Water splashes over the hull as the raft pounds through some of the largest commercially rafted whitewater rapids in the mighty Fraser River. In the little moments between the action, you glance up from the water and take in the view of the jagged canyon walls adorned with green standing below the massive peaks of the Northern Cascade Mountains. The Fraser River is the central vein of BC’s largest watershed and unsurprisingly boasts some of the country’s best whitewater rafting. If you’re looking to dip your paddles into the waters of the Fraser, the community of Hope, is the perfect hub. Conveniently close to BC’s lower mainland, Hope offers access some of the best rafting opportunities available on the river. While rafting the Fraser may be one of the most epic experiences in the province, the Fraser is just one of many water bodies in Hope offering excellent paddling experiences.
The Nahatlatch River
While the Fraser is undoubtedly the largest river in the area, a couple of smaller rivers within the Hope Region offer equally exciting options for paddling in some world-class white water. With 24 unique rapids in close succession, few rivers in North America provide as consistent white water as the Nahatlatch. This location is great for self-sufficient kayakers and those interested in commercial rafting. While on the river, keep your eyes peeled for the two-class 4+ rapids named the Rose Garden and the Meat Grinder.
The Nahatlatch River is fed by the Kwoiek Glacier and the melt of the seasonal snowpack, causing the river to go from very high in early spring to a gentler flow at the end of August. Therefore, the river is best rafted between May and Early August before the water levels drop for the season. When visiting the Nahatlatch River, it is recommended to stay at one of the only rafting resorts in Canada – REO rafting and yoga resort, an eco-adventure lifestyle resort located on the river’s edge above the rapids of the Nahatlatch. The resort is family-owned and founded by Bryan Fogelman, a pioneer of rafting in British Columbia with a handful of first descents of rivers in the area, including the Nahatlatch. Hit the epic rapids with a team led by the man who first navigated the river, return to the resort to enjoy one of their daily yoga classes, enjoy a meal overlooking the river, and then call it a day as you fall asleep to the sounds of the rapids in one of their glamping tents constructed from hand-peeled logs and canvas perched above the river.
The Coquihalla River
The Coquihalla River, located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, is the divider between two distinct parts of the Cascade Mountains, the Skagit and the Hozameen Ranges. From its headwaters to its confluence with the Fraser River, the Coquihalla River drops 1000 metres in 53 kilometres with rapids ranging up to class 6. This river is an excellent spot for advanced kayakers and white water rafting. When the river runs at medium levels, there are plentiful waves to catch, boulders to boof, and holes to play in.
Kawkawa Lake
While the Hope area is an international hotspot for rafting, there are also great options for flat-water paddling. Kawkawa Lake is easily the most popular flatwater paddle spot in Hope, for good reason. The lake’s name is an anglicization of the Halq’eméylem word Q’áwq’ewem, which loosely translates to “home of loons.” Today, the lake is still a home for loons but is perhaps better known for the abundance of kokanee salmon, which can grow up to 3lb, making this a great destination to try out kayak fishing. Kawkawa Lake also happens to be the home of the annual BC Canoe Festival that occurs every spring. During the festival, members of the Recreational Canoe Association of British Columbia from across the province gather to put on paddling clinics, slide shows, nature paddles, backcountry canoe camping seminars, and a fun-focused race! There also happens to be a local business offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental with free delivery to Kawkawa Lake.
Silver Lake
Take in the views of Wells Peak while stroking your paddle through the clear waters of a quiet mountain lake. Silver Lake is a smaller and quieter alternative to Kawkawa Lake with a 10-horsepower motor limit, making for calmer waters. With an undeveloped lakefront and a campground, this is the perfect place to get away for a day, weekend, or more to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking in this pristine mountain lake.
Fraser River Canoe Trip
While the Fraser River is internationally renowned for its whitewater rafting, it can also be paddled as part of multi-day canoe expeditions. The lower Fraser River has been travelled by canoe since time immemorial by the peoples of the Stó:lō and Musqueam Nations. Additionally, the waterway was an integral travel route for settlers who made British Columbia home during the gold rush and before the development of railways and highways. Today, the shoreline of the Fraser River between Hope and Vancouver looks very different than it did 200 years ago. However, despite these changes, people are still paddling the river on canoes and even stand up paddleboards.
The Journey from Hope to Vancouver is a three-day trip recommended for experienced paddlers who want to travel the waters that are a unique part of British Columbia’s history. Whether you’re looking for the exhilaration of world-class white water in the scenic Cascade Mountains, a calm paddle in a pristine mountain lake, a multi-day canoe adventure, or to connect with a provincial group of canoe enthusiasts at the BC Canoe Festival, Hope has you covered! While visiting Hope for your paddling adventure, be sure to stop at the Home Restaurant, a spot known for its home-style food, large portions, fair prices, and unreal pie! For more info, visit: https://tourismhcc.ca/
