Happiness is a day on the water.
SWIMMING, CANOEING, STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING, KAYAKING, RAFTING and MOTOR BOATING are favourite water activites in Smithers. The Bulkley Valley is studded with LAKES - large and small — and the surrounding mountains ensure a good supply of RIVER water all summer long. The BULKLEY, BABINE, MORICE and KISPIOX rivers are all within easy reach. Smithers is also home to great INSTRUCTORS in paddlesports - canoeing, kayaking, SUP and rafting - if you want to develop or improve your skills.
Quiet time at Dennis Lake, photo: Destination BC/Grant Harder
Swim and paddle on our many local lakes. photo: Sandra Smith
Tyhee Lake Provincial Park is a popular public swimming beach in the area.
Public Swimming Beaches
Tyhee Lake in Telkwa has the main public beach with a roped-off area for swimming and features 20+ picnic tables, a playground, a picnic shelter, horseshoe pits and volleyball net, change rooms with flush toilets and showers, 59 wooded sites in the campground, coin-operated sani-station and concrete boat launch. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout. Lake Kathlyn, just 5 mins from downtown, is non-motorized and has a stunning view of Hudson Bay Mountain. There is a small public beach with basic services including picnic tables, change rooms and portable toilet (no running water). Day use area is maintained from May to September.
Canoeing on Lake Kathlyn. photo: Simon Ratcliffe
Lake Paddling
Rent locally or bring your canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards so you can paddle some of the many beautiful lakes in the area! The popular Lake Kathlyn, Tyhee Lake, Round Lake and Seymour Lake are close to town. Wilderness lakes nearby include Aldrich, Dennis and McDonell Lakes behind Hudson Bay Mountain; Chapman Lake east of Smithers; and for longer multi-day paddle trips, check out Babine Lake or the Nanika-Kidprice canoe route.
Kayaking in Telkwa on the Bulkley River. photo: Village of Telkwa/Marty Clemens
Running the Rivers
From float trips to whitewater thrills, experienced river adventurers or anyone wanting to take a guided trip can enjoy rafting, kayaking, canoeing and jet boating on the Bulkley River and Telkwa River, or check out access and advisories on the many other rivers in the area.
Boating on the beautiful Babine Lake. photo: Tukii Lodge
Motor Boating
Motorized lakes include Tyhee Lake, Round Lake, Chapman Lake and Babine Lake. Motor boats are occassionaly used on the Bulkley River, mainly by guides and fishers who know the rocks and riffles.
Fly Fishing on the Bulkley River. photo: Simon Ratcliffe
Fishing
There are plenty of fantastic fishing opportunites. Check out our FISHING PAGE for more info
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