“There’s nowhere like it and that’s why I moved here,” says artist, photographer, and avid whitewater paddler Steve Rogers. He’s speaking to me from his home in Terrace where he lives with his family and runs Great Bear Iron Works. I’m trying to convince him to meet me to go paddling during my visit to Terrace but he’s too busy with his blacksmithing and sculpture making. Instead, he shares with me some of his favourite places to take my young family paddling.
Rogers used to live in the Lower Mainland but moved North to escape the crowds and enjoy the world-class paddling that Terrace has to offer. Although he prefers whitewater, he has a young family too and says there are plenty of placid lakes and mellow floats that younger kids and families love. Here are his suggestions.
Lakelse Lake
Just 20 minutes south of Terrace, Lakelse Lake is the region’s recreational heart. This warm, family-friendly lake sits in a lush valley between Mount Layton and the Coastal Range, fed by mineral-rich springs that keep the water pleasantly swimmable through much of the summer. Paddlers can glide past forested bays filled with loons, eagles, and the occasional beaver, or explore the wetlands near the mouth of Williams Creek where lily pads and reeds create a tranquil maze.
The best put-in is at Lakelse Lake Provincial Park, which features sandy beaches, picnic tables, and a boat-launch area suitable for kayaks and paddleboards. The lake’s western shoreline offers sheltered coves perfect for beginners, while the longer paddle north toward Gruchy’s Beach rewards you with big-sky views and the sense of remoteness that defines the Northwest.
Kalum Lake
A scenic 30-kilometre drive north from Terrace brings you to Kalum Lake Provincial Park, which Rogers says can be busy at times but it’s “an absolute jewel” surrounded by snow-dusted ridges and emerald forest. Kalum’s glacial clarity also makes it a photographer’s dream, with underwater rocks visible several metres below the surface. This lake is a favourite for early-morning paddles when calm water mirrors the surrounding peaks and the only sounds are distant loons and the drip of your paddle.
Launch from the north end near the park campground to explore the small inlets and beaches that dot the shoreline. Rogers cautions beginner paddlers not to get to far out, though, because the lake can experience wind-generated waves, especially in the afternoon. Plan your crossings early or stick close to shore. Anglers will appreciate that this lake supports healthy populations of rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot black bears foraging along the banks in late summer.
Skeena River
The Skeena River is the lifeblood of northern B.C. In fact, it’s one of the largest and wildest rivers in the province, carving its way 570 kilometres from the interior plateau to the Pacific. Around Terrace, the Skeena broadens into a majestic corridor of powerful current, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife. It’s a river that demands respect but rewards confident paddlers with unforgettable views.
For a mellow half-day outing, launch from Ferry Island Park in Terrace and drift downstream toward Usk or Copper River Road, enjoying expansive views of Sleeping Beauty Mountain. More experienced paddlers and guided rafters can tackle longer stretches between Usk and Skeena Crossing, where wave trains and eddy lines add excitement. Keep an eye out for eagles, seals that follow salmon upstream, and in late summer, the glow of thousands of spawning pink salmon.
Because the Skeena’s conditions change rapidly with rain or snowmelt, always check river levels and consult locals before venturing out.
Kalum River
Flowing from Kalum Lake to its confluence with the Skeena, the Kalum River provides a classic northern BC paddling experience involving moving water, quiet forested stretches, and world-class scenery. Often called “the Little Skeena,” this 50-kilometre river features turquoise glacial water that winds through a steep valley of cedar and hemlock.
The upper Kalum, between the lake outlet and Onion Lake Road, offers easy current and excellent wildlife viewing. It’s ideal for canoes, touring kayaks, and paddleboards designed for gentle flow. The lower Kalum, closer to Terrace, is one of Rogers’s favourites: it picks up speed and gets squeezed through slot canyongs, forming class II-III rapids depending on water levels. “It’s definitely a favourite of the local whitewater crew,” Rogers says. As always, scout rapids first and go with experienced paddlers if you’re unfamiliar with the route.
Beyond its beauty, the Kalum is a sacred river to the Tsimshian Nation and home to legendary steelhead runs, so treat it with care and awareness. Paddle quietly, and you might glimpse anglers on the banks practicing traditional fishing techniques that have existed here for generations.
Plan Your Trip
With four distinct waterways within an hour’s drive, Terrace delivers diversity few regions can match: calm lakes for families, scenic rivers for touring, and swift current for thrill-seekers. Pair your paddle with a hike up Ferry Island’s interpretive trail or the Terrace Mountain Trail where you’ll find the famed Wolfpack sculptures created by Steve Rogers, and you’ll understand why Terrace is one of northern BC’s best-kept outdoor secrets.
For more information on access points, accommodation, and safety tips, connect with Tourism Terrace.
