All you hear is the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and the songs of migratory birds as your canoe floats down the calm waters of the Columbia River. Snowmelt from the Rockies and Purcells gathers here, winding slowly through vast wetlands with more wildlife than people. With warm summers, a long paddling season, and scenery that stretches from rugged peaks to quiet backwaters alive with birdlife, the Columbia Valley is one of British Columbia’s most rewarding destinations for time on the water. Whether you’re after a family-friendly float, a peaceful morning SUP, whitewater thrills, or a multi-day adventure deep into the wilderness, there’s something here for everyone.
“The variety of waterways we have in the Columbia Valley make it an amazing destination for paddling,” says Terra Scheler, owner of Kootenay River Runners. “With accessible lakes and rivers ranging from calm waters to exciting rapids, there is something for everyone.” This diversity she refers to is the region’s real charm. One day you might glide through quiet wetlands alive with birdsong, the next you could be splashing down rapids with a rafting crew. Unlike the busier mountain towns just over the divide, the Columbia Valley offers a more relaxed pace, the same Rocky Mountain scenery, but with fewer crowds and warmer weather.
The Columbia River Wetlands
Stretching for more than 180 kilometres, the Columbia River Wetlands are one of the largest intact wetlands in North America and a globally recognized ecological treasure. “When you paddle into the wetlands, you’ll see beaver lodges, eagle nests, turtles, and all the migratory bird activity.” explains Max Powers of Columbia River Paddle.
Part of what makes this area so special is its accessibility to new paddlers. “In a lot of other places in BC the rivers flow quite a bit faster, and you need to have a good knowledge and experience to paddle these rivers,” said Max Powers. In contrast, in the Columbia River Wetlands, “You don’t need to be a very experienced paddler, and you can take your family, your kids out there at the same time.”
The most popular route runs from Invermere to Radium Hot Springs, a 17-kilometre “lazy river” journey that takes about four hours, complete with sandbar stops for picnics. Columbia River Paddle provides shuttles back to town, making it convenient to paddle down the river and not worry about parking or transporting canoes.
Lake Windermere: The Valley’s Social Hub
At the heart of Invermere sits Lake Windermere, a 15km widening of the Columbia River that serves as the valley’s summer playground. With warm, clean water and sandy beaches, it’s ideal for SUP, canoeing, or a casual evening paddle.
Max Powers shared how the river keeps the lake’s water nice and clean. “But, at the same time, it’s very warm. You can swim in the water for a long time. You can go stand up paddleboarding and jump in the water.”
Access is easy from Kinsmen Beach or James Chabot Provincial Park, both of which offer calm launch points and sweeping mountain views. Early spring and fall are especially good times to paddle, when the lake is quieter and the surrounding peaks glow with snow or autumn colours.
Columbia Lake: At the Headwaters
Farther south at Canal Flats lies Columbia Lake, the official headwaters of the Columbia River. From Tilley Memorial Park, paddlers can slip into turquoise waters that feel both wild and serene. It’s the perfect place to reflect on the journey this river will make more than 2,000 kilometres to the Pacific Ocean.
Lake Lillian: A Hidden Gem
Just outside Invermere, en route to Panorama Mountain Resort, sits Lake Lillian, a smaller, alpine-fringed lake that feels tucked away. Its sheltered waters are perfect for a quiet morning paddle or a beginner-friendly outing, with reflections of surrounding forest rippling on its surface.
Whitewater Adventures
For those looking for more splash than stillness, local outfitters provide guided rafting trips on the Toby Creek, Kootenay River, and world-famous Kicking Horse River.
“On Toby Creek, you can expect a fast, fun trip. Departing right from Panorama Resort, we provide all of the gear and get you on the water for a high energy trip with lots of splashes & paddling,” says Terra Scheler.
Alternatively, “The Kootenay River provides an amazing wilderness experience. It is a super unique trip in its remoteness, riverside food, wildlife & unbeatable scenery. Another thing that makes our tour on the Kootenay River so unique is the range of guests that will have an absolute blast. We take guests aged as young as 5, many in their 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s. While many rafting trips that allow young children and families are mainly a float trip, the Kootenay River has a mix of scenic float sections, but also some really exceptional class 2–3 rapids. Plus, there is a remarkable waterfall that is accessible by the water that is always a highlight.” says Terra Scheler.
With nearly 50 years of experience, having made their first descent of the Kicking Horse in 1980, Kootenay River Runners is a trusted cornerstone of the valley’s adventure scene, offering trips that range from family floats to big-water thrills.
Wildlife and Wilderness
The Columbia Valley offers paddlers something rare: approachable access to a remote wilderness experience. Terra Scheler described her favourite part about paddling in the Columbia Valley with two words: “remote wilderness. It is easy to be out on the river without sight of infrastructure, often enjoying it on your own.”
From beavers and muskrats along the wetlands to black bears roaming the shoreline and over 250 species of bird migrating through in spring, there’s always something stirring. The annual Wings Over the Rockies Festival each May celebrates this spectacle of migratory birds, drawing birders from across the globe.
Find Your Flow
Coming to the Columbia Valley is both simple and rewarding. “We are three hours west of Calgary. If you want to come into the warmer side of the Rockies, it’s a very short drive. Even from Banff, coming here is just under two hours. We are the playground for Alberta,” says Max Powers.
Whether you’re gliding across Lake Windermere at sunset, tracing the curves of the Columbia Wetlands, or running whitewater with friends, paddling in the Columbia Valley offers both adventure and stillness; a reminder of how water shapes not just landscapes, but our own rhythms too.
