This
vast region of B.C. encompasses everything the province has to offer,
from the scenery to the wildlife.
You'll truly enjoy the splendid mountains, the many lakes, the out
going people, fast flowing rivers, the history and the wildlife. North
by Northwest has everything to make your vacation unforgettable. There
are many lakes and rivers that make excellent paddling treks.
One of the many trips you might wish to experience is the upper Fraser
River, from Tete Jeun Cache to Penny. This trip is recommended to
intermediate paddlers and novices that have taken some moving water
training. From start to finish the trip is about 240 km (148 mi.)
and will take anywhere from a week to as long as two weeks, depending
on your time frame. Camping sites are quite easy to find on the gravel
bars when the water is low, bears are prevalent along the Fraser,
so make sure you cache your food supplies. This section of the river
takes you by farm land to at least McBride, from this point
on, there's little populations and you feel like you are in the wilderness.
Do not continue past Penny. Below Penny is a place called Grand Rapids
that is a very dangeruous stretch of water that has swallowed many
barges back in the paddle wheeler days. Grand Rapids is compared to
the Grand Canyon in places where the river is extremely dangerous
with massive whirl pools that would suck up a kayak or boat. Another
boating section of the Fraser is from Prince
George to Quesnel.
Once you leave Prince George, the Fraser becomes a different type
of run, and one should be an expert or at least a knowledgeable intermediate
with good moving water skills, and never run this section in high
water.
Other rivers to run in the region include the Nechako, which can be
from a grade or class one to two and scouting is necessary. Or you
might want to try the Mud River, the Morice River, Telkwa River or
the Willow River, all vary in grade and class and offer the paddle
a different experience. If you're an advanced paddler and enjoy true
wilderness, either the Spatsizi or the Stikine Rivers fill the bill.
This region of British Columbia has a number of large lakes that are
very popular with paddlers. If you're looking for an excellent family
outing, try Purden Lake, which is approximately 60 km (37 mi.) east
of Prince George on Highway 16 (the Yellowhead). If you wish to paddle
a chain of lakes with some short rivers in between, the Nation Lakes,
north of Fort
St. James is for you. The main hazards here are winds and remoteness
with plenty of wildlife.
There are many other rivers and lakes in the region, and the best
way to learn all about them, is to contact local clubs in the area,
as well as the local equipment dealers through out this vast region.
Before you head out on any paddling trip, check for water conditions
and what hazards you might find, safety is of great importance in
many of these remote areas. Be safe, have fun!
Book
A Canoe Or Kayak Trip
The following
BC Adventure Network members invite you to kayak or canoe with them:
