Thompson River

The basics

The Thompson River is a fishing hot spot, with anglers drawn to its Pacific salmon and trout stock. The river is particularly well-known for its large steelhead trout, though these are subject to a catch-and-release order because of decreasing numbers. The lower part of the river, between Ashcroft and Lytton is a major white-water rafting destination, with rolling rapids reaching up to Class V in difficulty. Choose between motorized rafting tours or traditional paddle rafting excursions. Day tours typically include a lunch break along the riverbank, while overnight tours include camping accommodation and dinner.

Things to know before you go

• Rafting trips typically include all necessary great, such as helmets, wetsuits, and lifejackets.
• If you’re going rafting, pack a spare set of dry clothes to change into after.
• Bring your swimsuit, as there are several beaches around Kamloops Lake.

How to get there

The Trans-Canada Highway runs parallel to the banks of the Thompson River, making it easy to access by car. Kamloops is about a 4-hour drive from Vancouver, while Lytton is about a 3-hour drive. Ebus operates bus services between Vancouver and Kamloops. Rocky Mountaineer and Via Rail trains also run between Vancouver and Kamloops.

When to get there

The Thompson River is accessible throughout the year, though the best time for rafting is in late summer and early fall. For fishing, summer and fall are also peak seasons.

Wildlife-Viewing on the Thompson River

The high number of fish in the Thompson River makes it an attractive spot for birds of prey. Ospreys nest in the area, and are a relatively common sight. Golden eagles and bald eagles also hunt for food near the river, particularly during salmon runs. The Adams River, a tributary of the Thompson River, is known for its October salmon run—during which millions of sockeye salmon return to their spawning ground.