Whitewater paddlers, from expert to novice, have a huge array of opportunities awaiting them on the area’s rushing and roaring rivers.

The Clearwater is a favourite for many: experts are able to paddle most of it, almost all the way from Osprey Falls in the north right through to where it joins the North Thompson. There are a number of mandatory portages around extremely fast-flowing and wild sections, such as Bailey’s Chute and The Kettle: everyone planning to paddle these should ensure that they know the takeouts. Several sections get up to Class 5 and 5+, particularly earlier in the season. These include Gatlin Gorge (a low-water run only, even for skilled paddlers), the Sabretooth Canyon itself, and in the Lower Clearwater Canyon downstream of The Kettle in higher waters. This last spot is getting to be known as a world-class destination for freestyle or ‘whitewater rodeo’ boaters. Less experienced paddlers should be extremely wary: although some sections are gentle Class 1 or 2, such as around The Horseshoe between Lonespoon and Deer Creeks, and from the confluence with the Mahood River south to The Sabretooth at 19km, the wilder stretches start very suddenly, and sadly those who have in the past gone where they shouldn’t have not always lived to tell of their mistakes.

Local rafting companies are always pleased to talk boating and water-levels with visitors, so please ask their advice before venturing in. They also offer a range of half-day, full-day and multi-day trips to the public on the Clearwater, North Thompson and Mad Rivers, provide all the required equipment, and have excellent safety records.

There are also more gentle scenic floats for those who prefer their water to be a little less white and a lot less wild, and inflatable kayaks for those who want to try going solo.