Canoeing | Kayaking
Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Region, British Columbia, Canada

Canoeing & Kayaking: Paddling adventures in and around the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast region are some of the most popular fresh water destinations and canoe routes located in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The wilderness country is primed with an extensive network of connecting rivers and lakes. Many of the local lakes are popular day trip destinations for paddling. While the remote lakes and rivers combine to create a series of long haul paddle routes with wilderness camping opportunities.

The waters off the coast of Bella Coola is the only access to the Pacific Ocean when exploring by ocean kayak in this region. If from out of town, kayaking on the west coast is best enjoyed with a tour company with an experienced guide knowledgeable in marine procedures, open water safety and west coast weather conditions. Experienced kayakers will depart from Bentinck Arm and explore the fjords down to Bella Bella or Namu.

Most Cariboo and Chilcotin lakes and bigger rivers provide a boat launch for access. The remote wilderness lakes usually have a roof top boat launch and are located at the end of a, sometimes, rough gravel road. The community lakes and the lakes in the provincial parks are located on, mostly, paved roads. They usually have a paved or gravel boat launch with pier, sandy beach, campgrounds, washrooms and a large parking lot.

The wilderness canoe routes in the Cariboo and Chilcotin region are some of the best in the province and there are many. Probably the best known canoe paddle route in the province is the Bowron Lake route near Quesnel, BC. Little less known routes to mark on your paddle map include the Turner Lake Chain in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Moose Valley route near 100 Mile House and the Clearwater Lake route in Wells Gray Park.

River paddling routes in the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast region involves some float time and plenty of wild times running chutes, rapids and white water. Some of the river kayaking paddle routes include the Blackwater, Chilcotin, Nazko, Quesnel, Fraser, Goat and Dean Rivers. Some with portage routes included, wilderness campsites and put-in and point-out points.

Canoe and kayak tour companies operate in the region. Some operate from resort locations while others operate independently as a tour company. Tours include lessons, equipment, meals and accommodations in most cases. In all cases tours provide an interpretive guide with experience and proper water safety acreditation Tours range from day paddles to overnight multi day canoe trips.

Bring your own canoe and kayak with your skills and explore the lakes, rivers and ocean in the region. Otherwise bring just your skills and rent a canoe or kayak and join your group on a Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast paddling adventure.