Lakes, Ocean, Rivers & Waterways
Let’s Love Paddling in BC. But Not to Death. Here Are 16 Ways How.
Here are 16 ways to slightly alter our paddling practices and improve our experiences at all of the wild places in BC.
BC rivers: giv’r.
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.
Featured Waterways
Discover some of BC’s best rivers.
Bull River
Located a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Fernie, the Bull River offers some of the best whitewater in the East Kootenay.
Explore
Cheakamus River
The “Cheak” is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the province and for good reason.
Explore
Columbia River
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.
Explore
Columbia River Wetlands
The river flows past the Columbia Wetlands, home to over 350 species of wildlife
Explore
Cottonwood River
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.
Explore
Elk River
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.
Explore
Kicking Horse River
Named by a surveyor in 1858 who was reportedly booted by his pack horse, this world-class river has been thrilling paddlers for decades.
Explore
Canoe, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Lakes, Ocean, Paddleboard, Rafting & Rivers
How To Paddle Safely in British Columbia
From sea kayaking Howe Sound to rafting the rapids of Golden’s Kicking Horse River, the province of British Columbia offers something for every kind of paddler. But it’s important to know how…
