Canoeing and Kayaking in the Okanagan Similkameen, British Columbia

Canoeing and Kayaking in the Okanagan Similkameen

Book a Trip | Travel info for the Okanagan Similkameen

This region of British Columbia offers the canoer and kayaker a chance to enjoy warm, pleasant climate, the joy of seeing orchards in bloom or in fruit. The smell of sage. The ponderosa pine dotting the hillsides, the mountains hiding cool blue coloured lakes and streams. This area is bustling with history. Watch for the grape orchards and wineries that overlook the valley. Spectacular scenery is everywhere.

Paddling the Similkameen River means you can have a choice of paddling. There's the canyon section which is recommended to advanced kayakers, at low levels only guided intermediates should run this, no open canoes as the river runs from grade or class 2 to a 4+. This part of the river offers history, technical drops, plenty of wildlife, and can take anywhere from six to nine hours. If you want warm water and sunshine, the Similkameen from Bromley Rock to Stemwinder park is a great run for all kayakers, intermediate open canoers and rafters, it's graded or classed as a 2 to 3, this is a short run that will take you approximately two hours.

Mission Creek, out of Kelowna offers the paddler great fun, with rock and boulder gardens, caves, and a canyon. This run is good for intermediate kayakers and rafters, no open canoes during high waters. When the creek is at low levels guided novice kayakers and rafters as well as intermediate open canoers can do this paddle, taking up about two to four hours of your time. Another paddling excursion to take in this region is the Tulameen River, which can take approximately six hours of paddling, and is from a grade or class two to a four. Whether you plan a canoeing or kayaking trip on a river or a lake it's a good idea to always plan your trip.

Before you take to the waters in this region, check out the conditions of the runs with local dealers and the local clubs. Be safe, have fun!

Book A Canoe Or Kayak Trip

The following BC Adventure Network members invite you to kayak or canoe with them:

Thompson Okanagan

Alpine Wilderness Retreat: Retreat from the bustle of the city to our fly-in resort on Elbow Lake! Our snow fed lakes in the North Thompson are home to world-famous Kamloops Trout, and our resort has everything you’ll need. There’s lots of wildlife too so don’t forget to bring your ca... more

Beaver Lake Mountain Resort: Join us for family fun. They’re log cabins, a campground, Coffee Corner, fishing, boats, canoes, kayak rentals, hiking & biking, & lots of kids fun. Just east of Lake Country (Winfield) on Hwy 97 there’s a wellness retreat, internet corner, & grocery store. more

Big Bar Guest Ranch 2007 Ltd: Trade your deadlines and stress for fresh mountain air, a good horse, and a trail that leads from one spectacular view to another. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cariboo where time has no meaning, Big Bar Guest Ranch offers year-round activities. Enjoy ri... more

Cozy Cabins Nature Resort: Our 4-season family resort, with cozy cabins & sandy beach, is nestled next to the beautiful Monashee Mountains overlooking a pristine lake. They boast fully equipped kitchens, bath, wood burning stove, and more. You’ll feel like this is your own personal re... more

Echo Lake Fishing Resort: Our family oriented resort, on Echo Lake in Echo Lake Provincial Park, has housekeeping cabins, campsites, fishing boats & canoes – and a convenience store with basic grocery needs, fishing gear, licenses & souvenirs. There’s a "no pet" policy for the benefit ... more

Go-outdoors: Meadows & mountain tops - snowy peaks & glaciers as far as you can see - Clearwater & Bowron Lake paddles - moose wandering through your camp - snowshoe powder snow - walk a river with magnificent frozen ice waterfall. Interpretive & more adventurous tours a... more

Interior Whitewater Expeditions Ltd: It’s a raft adventure you won’t forget with wild undisturbed rivers plus hiking, canoeing, & the astonishing scenery of Wells Gray Park. We provide a rare combination of river trips as you hike to pounding waterfalls, raft volcanic canyons, & see stunning wil... more

Kumsheen Rafting Resort: Our passion for river rafting & whitewater goes back over 35 years - it influences everything we do. We take pride in setting the gold standard for service because our spirit isn’t just whitewater, but experiences - not just adventures, but interacting with p... more

Lac Des Roches Resort: Our year-round resort on the Fishing Highway overlooks one of BC’s most photographed lakes. From your suite or cabin there’s nothing between you and the lake but a picnic table and fire pit. Relax with fine dining, and many outdoor activities in our 175 acre... more

Lake Okanagan Resort: The Okanagans true destination resort offers lakeview accommodations, fine casual dining, plenty of recreational activities and an abundance of natural wilderness. From the beach and marina to the horse stables and hiking trails its yours to enjoy. Look for ou... more

Moose Camp Fishing Resort: Great food, fresh air, comfortable cabins, pristine lakes, & great company. Experience freshwater & heli-fishing for fighting wild trout in our remote wilderness. There’s hiking, mountain bikes, wildflowers & wildlife, & paintball wars. Wells Gray Park is c... more

Postill Lake Lodge Fishing Resort: Bring the family for a vacation any time of year. There’s fabulous fly-fishing on a choice of 7 lakes, plus activities including swimming, boating, hiking, and more. In winter slide on that beautiful white stuff with x-country skiing and snowmobiling. more

REO Rafting Adventure Resort: Raft BCs best rivers near Vancouver, Kelowna & Whistler. Enjoy a hot tub, sauna, private beach, serene wilderness & hiking trails. REO adventure vacations include kayaking, fishing, hiking, canoeing, & more. Stay in your own tent, rivers edge cabin tent, or l... more

Sun Peaks Resort: Our world-class, 4-Season resort destination has something for everyone. Three great mountains of terrain to explore, great dining and accommodations, shops, services, and more. Everything you need for a spectacular escape is at www.sunpeaksresort.com. more

Talking Rock at Quaaout Lodge: There’s no other resort like it -- rich in tradition & hospitality with unique sights, aromatic delights and people as warm as the sun. Here on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake is a full service resort and golf course without the hassle and commotion found i... more

Thuya Lakes Lodge: Fishing as good as it gets! Our resort just north of Kamloops has over 30 lakes joined by streams, naturally reproducing with wild Kamloops trout, perfect for flyfishing and float tubing. Enjoy hiking trails into lakes, mountain biking, the wildlife or just t... more

Wells Gray Adventures: Experience Wells Gray and one of Canada’s most incredible wilderness parks. Hike hut to hut through spectacular alpine meadows, canoe sparkling tranquil lakes, or backcountry ski untracked powder. We offer these experiences – and more – for a price you can aff... more

WildWays Adventure Sports: There’s amazing world-class biking on the Trans Canada Trails Kettle Valley Railway – plus river & lake kayaking, & women’s activities. Our store has the finest equipment, gear, & clothing. Join friends, take a family trip, or learn to kayak with the best. more