Thompson - Shuswap, BC, Kayaking
British Columbia, Canada

Kayaking... Because of the many lakes and rivers in the Thompson Shuswap region there are countless opportunities to kayak. Some kayakers plan for a leisurely paddle on a lake while the more experienced seek out churning rapids and rip tide currents.

Some of the rivers in the Thompson-Shuswap region are easily accessible by vehicle while others are situated in the rugged back country regions tucked away in remote wilderness locations. Some paddle routes on some of the rivers include very well signed put-in and pull-out markers while other rivers have no markings and kayakers must rely on good research and experience.

There are lakes and rivers connected by portage routes because, in some cases, river currents are too dangerous or the lake's inflow and outflow rivers are to low. Some rivers provide a relaxing experience while others provide a fast pace thrill of revolving currents.

Some of the lakes in the region to consider kayaking include Paul Lake, Lac Le Jeune, McConnell Lake, Roche Lake and Whitewood Lake near the community of Kamloops, BC. Face Lake, Leighton Lake and Tunkwa Lake near Logan Lake, BC are popular kayak destinations. Gwen Lake, Lundbom Lake and Nicola Lake near Merritt BC are lake kayak destinations.

One of the most popular recreation lakes in the Thompson Shuswap region is Shuswap Lake. The lake system is shaped like the letter "H" consisting of two developed southern arms (Shuswap Lake Main Arm and Salmon Arm ) and two undeveloped upper arms (Anstey Arm and Seymour Arm). Throughout the lake are marine parks, hidden coves, private bays, marinas, sandy beaches and campgrounds.

Some river adventures last hours while others take days to complete. Many of the main paddle routes in the Thompson-Shuswap region are rated in difficulty by water flow by using an international grade and class rating system. Some of the more popular river paddle routes to navigate in a kayak located in the Thompson Shuswap region include the Adams River, Eagle River, Little Shuswap River, Seymour River, Coldwater River, Nicola River and the South Thompson River.