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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

Kootenay Rockies

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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Cheakamus River

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

The “Cheak” is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the province and for good reason.

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Columbia River

Kootenay Rockies

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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Columbia River Wetlands

Kootenay Rockies
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Cottonwood River

Quesnel

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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Elk River

Kootenay Rockies

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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Kicking Horse River

Kootenay Rockies

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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Lakes, Rivers & Waterways

Cranbrook: It’s Full Of Surprises

Did you know there are crystal clear, teal-blue lakes with road access nestled in the Rocky Mountains without the crowds you see at other popular destinations? Norbury Lakes is one of many…

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Lakes, Rivers & Waterways

The Best Paddling in and near Fernie, BC

Epic views of the Lizard Range catch your eye as you bump over mellow rapids with seven other paddlers standing by your side on a giant 17-foot stand-up paddleboard called a SUPsquatch.…

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Canoe, Kayak, Lakes, Ocean, Paddleboard, Rafting, Rivers & Waterways

From Rivers to Lakes to Ocean, Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley Offers it all

The kayak is bobbing up and down as it flows through the gentle ocean waves in the sheltered waters of Cowichan Bay. What should be a peaceful scene is interrupted by the…

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