Paddling

Situated just 30 minutes from Kamloops, Heffley Lake is easily accessible by car, trailer, camper, and motorhome. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and thick forests. You don't even need to bring your own gear! Hint: get a lesson or rent paddleboards from Paddle Surfit or rent from Lakeside Heffley Hideaway on Heffley Lake. Water Access: There is one gravel boat launch at the north end of the lake.

There are many secret places tucked around this gorgeous lake, making it a paddler's paradise. From the water, admire old stone train bridges, train tunnels, a balancing rock, colourful painted bluffs, and eagle nests. Rentals are available at Bruker Marina. Water Access: Bruker Marina & Beach Club at Tobiano has a boat launch and beach. Other great launch points include Savona at the far west end of the lake or Cooney Bay on Kamloops’ North Shore.

Paul Lake Provincial Park is nestled down the road from Harper Mountain. The park offers a large campground, a popular day-use area with a beach and boat launch. With over 7 kilometres (4 miles) of hiking trails and 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) of shoreline to paddle, it's sure to be a great day at this popular destination. The ochre-red bluffs of Gibraltar Rock (which you can hike) are a stunning focal point for your paddle. Water Access: There is a boat launch at the West end of the lake and a launch at the provincial park day-use area.

Pack up your kayak or paddleboard and hit the water at Lac le Jeune Provincial Park. Located just 30 minutes from Kamloops, the day-use area at this park features 146 meters (479 feet) of sandy beach for swimming but is also a perfect spot to launch your watercraft. The park also has a designated boat launch. Water Access: There is a concrete car ramp for boats and also a day-use parking area.

McConnell Lake is well known for its 3.5 km (2 mi) hiking trail around the lake, but it is also popular among canoeists and kayakers. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you paddle around this day-use-only lake. Water Access: There is a small gravel surfaced boat launch suitable for small boats and also a day-use parking area.

With many boat launch access points, the current makes for a swift and sometimes challenging paddle. The views and proximity to town make this beautiful river well worth the effort. Hint: Rent kayaks, paddleboards, and more from Kamloops Watersport Rentals Water Access: Put in at one of three city-owned boat launches: McArthur Island , Pioneer Park and Valleyview Boat Launch .