There are six major rivers in British Columbia including the Fraser, Columbia, Peace, Skeena, Stikine and Liard and together they offer over 5,500 kilometers of paddling, but that’s only the main channels! Tributaries such as the Kicking Horse, Kootenay, Thompson, and countless others not only provide tens of thousands of kilometers of flowing water, they also offer limitless fun. From whitewater rafting on raging class IV to mellow paddleboard missions between beach-front communities, BC is home to every kind of adventure with enough water to make you cry a river with joyful tears.
Discover some of BC’s best rivers.
Located a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Fernie, the Bull River offers some of the best whitewater in the East Kootenay.
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The “Cheak” is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the province and for good reason.
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The best part about paddling in Castlegar is you can do it right in the heart of the city because the Columbia River flows its way past the downtown core.
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The Columbia River winds its way between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains and through the Columbia Wetlands, home to over 350 species of wildlife. This paddle offers some of the most scenic and easiest paddling in the country.
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Spend an afternoon paddling one of the largest contiguous systems of wetland habitats in North America between Invermere and Radium Hot Springs and take in hundreds of different wildlife species from eagles to moose.
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Joining the Fraser River about 20 kilometres north of Quesnel, the Cottonwood provides both scenic paddling opportunities and exciting kayak fishing for trout and salmon.
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Fernie offers excellent kayaking, canoeing and rafting adventures. From float trips to exciting whitewater, the Elk River and its tributaries offer a wealth of adrenaline, wildlife and relaxation.
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Named by a surveyor in 1858 who was reportedly booted by his pack horse, this world-class river has been thrilling paddlers for decades.
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The Kitimat River Meanders down from glaciers high up in the surrounding coastal mountains until it meets its estuary in the Douglas Channel. The Kitimat River is for paddlers of all levels and those kayakers who love fishing will love angling on the Kitimat River!
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Journey to the Nahatlatch Valley, a hidden gem of British Columbia that offers breathtaking wilderness, rich biodiversity, and one of Canada’s most thrilling whitewater experiences. The Nahatlatch River, fed by three jade-green alpine lakes, boasts some of the most continuous rapids commercially rafted in the country.
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Comox Valley offers an accessible yet unforgettable paddling experience — the perfect blend of convenience, community, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or new to paddling, the region’s protected waters and stunning scenery make it a must-paddle destination on Vancouver Island.
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The beautiful Slocan river winds down the Slocan valley before reaching the confluence with the Kootenay River in Shore Acres. The Slocan River is the perfect place for paddlers of all skill levels to have fun on the water.
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The first river I paddled in British Columbia was the Slocan in the East Kootenay. It was, and still is, unbelievably beautiful. Having grown up canoeing the flat-as-glass prairies, I had never…
Every corner of British Columbia offers something special for the visiting paddler, from gliding through coastal inlets to soaking up the sun on warm interior lakes. To help you explore BC by…
Like many, I’d floor it through the region between the Okanagan and the coast when travelling through southern British Columbia. There never seemed to be a reason to stop unless my kids…
