Premier Listings: Canoeing & Kayaking: Cariboo, Chilcotin, Coast
The Chilcotin River is rated among the best – and most challenging – in North America for kayaking and whitewater rafting. The Chilko River, a tributary of the Chilcotin that flows out of Chilko Lake, is also known for its whitewater activities. Not only will the Class IV-V whitewater get your adrenal glands fluttering, the landscape will too.
The headwaters of the Chilcotin and the Chilko lie in the Coast Mountains near the southeast corner of Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park. The rivers become runable in the subalpine regions, then they descend to the Chilcotin Plateau’s sprawling grasslands and arid canyons. Some of the most spectacular scenery is found near the Chilcotin’s confluence with the Fraser River, south of Riske Creek. This is an esteemed kayaking and rafting locale, but because of its isolation, the Chilcotin sees relatively few rafters and whitewater kayakers.
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Within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, the chain of lakes connected by Hunlen Creek provides the opportunity for an enjoyable canoe trip of three to five days. Leading from Turner Lake to Sunshine Lake, a distance of about 17 miles (27.5 km) one way, this route enjoys calm water, beautiful scenery, good cutthroat trout fishing, sandy beaches, and wilderness camping. With the exception of 7-mile (11-km) Turner Lake, the lakes are small. There are six easy, short portages, the longest taking 30 minutes. Although the canoe season begins in June, the best time to enjoy this delightful corner of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is in September, once the first frost has brought an end to insect season. Canoes can be airlifted in or rented from Tweedsmuir Wilderness Camp on Turner Lake, June 15 – September 15.
There is a three-to-four day canoe route on the Nazko Lakes south of Alexis Creek. Campsites are located at Loomis and Deerpelt Lakes in the new Nazko Lake Provincial Park. Total round-trip distance is about 30 miles (50 km). To reach the park, drive 28 miles (45 km) south of Alexis Creek on the Alexis Lakes Forest Service Road.
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