. offers thrilling rafting adventures in the Kootenays. Family-friendly trips, rentals, and custom group outings available.
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Kootenay River Runners
Kootenay River Runners is perfect for adventurous visitors to experience guided whitewater rafting trips down the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Kootenay River Runners: Golden
Kootenay River Runners in Golden BC explores the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Kootenay River Runners in Golden BC explores the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Nelson Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals
Rent paddleboards and kayaks in Nelson for fun workouts or leisurely paddling on beautiful waterways.
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Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
ORCBC advocates for responsible outdoor recreation in BC, promoting access to nature for all.
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River Runner
Experience the best rafting in Western Canada with Kootenay River Runners. Offering whitewater rafting adventures in the Purcell & Rocky Mountains since 1976.
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Experience the best rafting in Western Canada with Kootenay River Runners. Offering whitewater rafting adventures in the Purcell & Rocky Mountains since 1976.
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Roam Adventures
Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
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ROAM Shop
ROAM Shop, a Nelson, BC-based outfitter, specializes in water sports gear for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Since 2004, this locally owned store has offered top-quality equipment and expert service for unforgettable paddling adventures in the Kootenay’s.
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Scotties Marina
Scotties Marina offers a scenic waterfront vacation rental suite, moorage, fuel, fishing derby, and kayak/paddle board rentals on the pristine Lower Arrow Lake.
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Smiling Otter
Experience nature’s tranquility in Slocan BC with canoe, kayak & SUP rentals since 1998.
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Tunnel49
Tunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
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Tunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
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Tunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
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Valhalla Pure – New Denver
Explore over 450 brands and find great deals on paddlesports gear. Shop now!
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Wet n Wild Adventures
Experience thrilling rafting trips down the Kicking Horse River with Wet n Wild Adventures.
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Experience thrilling rafting trips down the Kicking Horse River with Wet n Wild Adventures.
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Wet Willy’s Paddleboard and Kayak Rental
We have a variety of blow up paddle boards, hard paddle boards and kayaks. We are open most sunny/nice days throughout the summer.
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We have a variety of blow up paddle boards, hard paddle boards and kayaks. We are open most sunny/nice days throughout the summer.
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Wild Blue Yonder Rafting Adventures: Revelstoke
Become a "River Pirate" on a whitewater rafting tour with Wild Blue Yonder Rafting Adventures.
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Wild Water Adventures
Wild Water Adventures offers top-quality whitewater rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River since 1992.
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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.
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