Chilcotin River, Chilcotin, British Columbia

The Chilcotin River is rated among the best - and most challenging - in North America for kayaking and whitewater rafting. The Chilko River, a tributary of the Chilcotin that flows out of Chilko Lake, is also known for its whitewater activities. Not only will the Class IV–V whitewater get your adrenal glands fluttering, the landscape will too.

The headwaters of the Chilcotin and the Chilko lie in the Coast Mountains near the southeast corner of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The rivers become runable in the subalpine regions, then they descend to the Chilcotin Plateau’s sprawling grasslands and arid canyons. Some of the most spectacular scenery is found near the Chilcotin’s confluence with the Fraser River, south of Riske Creek.

This is an esteemed kayaking and rafting locale, but because of its isolation, the Chilcotin sees relatively few rafters and whitewater kayakers.

The Chilcotin River is a good spot for steelhead trout and sockeye salmon fishing.

Nearest Town: Alexis Creek, Hanceville, Bella Coola Highway 20, Chilcotin

Nearest Park: Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park, Bull Canyon Provincial Park, Churn Creek Provincial Park

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