Canoeing and Kayaking Cariboo Chilcotin

Sea Kayaking the BC Coast.

The Cariboo Chilcotin is an awesome land bordering on the east are the Cariboo Mountains, an to the west is the Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean. The area that lies in the middle features miles and miles of forest, rolling hills and hundreds of lakes, with glacier fed rivers, crystal clear streams. Fishing is one of the many favourite past times in this region, other activities include horseback riding, hiking, gold panning and of course canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. The Cariboo is famous for the gold rush that open up this country, while the Chilcotin is cattle and ranching country.

A favourite with paddlers is Quesnel Lake, the deepest lake in the province. Unpredictable winds are very common and definitely one of the hazards on the lake. The north arm of the lake with its islands and many bays offers shelter to many birds such as Canada geese, ospreys and eagles. Both black and grizzly bears can be seen, other animals found in and around Quesnel Lake are caribou, wolverines, coyotes and mink. Along the east arm of the lake there are few moorage spots because of the steep cliffs which mountain goats call home. Close by is Horsefly Lake and Horsefly River, both great paddling.

In the Chilcotin, the rivers you might want to explore include the Chilcotin and the Chilko. Both are grade or class two to three in low water. From Hanceville to Big Creek, as you run the Chilcotin River it could take up to 8 hours. The river starts from an open valley but drops into a canyon and rapids, next is a flat section and finally the grade or class three rapids just past Big Creek.

The Chilko River/Chilcotin River, from Taseko River to Bull Canyon is fast flowing with boulders, waves, sweepers and narrow spots. This is a grade or class two to three in low water. Here the water is cold and the area remote. Before you start your boating trip, check the conditions of the water in both the Chilcotin and Chilko Rivers, as they can both flood during the summer season.

One of the most famous canoe circuits in the world is found in the Cariboo Chilcotin, it's the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, which can take from four to seven days to complete, it depends on the individual. It's located in the mountains, east of Wells and wildlife is abundant here. Another popular canoe route is the Turner Lake Chain, in Tweedsmuir Park. This is a chain of six lakes with easy portages and good campsites.

A number of good paddling in the Cariboo Chilcotin is in remote areas, so make sure to check with locals to water conditions and the hazard you might encounter, always be careful. Be safe, have fun.

