Finlay River: Wilderness Paddling and Remote Fishing in Northern British Columbia

Why the Finlay River Stands Out

The Finlay River drains a vast, roadless watershed in the Rocky Mountain Trench, creating one of British Columbia’s most intact river corridors. Its clear, glacier-fed waters flow north then east before joining the Peace system at Williston Lake. Because the valley remains largely undeveloped, visitors experience the same landscapes that fur traders and First Nations used for centuries.

Getting There

Most travelers reach the river via the Finlay Forest Service Road from Mackenzie or the north end of Williston Lake. From the lake, jet boats or floatplanes provide access to upper reaches. The river’s headwaters lie near Thutade Lake in the Omineca Mountains; a multi-day float or guided flight is required to start there. No scheduled public transport exists, so self-sufficient planning or local outfitters are essential.

By Road and Boat

Drive the well-maintained forestry road to the lake’s northern arm, then launch a sturdy boat. Fuel caches and basic campsites appear at intervals along the shore.

Best Time to Visit

July through early September offers the longest days, warmest water, and lowest risk of sudden freezes. Spring runoff peaks in June and can make the river dangerous for novices; October brings excellent fishing but shorter days and possible early snow.

Things to Do

• Multi-day canoe or raft trips from Thutade Lake downstream, with Class II–III rapids and long flatwater sections.
• Fly fishing for bull trout, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling in clear tributary streams.
• Wildlife viewing for grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and woodland caribou along gravel bars at dawn and dusk.
• Side hikes into the nearby Omineca and Swannell Ranges for alpine meadows and historic mining trails.

Wildlife and Leave-No-Trace

The valley supports healthy predator populations. Store food in bear-proof containers and maintain 100 metres distance from any wildlife. Camp only on durable surfaces and pack out all waste; the river corridor has no garbage facilities.

Nearby Places Worth Exploring

Combine a river trip with visits to the historic Giscome Portage Trail, the community of Tsay Keh Dene, or the dramatic canyons of the lower Peace River below the W.A.C. Bennett Dam.