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A Paddling Paradise.

Extending from Osoyoos Lake in the south to north of Wells Gray Provincial Park where the annual Clearwater Kayak Festival is held, Thompson Okanagan offers paddlers everything from wet and wild to sunny and serene. There are some significantly large bodies of water in this region including Shuswap Lake to the east, which has over 1,000 kilometres of shoreline, and the Thompson River to the West, the largest tributary of the Fraser that offers some great whitewater. In the centre of it all is Okanagan Lake, which is 135 kilometres long and over 200 metres deep. The mythical Ogopogo monster is said to reside in its depths but fear not, the plethora of wineries in the region will help numb your nerves about it.

Participating communities from Thompson Okanagan

Explore pockets of this region by way of specific communities. Get info on the waterways in or near them and meet local paddling professionals.

Kamloops

Located at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, the city’s name comes from the Indigenous word Tk’emlúps or “meeting place.” Meet you there.

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Kelowna

Downtown Kelowna is right by the water front making it a perfect location for all paddlers, with over 20 vineyards in the area to explore.

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Vernon

Located at the epicentre of three beautiful lakes, Vernon offers incredible flatwater paddling opportunities for paddleboarders, canoeists, and kayakers. There are numerous launching points all around the area and it would be remiss not to visit Kalamalka Lake, Swan Lake, and Okanagan Lake while here.

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Meet the specialists Thompson Okanagan

From guides and instructors to marina owners and sales reps, here are the people who will ensure you’re not sent up the creek without a, well, you know. 

I want to go

on a(n)

Tours
Adams River Rafting

Adams River Rafting offers unforgettable 2.5-hour trips down the scenic Adams River in BC. Enjoy rafting, learn about Indigenous culture, and more!

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Rentals
Beach Life Boards

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Rentals
Bruker Marina & Beach Club

Bruker Marina & Beach Club is a great spot to either go boating or enjoy some family time on the beach.

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Rentals
CRIS (Community Recreational Initiatives Society) Adaptive Adventures

At CRIS Adaptive Adventures the offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for all your paddling needs.

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Rentals
Ed’s Kayak

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Rentals
Eldorado Marina

Book a kayak or paddle board rental at the Eldorado Marina to explore Okanagan Lake at your own pace.

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Tours and Lessons
Elements Adventure Company

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Retail and Rentals
Innerspace Watersports Inc.

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Overnight rafting trip
Tours
Interior Whitewater Expeditions

Experience whitewater rafting trips with Interior Whitewater Expeditions, no matter your skill level they have something for everyone!

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Rentals, Tours & Lessons
Kalavida Surf Shop

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Lessons
Kamloops Canoe & Kayak Club

Kamloops Canoe & Kayak Club offers many different programs while being as inclusive and accessible as possible, so that everyone can enjoy what they have to offer.

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Rentals
Kamloops Water Sport Rental

Kamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!

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Tours
Kelowna Canoe and Kayak Club

The Kelowna Canoe & Kayak Club is a great place to go on a canoe or kayak tour with many other passionate paddlers.

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Rentals
Kelowna Downtown Marina

Downtown Marina in Kelowna offers boat rentals, moorage, fuel, retail, and more. Live the lake life with speedboats, pontoons, and SeaDoos.

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Rentals and Lessons
Kelowna Paddle Centre

Join the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.

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Lessons and Rentals
Kelowna Yacht Club

Rent kayaks and paddleboards at the Kelowna Yacht Club.

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Rentals and Tours
Knouff Lake Resort

Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort offers rustic cabins, RV & tenting sites, boat rentals, and a range of activities in a beautiful Canadian setting.

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Whitewater rafting trip
Tours
Kumsheen Rafting Resort

Explore the Thompson and Fraser river while whitewater rafting with the Kumsheen Rafting Resort.

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Rentals
Lakeside Heffley Hideaway

Lakeside Heffley Hideaway offers cabins, campsites, and activities by Heffley Lake. Perfect for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature.

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Retail, Lessons & Rentals
LakeSUP Paddleboard Co.

LakeSUP has everything to do with paddleboards with rentals, lessons, and retail available you’ll find what you’re looking for.

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Retail and Rentals
LakeSurf Premium Rentals

With kayak and paddleboard rentals LakeSurf Premium Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake.

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Tours
Moccasin Trails

In order to truly learn about our culture we felt the only way was to touch, smell, see, hear, and feel it. Our journey started hundreds of years ago but your journey will start right
now with us at Moccasin Trails.

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Lessons and Rentals
Okanagan Beach Rentals

With a lot of rental options Okanagan Beach Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.

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Retail, Lessons & Rentals
Paddle Surfit

Located on Heffley Lake in Kamloops BC, Paddle Surfit is the perfect place to relax and escape the city with SUP and kayak rentals.

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Canoeing in Kamloops
Rentals
True Outdoors

True Outdoors is a local equipment store that carries a variety of outdoor gear for different watersports activities.

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Lessons and Races
Vernon Paddling Centre VPC

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Learn more about paddling in Thompson Okanagan

Two canoes resting on the sandy shore of Murtle Lake, British Columbia, with majestic mountains as a backdrop.
The Search For BC’s Best Lake

Which body of water will win CBC’s Best Lake in BC Contest? We have some suggestions of what to vote for.

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