River Adventure Travel in British Columbia

Whitewater Rafting and Jetboat Tours on the Fraser & Thompson Rivers

Aug 2, 2009

The Thompson and Fraser Rivers in British Columbia offer whitewater adventure tours that combine jaw-dropping natural splendor, powerful rapids, and a sense of history.

The Fraser River forms a natural and cultural spine that spans the length and breadth of central and southern British Columbia. In the early days, feuding First Nations communities settled different sides of the river, and traded with white trappers, traders, and explorers who made their way up and down the river. Today, the plateaus above the river gorges are terraced with farms, mills, and small towns, and much of the trade is in experience and encounters. Both the Fraser and the Thompson, a Fraser River tributary in southern British Columbia, are highly prized by travelers looking for waterborne adventure.

Jetboating on British Columbia’s Fraser River

The roiling silt laden waters of British Columbia’s Fraser River wind their way through deep canyons laced with patchwork quilts (of brown desert and emerald green ginseng farms) and broad lush valleys as the mighty river makes its way to the sea just outside Vancouver. Traveling over 800 miles on its voyage from the Fraser Pass on the continental divide, the Fraser River offers whitewater adventurers and paddlers numerous opportunities to test themselves.

One of the more exciting experiences that can be had on the Fraser River involves riding a jet boat through deep rock-walled canyons and rushing rapids. Jetboat Adventures operates metal-hulled boats with twin jet engines that nimbly power their way up, down, over and around the river’s powerful rapids and slack water sections, creating a ride that is exhilarating and rewarding while never feeling out of control. Jetboat Adventure guides use their lengthy experience working on the river to season the journey with historic anecdotes and natural history lessons at appropriate moments during the trip. They are quick to point out petroglyphs, abandoned mining and fur trader’s cabins, and notable First Nations sites, including a possible stop at Xatsull Heritage Village, a restored and preserved First Nations dip net fishing camp along the banks of the Fraser River near Soda Creek and Williams Lake.

While jet boating is a powerful and exciting way to experience the Fraser River, both J-boat and paddle rafting excursions (with scheduled and custom itineraries) are also available from numerous outfitters along the river. Select tours include passage through the stunningly beautiful, but notably difficult Hell’s Gate section.

Rafting the Thompson River

Deep in the British Columbian interior, as it passes the town of Lytton, the muddy brown waters of the Fraser River are met by the glacial blue waters of the Thompson River. Though it is smaller (by volume) than the Fraser, the Thompson River’s relatively narrow canyon and cool waters offer excellent rafting and kayaking possibilities for beginners and experts alike.

Located just north of Lytton, Kumsheen Rafting Resort offers not just expertly guided river tours, but also pleasant accommodations (in unique teepee and tent bungalows) excellent dining, a pool, and a gift shop for that last minute dollop of sunscreen or a lanyard for sunglasses. Bernie Fandrich, Kumsheen’s founder, is responsible for much of the early mapping and route pioneering on the Thompson. This company, which started operating out of the owner’s van offering rides on an inexpensive Avon raft, now employs state of the art equipment and highly trained guides in providing a turnkey river experience from coffee and an early morning paddle to a warm bed at night.

First Nations People Along the Fraser & Thompson Rivers

First Nations communities existed along both the Fraser and Thompson Rivers long before Simon Fraser and others mapped the area. Today, the region’s rich history and First Nations roots are evident in every community and in clothing, food, and artwork seen up and down the rivers. Jetboat Adventures and Kumsheen guides are well-trained in the history of the region, are respectful of local traditions, and do an excellent job of relating the conflicts, struggles, lore and history of Simon Fraser and the early residents and pioneers who settled the land and marked the trail for the rest of us.

For anyone interested in whitewater adventure of any sort, British Columbia’s Fraser River and Thompson River must be given serious consideration. They are easily accessible, offer a broad range of whitewater experiences, stunning scenery and are serviced by a host of experienced guides and outfitters who share First Nations history of the region with their clients and weave the journey into a larger context.

The copyright of the article River Adventure Travel in British Columbia in British Columbia Travel is owned by Glenn Kaufmann. Permission to republish River Adventure Travel in British Columbia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.