Refer
to each 'Parks and Trails' section posted under each Northern
BC community
(listed to your right) for detailed descriptions and pictures
of North BC's favorite
kayak and canoe routes exploring lakes, rivers and oceans.
|
Canoeing and Kayaking in North BC : The
northern region of British Columbia, Canada includes thousands
of lakes connected by hundreds of rivers emptying into the Pacific
and Arctic Oceans. It is a network of waterways containing rough
and unpredictable currents, tides, swells and ebbs. It is this
challenge that is the draw for many kayakers and canoers.
Many arrive to kayak the whitewater rivers in the
region like the Babine, Skeena, Fraser, Peace, Murray and Bulkley
Rivers. Each river provides a serious of different challenges.
Some deal with reverse currents others with high swells, narrow
canyon walls and rock obstacles.
Ocean kayakers arrive on the north coast of British
Columbia to explore the channels and inlets. The many smaller
islands located up and down the coast provides the sheltered bays
for exploring by kayak away from the currents and winds. Experienced
kayakers and extreme guiding tours in the area explore the open
ocean routes exposed to winds and ocean swells.
Many people visit the thousands of lakes in Northern
BC to canoe. Some lakes provide a day of canoeing and wildlife
viewing while other lakes connect together via rivers providing
multi-day trips exploring deep into the wilderness. Some remote
canoe destinations include wilderness hikes portaging from lake
to lake. Many of the individual lakes provide launch sites for
canoes.
The multi-day touring companies provide both, day
trips and multi day wilderness trips. It is always good to make
sure the touring company provides all the equipment, lessons and
a guide. Ask to make sure the guide is trained in water rescue
and first aid training for obvious reasons. Some canoe and kayak
tour companies include the meals and accommodations in their vacation
packages.
Experienced paddlers should be well prepared for
the weather (unpredictable at times), have a sound understanding
of the currents and tides and are proficient in self rescue techniques.
|