Beyond the Rapids: Discovering the Columbia Wetlands
At Kootenay River Runners, we love whitewater, big splashes, and the thrill of the rivers we raft. In the Kootenays there are also calmer waters that make our backyard so special.
The Columbia Wetlands are one of the Kootenays’ true natural wonders, and chances are you’ll catch a glimpse of them on your next road trip through the valley.
180 Kilometres of Wild Beauty
Stretching approximately 180 kilometres from Columbia Lake near Canal Flats, north through the communities of Invermere and Radium Hot Springs area to just beyond Golden, the Columbia Wetlands form one of the largest intact wetland complexes in Canada and one of the largest floodplain systems in North America. Internationally recognized as a wetland of International importance, the Columbia Wetlands are a vital ecosystem supporting an incredible diversity of wildlife.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The wetlands are especially important for birds, providing essential nesting, feeding, and resting habitat along the Pacific Flyway. This is a major migration route connecting birds’ northern breeding grounds with warmer winter destinations.
Keep your eyes peeled for great blue herons wading through the shallows, ospreys hunting for fish, bald eagles soaring overhead and kingfishers darting along the water’s edge. During spring and fall migration, the wetlands welcome impressive numbers of waterbirds, including swans, ducks, and geese. More than 260 bird species have been documented in the broader Columbia Wetlands region!
And it’s not just birds. Beavers, muskrats, moose, elk, black bears and many other species depend on these wetlands for food, shelter, and habitat.
Right Along Your Road Trip
One of the best things about the Columbia Wetlands is how easy they are to appreciate as you travel through the region.
Heading to Golden for a Kicking Horse River adventure? You’ll travel alongside the Columbia Valley’s remarkable wetland landscape. Driving south toward Radium for a Kootenay River trip, or heading toward Panorama for a Toby Creek adventure? The wetlands are part of the scenery that makes this region so special with endless views and wildlife to appreciate.
Next time you’re on the road, slow down, take in the views and watch for wildlife. You might spot an eagle perched above the river, a heron hunting along the shoreline, or flocks of waterfowl resting on the water.
We Love Rapids, But We Love Our Backyard Too
Whitewater rafting brings us together for excitement, adventure, and unforgettable memories. But being part of the Kootenays also means appreciating the quieter places that make this region extraordinary.
The Columbia Wetlands help support biodiversity, maintain a healthy river ecosystem, and provide habitat for countless species. They’re a reminder that our rivers are about more than the rapids. They’re part of a much bigger, interconnected natural world.
At Kootenay River Runners, we’re proud to share this incredible region with our guests. So after you’re here for the whitewater take a moment to appreciate the wetlands along the way.
We love the rapids. We love wildlife. And we’re grateful to call the Kootenays home.
Photo Credit:
Kootenay Rockies Tourism & Mitch Winton
Alexander Kuhn / Maple Leaf Adventures
BC Bird Trail/The Number Creative
Kootenay River Runners