Boating
South Thompson River
Hayden Scott
When the long days of summer descend upon Kamloops, locals know exactly where to go to beat the heat. Hint: it’s wet. With two mighty rivers and a plethora of lakes in our area, the Thompson Valley is hard to beat when it comes to prime boating spots. Grab your bathing suit, bring your water toys, and experience all the ways to splash around, stay cool and enjoy the water as you journey from river to lake.
Kamloops Lake
Peter Olsen
Discover a boater’s paradise
The rivers and lakes surrounding Kamloops are perfect for jet skis, boats and other watercraft. Our city is at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers and within a short drive of 100+ lakes (several of which are boating-friendly). Find out where to rev your engines and cast off in search of aquatic adventure.
Kamloops Lake
Kamloops Lake, located right outside of the city at the end of the Thompson River, is the biggest body of water in the area. Paddlers, swimmers, and boaters love the easy access and quick jaunt from the urban centre.
Access: Kamloops Lake has two access points. One is a concrete slab launch at Bruker Marina at Tobiano, the second one is a gravel launch at the far west end of the lake in Savona. Both launches are trailer accessible.
South Thompson River
The South Thompson River, lined with pleasant parks and beaches, is a popular boating area in the summer months. This river is a vast body of water that feeds into Kamloops Lake, North Thompson River, and the Shuswap Lake area.
Access: The South Thompson River has three access points. The first is at Pioneer Park with a concrete launch and limited parking. River Road in Valleyview also offers a concrete slab launch with limited parking, and the third put-in location is at McArthur Island Park (only accessible when water levels are high).
Shuswap Lake
Shuswap Lake, one of the most popular recreational destinations in BC, offers 400km (250mi) of flawless shoreline, provincial parks, and unlimited water-related recreation opportunities. The Lake branches off in four directions from Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park.
Access: There are boat launches from Little Shuswap Lake through to Mara Lake and the Eagle River, and most are free to use.
Photo: Darren Robinson/Shuswap Tourism
Don’t move a mussel
Help spread the message. Not the mussel.
Freshwater Zebra and Quagga Mussels are non-native to North America and are known to encrust and corrode hard surfaces and cause serious harm to waters where they become established. The mussels can be spread unknowingly by boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing tackle boxes, life jackets and other objects that have spent time in infested waters.
To avoid accidentally introducing invasive Zebra and Quagga Mussels or moving other aquatic invasive species, such as invasive clams, from one waterbody to another, you should:
- Clean-Drain-Dry your craft after taking it out of the water
- Stop at Watercraft Inspection Stations as you pass them on your travels
- Report invasive species sightings to the provincial RAPP hotline at 1-877-952-7277