Canoeing and Kayaking in Northern BC - Northwest & Hwy #16

Book a Trip | Travel info for this Region.

Sea Kayaking the BC Coast.

This vast region of B.C. encompasses everything the province has to offer, from the scenery to the wildlife. You'll truly enjoy the splendid mountains, the many lakes, the out going people, fast flowing rivers, the history and the wildlife. North by Northwest has everything to make your vacation unforgettable. There are many lakes and rivers that make excellent paddling treks.

One of the many trips you might wish to experience is the upper Fraser River, from Tete Jeun Cache to Penny. This trip is recommended to intermediate paddlers and novices that have taken some moving water training. From start to finish the trip is about 240 km (148 mi.) and will take anywhere from a week to as long as two weeks, depending on your time frame. Camping sites are quite easy to find on the gravel bars when the water is low, bears are prevalent along the Fraser, so make sure you cache your food supplies. This section of the river takes you by farm land to at least McBride, from this point on, there's little populations and you feel like you are in the wilderness. Do not continue past Penny. Below Penny is a place called Grand Rapids that is a very dangeruous stretch of water that has swallowed many barges back in the paddle wheeler days. Grand Rapids is compared to the Grand Canyon in places where the river is extremely dangerous with massive whirl pools that would suck up a kayak or boat. Another boating section of the Fraser is from Prince George to Quesnel. Once you leave Prince George, the Fraser becomes a different type of run, and one should be an expert or at least a knowledgeable intermediate with good moving water skills, and never run this section in high water.

Other rivers to run in the region include the Nechako, which can be from a grade or class one to two and scouting is necessary. Or you might want to try the Mud River, the Morice River, Telkwa River or the Willow River, all vary in grade and class and offer the paddle a different experience. If you're an advanced paddler and enjoy true wilderness, either the Spatsizi or the Stikine Rivers fill the bill.

This region of British Columbia has a number of large lakes that are very popular with paddlers. If you're looking for an excellent family outing, try Purden Lake, which is approximately 60 km (37 mi.) east of Prince George on Highway 16 (the Yellowhead). If you wish to paddle a chain of lakes with some short rivers in between, the Nation Lakes, north of Fort St. James is for you. The main hazards here are winds and remoteness with plenty of wildlife.

There are many other rivers and lakes in the region, and the best way to learn all about them, is to contact local clubs in the area, as well as the local equipment dealers through out this vast region. Before you head out on any paddling trip, check for water conditions and what hazards you might find, safety is of great importance in many of these remote areas. Be safe, have fun!

Book A Canoe Or Kayak Trip

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


Northern BC
Ecosummer Expeditions: BC’s first kayaking company offers award-winning trips to the Queen Charlotte & Gulf Islands, Johnstone Strait, & West Coast Trail. We guarantee world-class scenery, some of the world’s finest Orca whale and bear watching, & an absolute commitment to service. more
Euchiniko Lakes Ranch: Enjoy flyfishing the famous Blackwater River, packhorse trips or riding wilderness trails, big-game hunting, canoeing or hike the historic Alexander Mackenzie Trail. There’s something for everyone at Euchiniko Lakes Ranch including a relaxing camp fire. more
Finger Lake Resort: Here, the hustle & bustle of the world is just a distant memory, and you and the loons may be the only ones on the lake. There are lakeview cabins & cottages plus camping for RV’s, trailers, and tents. Enjoy excellent fishing, ATV fun, the wildlife, and much... more
King Pacific Lodge: The most luxurious wilderness lodge ever built, it’s designed for absolute comfort, & captures spectacular views of the landscape. Enjoy a remarkably civilized place in the midst of wilderness with one-of-a-kind wilderness experience packages for you to enjoy... more
Lakes District Air Services: Charter one of our float equipped aircraft for business, pleasure, or for a remote fishing adventure (including the untouched wilderness of Tweedsmuir Park at our Tesla Lake cabin). From Burns Lake we offer friendly, courteous service to North Central BC. more
Monkman Expeditions: Join us for world-class hiking, canoeing, and river boating adventure expeditions in the Monkman Pass region of BC’s Peace River. You’ll experience the untouched wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in Monkman Provincial Park and area -- a place like no other. more
Nation Lakes Canoeing Camp: Canoe the un-crowded four Nation Lakes area of northern BC, n unspoiled wilderness environment. There’s 130 km of remote canoeing through beautiful wilderness, with sandy beaches, fishing and unrestricted camping. We also have cabins and canoes for rent. more
Nature Trails Wilderness Lodge Ltd.: Our unique fly-in lodge, at Tetachuck Lake on the edge of Tweedsmuir Park, is BC’s last true wilderness. Explore, go canoe, hike, go kayaking, fishing, see wildlife, or relax in a cozy rustic lakefront cabin. Be sure to check out our Whitesail Wilderness Out... more
Oak Bay Marine Group: Enjoy the finest world-class BC saltwater fishing adventures with Oak Bay Marine Group. Our seven fabulous resorts throughout coastal BC provide a fishing adventure for everyone! Salmon, halibut and bottom fish, we’ve got it all for people who love to fish. more
Seashore Charters: Enjoy natural discovery excursions and discover the ancestral lands, waters, and culture of the first nations people. Enjoy Marine & Whale Discovery Cruises, explore the Great Bear Rainforest, cultural Pike Island, and the rest of this beautiful coastal regio... more
Westwind Tugboat Adventures: North America’s original tugboat adventure. Enjoy wilderness fishing for trophy salmon and halibut plus Luxury cruising on the beautiful "Inside Passage" of BC. Follow the Fish to Langara Island, Prince Rupert and Bella Bella regions. Only 8 & 12 guests. more
Williston Lake Resort: Williston Lake Resort is situated in the foothills of the Northern Rocky Mountains, on the shores of the largest reservoir in Canada. Whether your crave backcountry adventure, or family memories that will last a lifetime, we’ll help you make the most of your ... more

 
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