So you like bouncing your way down churning whitewater?

The Kootenay, Spillimacheen, Lussier, Wild Horse and White rivers, along with Toby, Skookumchuck and Horsethief creeks are good places to start for kayakers and canoeists.

Of course, all watercourses end up in the Columbia River, which doesn’t offer whitewater adventure. All the Columbia can provide is gorgeous scenery around every bend and easy access. The river begins here and it winds its way through its internationally significant wetlands, which at 180 km in length, makes them the longest continuous series of wetlands in North America.
And it doesn’t matter which river or creek you dip a paddle in, wildlife is always evident.




If rafting doesn’t suit your needs, we suggest you check out some good old valley ingenuity. A few years ago two local entrepreneurs (Water’s Edge Ventures) launched their Hydro Bronc. This revolutionary whitewater vehicle resembles a large wheel and is designed as an alternative to rafting.

By walking or running on the mesh track inside the Hydro Bronc, you can propel yourself along the water for an exhilarating ride. By just shifting your weight you can steer your way down the river. A safety harness makes it impossible to fall out of the bronc.
This summer Water’s Edge is offering 30 to 40 minute trips down Toby Creek. Call 250-347-9772 for bookings or more information.
 

The Columbia River offers some of the most beautiful day paddles this side of heaven. The float down the river from Athalmer to Radium Hot Springs is a wonderful way to spend a day and the chances of spotting a wide assortment of bird and wildlife are enormous. It’s an easy float going north and we recommend you have a pick-up spot down river rather than trying to fight the current on the way back.


 

Skookumchuck, 58 km from Fairmont Hot Springs, is a good spot to conclude the beautiful four to five hour paddle down the Kootenay River from Canal Flats. Pack a picnic lunch and make it an all day trip down the mostly gentle class one river. For the more adventurous, the Skookumchuck River offers class five rapids. Canoe rentals and shuttle services can be arranged in Skookumchuck.
The Kootenay River between Kootenay National Park and Canal Flats is another popular canoeing river, though we recommend you brush up on your knowledge of the river prior to departing as it contains a couple of tricky rapids.

The valley and the benches of the Rockies and Purcells contain numerous small lakes which make for nice, quiet paddles. We recommend you check in with local sporting stores, the Invermere Forest District or Kootenay National Park for more information about places to canoe, and for more in-depth info about the areas you’re considering launching.

Here is a sampling of rafting companies in the valley.
Columbia Rafting Adventures, at 250-345-4550 or 877-706-7238, offers rafting adventures on Toby Creek and the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers. The most popular is the half day Grade Three white water trip down Toby Creek (near Panorama Resort). You will get wet on this one.

The Kootenay River, carving its way through the Rocky Mountains, is a day long trip. Pastries, tea and coffee and a full riverside lunch are included and rapid’s runs vary on the experience and wishes of the guests. The Columbia River is a fabulous trip to see birds, mammals and reptiles. The trip begins at Fairmont Hot Springs, meanders through Riverside Golf Course and ends at the wetlands. This is a relaxing trip and you’ll want to keep your camera handy.

The longest-running company in the valley is Kootenay River Runners, established in 1976. With offices in Radium Hot Springs and Invermere, the river runners offer exciting trips down the wild Kicking Horse River, east of Golden and wonderful family trips down the less turbulent Kootenay River. And new this year they are offering trips down Toby Creek. Most trips feature delicious packed lunches and beverages and knowledgeable guides. Call 1-250-347-9210 or 1-800-599-4399.