Watersports in the cariboo
The Cariboo is a land of adventure filled with numerous lakes, rivers and waterways. If watersports is what you’re after – look no further. An opportunity for canoeing, rafting, swimming, paddleboarding or wakeboarding is never too far away in this wild western region. And don’t forget your ice skates in the winter! You can either pack your gear with you or take advantage of boat and watersport equipment rentals available at most waterfront resorts and B&Bs.
LAKES FOR WATERSPORTS
If you’re looking for a place for watersports, there is no shortage of choice in the Cariboo. Boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing and swimming are just some of the activities you can enjoy throughout the region.
Here are some notable lakes to look for before your visit:
Sheridan Lake
Along with being a premier spot for trophy-sized rainbow trout, Sheridan Lake has plenty of room for activities, spanning over 4,000 acres. The lake is located along Highway 24, just 30 minutes east of 100 Mile House. People love to bring their boats out here, plus there are numerous quiet pockets for canoeing and swimming. Be sure to check out the many resorts for camping, cabins, and lakefront rentals.Canim Lake
Canim Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Cariboo, stretching 37km from one end to the other. The lake is accessed via Canim-Hendrix Lake Road off Highway 24, roughly 30 minutes from 100 Mile House. The breathtaking lakeshore is worth the visit, with numerous resorts and accommodations, plus plenty of space for boating.
Dugan Lake
Dugan Lake is a laid-back lake near Williams Lake that’s ideal for non-motorized watersports like canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. The lake is also situated on a beautiful forest trail that’s worth a gander.Bouchie Lake
Bouchie Lake is a calm, small and shallow lake located just northwest of Quesnel. It’s a tranquil spot for fishing, hiking and swimming, with a serviceable boat launch on Norwood Road. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Bouchie Lake Recreation Centre for community events, a clay mine and Pioneer Park.Green Lake
Located in the South Cariboo region east of 70 Mile House, Green Lake is a popular recreational lake that gets is name from its greenish hue, caused by warm shallow waters. It’s a great lake for swimming and canoeing. Plus the surrounding Green Lake Parkoffers numerous front country campgrounds and hiking trails.Bridge Lake
Bridge Lake is found right next to Sheridan Lake, along the “Fishing Highway” (24). People love to fish here, but the lake is known for its stunning blue waters and numerous islands dotting the lake. It’s a great place to explore by kayak or canoe, plus sheltered coves and bays offer quiet spots for swimming.Loon Lake
Loon Lake is a narrow lake in the South Cariboo region, near Clinton and roughly 30 minutes east of Highway 97. The lake is a fairly popular one, with multiple fishing resorts, RV sites and docks. Hiking, boating and fishing are favourite activities around here.Williams Lake
Williams Lake is a 7.2km lake named after the city it’s located inside. Compared to other lakes in the region, Williams Lake is known for its relatively low water depth, averaging just 40ft with a max depth of 79ft. During the summer months especially, Williams Lake is buzzing with activity, from paddleboarding to canoeing to swimming.Weldon Lake
Weldon Lake is a small, pristine lake located just a handful of kilometres from both Wells and Barkerville. The lake area is fairly remote, offering a quiet escape for watersports without motors. Besides being an excellent spot for wildlife encounters, it’s a beautiful lake for a paddle.Sulphurous Lake
Sulphurous Lake is a 940-acre lake in the Interlakes area east of 100 Mile House. There is one big island in the middle of the lake, which you can visit via the lake’s boat launches for motor boats and paddle boats. Don’t be alarmed by the name! Sulphurous Lake is a very clean freshwater lake that people like to swim, water ski and boat in.Isaac Lake
Isaac Lake is the largest and deepest lake in the world-renowned Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, measuring up to 600ft deep and located very near the town of Wells. The scenery is something to behold, with high mountain peaks and glaciers towering above.
