Boating + Watersports

In Kamloops, there are boating, paddling and beach opportunities galore. Grab your bathing suit, bring your water toys, and experience all the ways to get wet, stay cool and enjoy the water.

 

Kamloops Lake

In mid-summer, Kamloops gets hit with 30+ degree weather and the locals know exactly where to go to beat the heat!  Kamloops Lake is the biggest body of water in the Kamloops area. With Bruker Marina at Tobiano, right on Kamloops Lake, it makes it really easy to enjoy a day on the water.

Lake Access: Kamloops lake has two access points, one is a concrete slab launch at Bruker Marina at Tobiano, the second one is a gravel launch at the far west end of the lake in Savona. Both launches are trailer accessible.

South Thompson River

Kamloops Lake isn't the only place to put your boat in the water, The South Thomson River is also a busy spot in the summer months with a boat launch at Pioneer Park Downtown (Limited Trailer Parking) McArthur Park and a cement launch just off River Road in Valleyview.

Access: The South Thompson River has three access points. The first is at Pioneer Park with a concrete launch and limited parking. River Road in Valleyview, a concrete slab launch with limited parking and the third is located at McArthur Island Park. Note: this launch is only accessible when the water is high.

Shuswap Lake

Shuswap Lake, one of the most popular recreational destinations in BC, offers 400km (250mi) of flawless shoreline, provincial parks, and unlimited water-related recreation opportunities. The Lake branches off in 4 directions from Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park.

Lake Access: There are boat launches from Little Shuswap Lake through to Mara Lake and the Eagle River, and most are free to use.

 

 

Floatplane Dock

Kamloops Airport is now equipped with an updated floatplane dock along the Thompson River, adjacent to the airport on Aviation Way. The lower docks, upper deck, gangway and launch are open and ready to welcome floatplane operators. Photo 

Floatplane operators requiring fueling, flight planning and other aircraft services can contact Shell AviationExecutive Flight Center, or Mountainaire Services.

Floatplane dock for boaters

Boaters along the Thompson River can also access the floatplane dock. To use the dock for boat launching or loading, boaters must first obtain a Boat Vehicle Operator Permit (BVOP) from Kamloops Airport. 

 


 

DON'T MOVE A MUSSEL

HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE. NOT THE MUSSEL.

 

Zebra and Quagga Mussels are non-native to North America that live in freshwater – such as lakes and rivers – known to encrust and corrode hard surfaces and cause serious harm to waters where they become established. The mussels can be spread unknowingly by boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing tackle boxes, life jackets and other objects that have spent time in infested waters.

To avoid accidentally introducing invasive Zebra and Quagga Mussels, or moving other aquatic invasive species such as invasive clams from one waterbody to another, you should:

  • Clean-Drain-Dry
  • Stop at Watercraft Inspection Stations as you pass them in your travels
  • Don't let it loose!

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