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Squamish River: Rafting, Fishing and Wild Scenery in British Columbia
Follow the clear waters of the Squamish River through canyons, forests and gravel bars for year-round outdoor adventures…

This vast freshwater lake in the Kootenay region delivers serene paddling, forested shores, and easy access to hot springs and historic towns.
Kootenay Lake stretches more than 100 kilometres through southeastern British Columbia, framed by the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges. Its clear waters support healthy populations of rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, while the surrounding valleys produce cherries and apples in summer. The lake remains largely undeveloped along much of its shoreline, giving visitors a sense of wilderness even when staying near small communities.
Most travellers reach the lake by driving Highway 3A from the west or Highway 3 from the east. The nearest commercial airports are in Castlegar and Cranbrook; both lie within a two-hour drive. Once on the water, free ferries connect Balfour on the west shore with Kootenay Bay on the east, saving considerable driving time and offering panoramic views. Public boat launches exist at several provincial parks and municipal sites along both shores.
Calm mornings make the lake ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, especially in the protected bays near Kaslo and Crawford Bay. Anglers launch early for trout and char; provincial regulations require a valid fishing licence. Motorized boating is popular, yet strict no-wake zones protect sensitive shoreline habitat. Swimming is comfortable from mid-July through August when surface temperatures rise.
Short trails at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park lead to pebble beaches and old-growth cedar groves. Longer options include the gentle ascent to the viewpoint above Pilot Bay Lighthouse or the steeper climb along the Lakeside Trail near Balfour. In autumn, the same paths reveal brilliant larch and cottonwood colour against the deep blue water.
July and August bring the warmest water and driest weather, perfect for multi-day paddling trips. Late spring offers fewer crowds and dramatic mountain runoff views, while early autumn delivers quieter camping and reliable sunshine. Winter visits centre on cross-country skiing in the nearby backcountry and soaking in Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Each community provides groceries, fuel, and lodging without overwhelming the lake’s natural setting.
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Follow the clear waters of the Squamish River through canyons, forests and gravel bars for year-round outdoor adventures…
Yes. Designated beaches at provincial parks offer safe, gradual entry; water clarity is excellent but temperatures stay cool until mid-summer.
Several provincial parks maintain lakeside sites with boat launches and picnic areas; reservations are recommended in peak season.
The crossing lasts about 35 minutes and runs frequently year-round, weather permitting.
The lake supports strong rainbow trout and kokanee fisheries; check current provincial regulations before casting.
Bald eagles, osprey, black bears, and deer are common along the shoreline, especially near creek mouths and quieter bays.
A remote, reservation-controlled lake basin in British Columbia’s Rockies offering world-class day hikes amid turquoise…

Hike to one of the province’s most striking glacial lakes, framed by volcanic peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park.