Arrow Lakes

The Arrow Lakes system is divided into two long, dramatic bodies of water: South Arrow and North Arrow. Together they offer more than 230 kilometres of paddling opportunity, stretching through a landscape of steep mountains, forested shorelines, and quiet communities along the Columbia River corridor.

These waters also carry a fascinating history. Originally, the Arrow Lakes existed as two separate lakes located about 22 kilometres apart and connected by the river. That changed in the late 1960s with the construction of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam, which raised water levels by more than 12 metres (40 feet) and flooded the valley between them. The rising waters merged the two lakes into the expansive system paddlers explore today. Despite their scale, the Arrow Lakes remain surprisingly accessible, with numerous launch points in communities such as Castlegar, Nakusp, and Burton. Whether you’re setting out for a short shoreline paddle or a multi-day adventure, the Arrow Lakes offer big water, big scenery, and endless room to explore.