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A river runs through it
Thursday, May 28th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
With more than 1,000 lakes and three rivers running through the Kamloops region, the only problem a canoe or kayak enthusiast will have is deciding on which stretch of water to spend the day.
For a leisurely paddle, try one of the 200 lakes within an hour’s drive of Kamloops or the smooth waters of the South Thompson River, which is sure to please.
For the more adventurous out there, the Thompson, Adams and Clearwater rivers ensure whitewater spills and thrills.
If you’re looking for a true wilderness experience, try an overnight trip in Wells Gray Park.
Following are a few suggestions:
South Thompson River
The South Thompson River has a gentle current, carrying you toward the downtown core and on to scenic Kamloops Lake.
Great views of the Thompson Valley, wildlife and, if you time it right, an unbelievable smooth ride on the glass-like surface awaits.
Directions: You can access the South Thompson River from Pioneer Park, located off Lorne Street in downtown Kamloops.
Clearwater-Azure
Located in Wells Gray Provincial Park, the Clearwater-Azure Lakes is an easy circuit trip suitable for novice and intermediate paddlers. This 96-
kilometre return trip will take about four or five days.
Camping is allowed at designated sites only.
This is a nice, safe paddling trip, but stay close to shore and watch for storm squalls and winds.
Directions: The boat launch is at the south end of Clearwater Lake, 71 kilometres from Highway 5.
The road is paved for 43 kilometres, with a further 28 kilometres of well-maintained gravel road leading to the boat launch.
The mighty river
“At the town of Clearwater, the North Thompson River is joined by one of the most spectacular tributaries of the Fraser system. Clearwater River is the culmination of an incredible concentration of waterfalls, rapids and chutes, probably the greatest in B.C. It is a world of whitewater and blue lakes protected by one of the province’s largest and finest parks, Wells Gray.”
Excerpt from The Mighty River by Richard Bocking