Water Sports

Rivers & Lakes

Splash down in our lakes and rivers for sun-drenched fun, complete with wrinkled fingers and toes. From waterfalls swollen with spring run-off, to lazy rivers and peaceful lakes, there are plenty of ways to get wet here! Plunge right in for adventures in their natural liquid state!

There are plenty of ways to float your boat around here. Explore the valley from the comfort of your kayak or canoe, skimming the Similkameen River, content in the knowledge it's just you, Mother Nature and the sound of your paddle. Rated beginner to expert, the Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers offer more than 75 km of excellent canoeing and kayaking runs. For those looking at a more leisurely pace, try tubing the rivers on a hot summer day, there's nothing like it! Folks have been floating and drifting the Similkameen River for generations, making it one of the most popular activities in our valley. Grab an inner tube or even a blow-up air mattress and plunge right in! Spring is the best time to raft the Similkameen River when spring run-off makes the rapids run faster, creating a class II to IV white water ride.


Fishing & Wildlife
Anglers have been lured to our rivers and lakes since time immemorial. Fresh water fishing is easily accessible from many sites along BC Highways 3 and 5a; summer or winter, there's plenty to catch in the Similkameen's waters.

Our rivers and lakes are magnates for migrating wildlife, making wildlife viewing while sitting at their shores, a favoured pastime. Some of the characters that migrate through our valley include herds of California Big Horned Sheep, mountain goats, black bears, elk, deer, moose, eagles, hawks and countless species of birdlife.

Become a 21st Century prospector and pan the rivers for gold and platinum. The Tulameen is one of only two rivers in the world where gold and platinum are found together in the same waterway. But avoid becoming a claim jumper. Stop at the Visitor Centre, 105 Hwy 3 East, and get directions. The centre also loans out panning equipment. The town maintains its own panning reserve and visitors are welcome to try their luck. The Chamber of Commerce has a gold panning reserve on the Similkameen River from the Blue Bridge to Memorial Park. For those wishing to try their luck, go see the friendly staff at the Visitor Centre.

Bromley Rock Provincial Park

Nestled along the scenic Similkameen River, Bromley Rock Provincial Park is a hidden gem in British Columbia that offers travellers a beautiful rest stop and is popular with the locals.  The park is famous for its striking rock bluff that rises about 50 feet above a deep pool in the Similkameen River. On hot summer days, this spot becomes a popular destination for swimming. For those who enjoy water sports, Bromley Rock is an excellent starting point for canoeing and kayaking. The river offers a serene and picturesque route, especially during the spring when conditions are ideal. Tubing down the river is another popular activity, providing a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the park and river. 

There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities on Lightning Lake. Canoe, kayak and rowboat rentals are available at Lightning Lake day-use area. A boat launch is available next to the boat rental building at the Lightning Lake day-use area. No motorized boats including electric motors.

One of the more popular destinations in the area, Otter Lake is a serene destination that offers a perfect escape into nature. A prominent feature of Tulameen, the lake features lakeside properties popular for those seeking the recreational lifestyle. 

The lake is perfect for boating/water skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. The calm waters and beautiful scenery make it an ideal spot for a day on the water. There are also opportunities for swimming and paddle boarding offering an amazing public beach area with plenty of grass and picnic tables and a shallow sandy beach that's perfect for children. 

The lake is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch large lake trout, and the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Ice fishing is also popular during the winter months. 

The Otter Lake Provincial Park is located about 5 km further north and offers a fantastic lakeside camping experience. The campground is surrounded by the stunning Cascade Mountain Range, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay. The area also offers numerous hiking and ATV trails that provide stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 

Allison Lake is located 28 kilometers north of Princeton, BC. The lake features a 23 hectares provincial park that offers camping and a day use area with picnic tables on the south end.  The area offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, motorized boating, swimming, kayaking and fishing. The park is particularly popular for its spectacular stands of aspen, which turn a brilliant gold in the fall, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Allison Lake is an ideal destination for families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of British Columbia