Paddling the Columbia River near Revelstoke

One of my favourite ways to spend a summer day in Revelstoke is by paddling the Columbia River. It’s such a fantastic perspective of the valley! I’ve completed different portions of the river by canoe, kayak, raft, and SUP, and have outlined how you can do the same below.

There are a few different options for starting and ending your trip depending on how much time you have, what type of water you want to paddle, and what you would like to see along the way. You’ll need to remember to organize rides or shuttle vehicles so you have a way to get home when you’re finished.

Start Options

• Moses Falls

• Big Eddy Bridge

• Centennial Park Boat Launch

End Options

• Centennial Park Boat Launch

• Begbie Falls

• 9 Mile Flats

• Blanket Creek Provincial Park

Safety

Remember to always wear a PFD while in your boat! Currents and winds can surprise you, and you won’t have time to put a life jacket on when you really need it. Even if it’s hot out, the water is COLD, so be sure to pack warm layers and a towel in a dry bag in case of an emergency. A whistle, bailing bucket, and tow rope are also mandatory on each boat, along with a leash on stand up paddle boards. The Columbia River, which in portions of this paddle can be referred to as Arrow Lakes, is a hydroelectric reservoir, controlled by dams both above and below. It is important to remember that the water levels and current speed can change unexpectedly throughout the day. Cell service is spotty along the route, so bring a satellite communication device with you. Be sure you let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Don’t go alone, and never split off from your group.

Starting at Moses Falls gives you an opportunity to check out this sprawling set of waterfalls before you launch. There is space to park and a nice area for staging. You will enter moving water immediately, which doesn’t slow until after Centennial Park. You should be comfortable entering, exiting, and navigating moving water if you choose to start here. It is also the best spot to start if you have a larger raft, because the current will give you a boost along the way.

The river will take you from within eyesight of the bottom of the Revelstoke Dam south towards Revelstoke. You’ll pass the confluence of the Jordan River on your right along the base of Mount Boulder, and the Revelstoke Golf Course on your left. You’ll also be able to note the Big Eddy on your right as you spot houses in the Columbia Park neighbourhood on your left before passing under the Trans Canada, CP Train, and Big Eddy Bridges. The water can be moving quite quickly under these bridges and can form interesting currents. Be cautious to stay well between the bridge supports.

Starting under the Big Eddy Bridge, about 7km from Moses Falls, is a great option for more novice paddlers. The west shore has a rocky beach when the water is low, which makes for an easy spot to sort out gear and pump up paddle boards. From there, you can ease yourself into the flow of the current, passing by the town of Revelstoke on your way.

The Centennial Park Boat Launch is about a km from the Big Eddy Bridge and right in the middle of town. It has lots of parking, making it a convenient start or end to your trip. If rafting from Moses Falls, this is a great spot to end your trip if you don’t want to row much. Take caution as you enter and exit the eddy waters around the cement ramp, as it can swirl quite heavily. Depending on the water levels, there may also be hidden or exposed cement blocks to be mindful of as well.

Centennial Park was built over an old landfill, which used car bodies to build up the river bank. While paddling downstream with the park on your left, you may be able to notice signs of this. This bit of water can also be more difficult to navigate as it is full of more swirling eddies. Stay further from the shore to continue in the current.

As you make your way south of the city, passing the Illecillewaet River and then airport on your left, the current will slow. You will be able to view Revelstoke Mountain Resort on Mount Mackenzie to your left and Mount Macpherson on your right. 8km from Centennial Park you can pull onto a rocky beach on the right to visit Begbie Falls. You’ll need to walk along a trail for a minute or two, but it’s worth the stop to see this Revy classic. You can choose to end your trip here, but keep in mind that the trail up to the parking lot includes a significant hill that is more difficult with a canoe or kayaks.

Another 6 km from Begbie Falls, with the peaks of Mount Begbie on your right, you’ll find the sandy beach of 9 Mile Flats on your left. Most of the year this is a great spot to hang out with a crew of friends, but there are times when it is underwater. Be sure to park your vehicle near the road and not out on the sand unless you are there with it. At a very leisurely pace, it will take you about 4 hours to paddle from the Big Eddy Bridge to 9 Mile.

If you want to make it a whole day affair, you can continue another 10km along Arrow Lakes to Blanket Creek Provincial Park. You’ll spot a waterfall on your right about 3km from 9 Mile. This portion of the trip takes the longest, as there is no current at all. You could also encounter heavy winds that make for a more difficult paddle. Park your vehicle in the overflow camping area for the easiest access to load up your boats at the end of the day. And don’t forget to make a quick stop at Sutherland Falls while in the park to take in yet another spectacular waterfall.

Looking for boats to rent or a guide to hire? My friend Amy at Flexpeditions has you covered for canoes - if requesting a guide, feel free to ask for Katee and you might get to spend the day with a familiar face ;) You can also check out Wild Blue Yonder for rafting tours or Fineline SUP for SUP activities and rentals.