Lac La Hache Lake
Located along Highway 97 just past 114 Mile House is Lac La Hache Lake, a 19km-long lake part of Lac La Hache Park that can be reached in 40 minutes from Williams Lake. The park is one of the more popular sites along Highway 97 – especially in the summertime, with a playground, picnic tables, a boat launch, flush toilets, and nice beach.McKinley Lake
McKinley Lake is a quiet, smaller lake east of Williams Lake and south of the much larger Horsefly and Quesnel Lakes. McKinley is known for being a great place to catch the fall salmon run. There are 5 small campsites around the lake, and there is a boat launch for smaller craft.Quesnel Lake
Quesnel Lake is the most expansive lake in the Cariboo region with 600km of shoreline, due to its long fingers extending in multiple directions. It’s also the deepest lake in all of BC, reaching up to 2,000ft deep. Quesnel Lake is widely-considered one of the world’s deepest fjord lakes, with amazing fishing and rugged beauty, making it a world-class destination for boaters.Bowron Lake canoe Circuit
Bowron Lake is a mid-sized lake on the eastern edge of the Cariboo region, roughly 2 hours east of Quesnel. The lake itself is part of Bowron Lake Provincial Park. This expansive wilderness park is home to numerous lakes, rivers and campsites, making it a hub for outdoor recreation.
The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit is a well-known backcountry paddling route through the Cariboo Mountains, which you can expect to last 6-10 days. This premier route stretches 116km through a chain of lakes, with at least 10km of portages between waterways.
The best time to embark on this canoe circuit is sometime between May and September, but keep in mind the best weather will be had in July/August. The only downside to the summertime is the bugs. Besides the bugs, you can expect sightings and encounters with all kinds of wildlife including grizzly bears and moose.
There are a handful of tour operators that offer guided expeditions of the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, or you can go it alone. Regardless, you will need campsite reservation in advance with BC Parks, plus you must complete an orientation on your first reserved day.
river adventures in the cariboo
The Cariboo is an excellent destination for river sports, whether you’re after a scenic tour by canoe or an adrenaline-pumping whitewater kayaking adventure. The town of Likely, BC, is often referred to as a hub for rafting in the region, thanks to its position near the Quesnel River and Quesnel Lake, which offers direct access to the iconic Cariboo River.
River Expeditions
Adventure seekers lover coming to the Cariboo for multi-day river rafting or canoeing expeditions. Typically running from late spring to early autumn while the water is highest and the rapids and angriest, an expedition is a trip of a lifetime.
Not only will you get to experience beautiful scenery, but you’ll also get to live among the local wildlife. Sightings of moose, bears, beavers, caribou, sheep and eagles are regular occurrences.
There are a number of popular expeditions offered by a handful of river rafting operators, ranging from less intense family fun to advanced. Generally ranging from 4-8 days, these operators provide all the gear and protection equipment you’ll need, plus catered meals throughout the expedition. Notable operators in the region include Elements Adventure Company and Nahanni River Adventures.
Here are some of the more popular expeditions available:
- Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser Expedition
- Taseko-Chilko-Chilcotin Expedition
- Cariboo-Quesnel Expedition
whitewater kayaking
Upper Cariboo River
The Cariboo River is unmatched in the region. The Upper Run section of the river can be reached easily from Likely, and is known for its big waves, holes, and very challenging whitewater. No place for beginners, the Upper Run of the Cariboo River ranges from class III to class IV challenges like “Bubbleyum”.
Lower Cariboo River
The Lower Run of the Cariboo River is more laid-back than the Upper Run, making it ideal for intermediate river rafters. Rapids here range from class II to III, with three easy recovery zones inbetween the rapids.
Cottonwood River
The Cottonwood River is a small waterway that flows west into the Fraser River just north of Quesnel. The river is quite popular among casual and intermediate kayakers, offering a combination of flat waters and gentle rapids. The length of the river does not exceed class III whitewater.
Fraser River
The Fraser River is the longest river entirely within the borders of BC, stretching over 1,300km, beginning in the Rocky Mountains and flowing right through Quesnel and throughout the Cariboo Region. There are a number of whitewater rafting opportunities at different points of the river of varying difficulty.
Quesnel River
The Quesnel River is known for its heavy volume, which creates very active waters and a range of challenging whitewater. Expect class III+ to IV. The run begins around class III with some steep rapids, before you approach an even steeper cliff with big waves, known as “Bullion Pit”.
Chilko River
The Chilko River is an ultra-remote river that’s hours away from the nearest town. But the rugged, untouched beauty is well-worth the effort. Known for its big volume, raging whitewater and large holes, you’re sure to be challenged on the Chilko River. About 10km downstream, the Chilko becomes the Chilcotin River.
Horsefly River
If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience and less whitewater, Horsefly River offers gentle class II rapids, also making it a fun spot for lazy paddling, tubing and drift boat fishing.