Book A Canoe Or Kayak Trip

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


Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Alpine Wilderness Retreat: Retreat from the bustle of the city to our fly-in resort on Elbow Lake! Our snow fed lakes in the North Thompson are home to world-famous Kamloops Trout, and our resort has everything you’ll need. There’s lots of wildlife too so don’t forget to bring your ca... more
Becker's Lodge Bowron Lake Adventures Resort: We offer affordable family vacations on beautiful Bowron Lake with canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and RELAXING The Lake View Restaurant and Chuters Blue Bar have great food, and we’re “THE” outfitter for the Bowron lakes with over 150 canoes and kayaks. more
Bella Coola Grizzly Tours: We’re home to some of the worlds largest Grizzlies & Mountain Goats. Summer and Fall spawning Salmon, a natural food source for Grizzlies & other wildlife, return to the Bella Coola River. We offer Grizzly & Wildlife viewing, Eco Tours, Hiking Fishing, and m... more
Big Bar Guest Ranch 2007 Ltd: Trade your deadlines and stress for fresh mountain air, a good horse, and a trail that leads from one spectacular view to another. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cariboo where time has no meaning, Big Bar Guest Ranch offers year-round activities. Enjoy ri... more
Black Creek Ranch: Join us winter, summer, spring or fall at the Black Creek Ranch. You’ll find a unique personal vacation alongside a protected world-class salmon-spawning habitat. Contact us as well for home delivery of grass-fed beef raised naturally on BC interior rangeland... more
Blackwater-Spruce Ranch: In the high plateau country you’ll find meadows, rivers, & lakes. Hike the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail, camp, canoe or experience ranch life as you spend time at the Blackwater-Spruce Ranch in the North Cariboo! The wagons hooked up and ready go! more
Bowron Lake Lodge & Resort Ltd: Enjoy a wilderness canoe trip around the world famous Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, or relax at the resort where beaches are sandy and swimming is great. Bowron Lake Lodge & Resort offers canoe, kayak and motorboat rentals – plus a restaurant, cabins, & campsite... more
Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures: We offer exhilarating jetboat tours on the Fraser, Chilcotin & Chilko Rivers – & outdoor wilderness adventure with wilderness / wildlife, native culture, gold rush history, & hiking. Our professionally trained Chilcotin native guides offer exceptional customer... more
Chaunigan Lake Lodge: The wild rainbow trout fishing and the total experience draw our guests back each year. Go trail riding, hike to spectacular viewpoints, or just relax in our legendary hospitality and comfort. It's more than an incredible fishing trip - it's a memorable vacat... more
Crystal Waters Guest Ranch: Riding, Roping, Fishing! Our cattle ranch in the valley of lakes, meadows, & wetlands has some of the finest horseback riding & flyfishing anywhere. There’s hiking & biking trails and a Ducks Unlimited Wetlands project for numerous species of wildlife and wa... more
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
Ecotours-BC.com: Adventure in the wilds of BC … untamed, wild and remote. Ecotours-BC will take you to rare ancient forests, glaciers, and the alpine. You’ll see wildlife, mountain grizzly bears, eagles, and salmon – all surrounding Quesnel Lake - the deepest fjord lake on e... more
Elysia Resort: Our full service getaway destination on Quesnel Lake offers fishing for Rainbow Trout, romantic getaways, great dining, and vacation packages in lakeview rental cabins & guest rooms. You'll be warmly greeted at our small, friendly and secluded piece of paradi... 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
Fir Crest Resort: Famous for Kokanee rainbow, ling cod, & trophy-sized lake trout, our resort on Lac La Hache provides 4 seasons of fun! Enjoy water skiing, canoeing, mountain biking, plus boat rentals, x-country skiing & more. Relax & enjoy our lakeside cabins, RV sites or c... more
Highland Cream Resort: Our 3-bedroom fully equipped chalet with hot tub overlooking Gun Lake is 190km north of Vancouver, 2-hours north of Whistler. Rent includes a canoe, kayak, windsurfer paddle boat, & aluminum boat with motor. All you need is food, drink, & an adventurous spirit... more
Interior Whitewater Expeditions Ltd: It’s a raft adventure you won’t forget with wild undisturbed rivers plus hiking, canoeing, & the astonishing scenery of Wells Gray Park. We provide a rare combination of river trips as you hike to pounding waterfalls, raft volcanic canyons, & see stunning wil... more
Kokanee Bay Fishing Resort: Kokanee Bay Fishing Resort is in the heart of the Chilcotin on beautiful Puntzi Lake. Enjoy fishing for Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. We have 6 lakefront cabins, 8 lakefront campsites, and 7 pull-through suites. more
Kumsheen Rafting Resort: Our passion for river rafting & whitewater goes back over 35 years - it influences everything we do. We take pride in setting the gold standard for service because our spirit isn’t just whitewater, but experiences - not just adventures, but interacting with p... more
Lac Des Roches Resort: Our year-round resort on the Fishing Highway overlooks one of BC’s most photographed lakes. From your suite or cabin there’s nothing between you and the lake but a picnic table and fire pit. Relax with fine dining, and many outdoor activities in our 175 acre... more
Moondance Bay Resort: Experience year round family fun on Bridge lake with fishing, hiking, biking, boat and sports equipment rentals, ice skating and more. We offer deluxe lakefront cabins, lakeside RV sites with picnic tables, a shower house with laundry facilities, & a convenie... more
Morehead Lake Cabins & Campsite: Centrally located in the Cariboo east of Williams Lake, there are great fishing lakes and historic sites close by. You can also hike, bike, see wildlife & go sight-seeing. Our cabins are fully self-contained and we also have RV sites with full hook-ups and ca... more
Morrow Chalets: 2.5 hours north of Whistler, we are located in the mountains on Tyaughton Lake. There are endless winter and summer adventures from hiking, fishing, and horseback riding -- to skiing, snowmobiling, and more. Join us for a weekend getaway, or family vacation. 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
Pathways Canada Tour Company: A unique experience - a lifetime of memories! Canoe world-renowned Bowron Lakes Park with experienced guides. Outside Magazine said, "A unique combination of sublime scenery, fantastic food, congenial company & great guides - one of the world’s top 10 canoe tr... more
Ponderosa Resort: Our 3-star full service hiking & fishing resort has year-round accommodations & a summer lakefront campground with pull-through hook-ups. There’s trail rides, swimming, boat rental & launch, water skiing plus shower / laundry facilities and souvenirs. more
Puntzi Lake Resort: It’s a friendly relaxing park-like paradise with comfortable cabins & large grassy RV sites including lake shore. We offer activities for the family with fishing, motorboat, canoe & kayak rentals, a driving range, playground, hiking, swimming and bird watchin... more
REO Rafting Adventure Resort: Raft BCs best rivers near Vancouver, Kelowna & Whistler. Enjoy a hot tub, sauna, private beach, serene wilderness & hiking trails. REO adventure vacations include kayaking, fishing, hiking, canoeing, & more. Stay in your own tent, rivers edge cabin tent, or l... more
Siwash Lake Ranch: 4.5 Stars - explore pristine wilderness by horseback, on your own or with a guide. Cast to a rising trout, hike to cascading waterfalls, mountain bike an array of trails or paddle shimmering Siwash Lake. Ultra-luxe accommodation, fine dining & all season adven... more
Spring Lake Ranch: Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, & winter sports with old fashioned hospitality & a relaxed western atmosphere. Our year-round natural paradise, in BC’s Cariboo Country, is the perfect place for a tranquil adventure and to create special memories. more
Terra Nostra Guest Ranch: Bordering the majestic Chilcotin coast mountains we offer a variety of activities, programs, company retreats, & family getaways. Rent the entire ranch, or individual suites, as you relax in the surroundings, comfort, remoteness & peace of Terra Nostra Guest ... more
The Hills Health & Guest Ranch: Enjoy a rejuvenating escape from everyday at our world-class health spa and western guest ranch. In winter there’s X-country skiing & snowshoeing … and in summer canoeing, mountain biking, and hiking. Our country dining room also features a gourmet menu. more
The Lodge at Chilko Lake: Visit this Chilko Lake jewel set amongst the breath-taking Coast Mountain Range and Tsylos Provincial Park. We offer many outdoor / indoor / multi-sport adventures, and a luxurious stay in this truly healing blend of wilderness and comfort. more
Ts'yl-os Park Lodge: Enjoy fully guided river fly fishing and horseback riding vacations, through the valleys, while staying at our mountain lodge. Call us or visit our website to ask for a free colour brochure and be sure to ask about week-long mountain horse packtrips! 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

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