Big water and desert canyons

The Thompson River is a massive and powerful waterway flowing through the spectacular desert canyons. Known for its big-volume whitewater and stunning geological formations, it is a favorite for experienced paddlers and rafters.

The environment of the Thompson is rugged. Paddlers can expect to navigate through large wave trains and over powerful rapids. The wildlife is unique to the interior desert, with bighorn sheep frequently seen on the steep slopes.

Geographically, the Thompson is a high-volume river defined by its deep canyons and large rock gardens. The water is powerful and the hydraulics can be very challenging. It is a river that requires respect and high-level skills for an exhilarating experience.

  • Waterway AreaKamloops to Lytton
  • Difficulty LevelClass IV (Advanced)
  • Type of PaddlingKayak, Rafting
  • SeasonSummer
  • Waterway AccessSpences Bridge launch
  • Waterway FeaturesWave trains and desert hoodoos
  • Known HazardsPowerful hydraulics and high volume
  • Waterway AccessSpences Bridge launch
  • Waterway FeaturesWave trains and desert hoodoos
  • Known HazardsPowerful hydraulics and high volume
  • Waterway AreaKamloops to Lytton
  • Difficulty LevelClass IV (Advanced)
  • Type of PaddlingKayak, Rafting
  • SeasonSummer

Thompson River

Savona Thompson River Launch

Juniper Beach Provincial Park Launch

Ashcroft Bridge Launch

Spences Bridge Access

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Paddle BC gratefully acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the 203 First Nations in British Columbia.

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