Nelson to Taghum Beach
Start at the Hall Street Pier located beside The Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals business.
Nelson Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals
At Nelson Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals, friendly staff will help you choose the perfect watercraft for your adventure, whether it’s a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe. The company is located beside the Hall Street Pier so it's easy to launch right there.
Petroglyphs
Across from the Nelson airport, on the north side of the West Arm, are a series of cliffs and on one you'll find ancient petroglyphs placed there by the Sinixt or Ktunaxa First Nation peoples.
Grohman Narrows
The West Arm of Kootenay Lake shrinks at Grohman Narrows and the current quickens. The Narrows Island is also located here and most paddlers stick to the north channel where the water isn't quite as fast. Lake levels can affect the currents here but it's best to be prepared for a quicker ride through this section.
Taghum Bridge
There are two parallel bridges that cross the West Arm before you reach Taghum Bridge: one is a railway bridge and the other is for highway traffic. The current can quicken here so it's best to give the pilings of both bridges a wide berth so you avoid getting pinned.
Taghum Beach Regional Park
Taghum Beach Regional Park is 4.5 hectares in size and a very popular beach day-use area for both tourists and local residents. Amenities include a beach volleyball court, picnic tables, barbecues, outhouses, and swimming area.
Kootenay Lake
Stretching over 100 km between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, Kootenay Lake offers paddlers an endless playground of crystal-clear water, secluded beaches, and dramatic mountain…
Plan for a safe and well informed adventure
At Paddle BC, we’re as excited about your upcoming adventure as you are! Our goal is to help you experience the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia’s waterways, but we want to ensure you return home with only good memories. While we provide the gateway to these wild places, your safety is ultimately a personal commitment. We embrace a “challenge by choice” philosophy, which means you are the best judge of your own abilities. By staying within your skill set and taking personal responsibility for your journey, you ensure that your trip is as safe as it is spectacular. To help you prepare for a successful multiday adventure, we’ve outlined these six essential safety pillars:
Carry Mandatory Gear
Ensure you have all Transport Canada required equipment: a lifejacket (PFD), throw bag, whistle, bailing device, and a reflective signaling device. This gear is your first line of defense.
Plan for Conditions
River levels and weather in BC change rapidly. Check forecasts regularly, be aware that many hazards may be hidden, and always have a solid contingency plan in place.
Respect Nature
Expect to encounter wildlife in the BC wilderness. Respect their space, protect the ecosystem, and strictly follow “Leave No Trace” principles to keep our waters pristine.
Dress for Immersion
Always “dress for the swim, not the paddle.” Use appropriate thermal layers to protect against cold water shock, which can occur instantly and lead to physical incapacitation.
Know Your Limits
Practice “challenge by choice” and never attempt water that exceeds your ability. Don’t let a multiday itinerary pressure you into paddling beyond your personal skill set.
Assess and Manage Risk
River paddling carries inherent risks like injury or entrapment. Remain vigilant, scout ahead when necessary, and remember that help may be far away during your adventure.