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Floating season: 5 stunning lazy rivers to float down in B.C.

Ready to get your float on?
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
lake-cowichan-river-tubing-2022
Want to float on these crystal-clear waters on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Island? B.C. has several lazy rivers to put on your summer fun bucket list, many not too far from Vancouver.Photo by Jennifer Maria via Lake Cowichan River Tubing "The Tube Shack"/Facebook

Metro Vancouverites looking for a refreshing way to spend a sunny afternoon have several lazy rivers to choose from across the province.

From Vancouver, access to lazy rivers is limited, with one of the best options located nearly a couple of hours outside of the city. That said, Alouette River offers awe-inspiring panoramas as it journeys out of Golden Ears Provincial Park, serving as an ideal playground for folks looking to escape the daily grind.

Other seasonal river floating spots make ideal activities to include in trips to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Island or the Okanagan Valley. 

Have a look at some of the top spots for lazy river floats in British Columbia. 

Lazy Rivers 

Penticton River Channel 

coyote-cruises-penticton-river-floating
Spanning an impressive four miles long, the Penticton River Channel offers one of the best floating experiences in British Columbia. Coyote Cruises/Facebook

Spanning an impressive four miles long, this iconic float is considered one of B.C.'s best. Although it is a man-made waterway, it is also generally safer and offers a relaxing drift down the river in the sunny Okanagan Valley.

Connecting Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake, tubers will enjoy stunning vistas in all directions. You can also rent an inner tube at the entrance to the float if you don't have your own.

Find out everything you need to know about visiting Penticton and enjoying this popular summer activity. 

Enderby River float

Located in B.C.'s Interior between Armstrong and Salmon Arm, this breathtaking passageway offers multiple relaxed trips down the scenic Shuswap River.

Some trips are as little as three kilometres long while others span a whopping 11 kilometres. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cowichan River Float

Located on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Island near Duncan, the Cowichan River Float offers nearly three hours of floating fun down crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by lush forests. 

Floaters may also stop in a few places along their aquatic journey to explore some beautiful beaches.

At the end of the ride, they can also enjoy a refreshing swim before heading home.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Alouette River

Maple Ridge's Alouette River originates in the awe-inspiring Golden Ears Provincial Park and offers a scenic float for locals looking for an escape just outside of Metro Vancouver. But it isn't always a "lazy," slow-moving current, so it isn't advised for children. 

There are many places to start the journey but many people like to start their float at Allco Park and finish in Davidson's Pools. Once they are there they can take a refreshing dip to complete the experience. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Similkameen River

Located in the stunning Similkameen Valley, this waterway is a whopping 197 kilometres long, surrounded by mountain ranges, lush forests, and an array of wildlife. 

While there are several different floats to enjoy, locals will need to arrange alternative arrangements at their "pick-up" point since there are no transfers available. 

advises of the following float times:

  • Bromley Rock to the Red Bridge: four to five hours
  • Red Bridge to Keremeos Pine Park: two hours
  • Red Bridge to Cawston’s Kobau Park: three-and-a-half hours

Note: Tubing can be extremely dangerous in places where the current is strong. Therefore, it is recommended that tubers only go to places that have been approved as safe for public use. Further, visitors should never consume alcohol before going tubing.