This article was written by Cam Fenton. If you have questions ask below in the comments section. 

All images are provided from Ascent Fraser Valley Guides.

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A Guide to Packrafting In Southwestern BC

The southwest corner of British Columbia is home to towering peaks, rushing rivers, and stunning forests—making it one of the best locations for packrafting in Canada. The Sea to Sky corridor, in particular, offers an unbeatable mix of alpine lakes, remote rivers, and adventure potential. But for beginners, it can be tough to find reliable info, beta, and trip ideas. What’s the right route for your skill level? When should you go? What gear do you need?

That’s where this guide comes in. Packed with suggestions, tips, and beginner-friendly ideas for locations around Chilliwack, Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton, this is your starting point. Want to go deeper? Taking a course is the best way to build your skills.

 Our partners at Ascent Guides offer programs for all levels. Check them out here.

Alpine Lakes 

The Sea to Sky and Fraser Valley regions are full of stunning alpine lakes—perfect packrafting destinations for beginners. Many of these locations are accessible via hiking trails, and while the trails can get busy in summer, your packraft is your ticket to solitude. Just inflate, paddle a few strokes, and leave the crowds behind.

Here are a few great trip ideas for hike-in lake adventures:

• Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes 

• Pierce Lakes 

• Wedgemount Lake 

• Garibaldi Lake 

Day Runs 

Packrafts are at their best when they’re being used on the river. Day trips are great fun outings and they’re how you build the skills for multi-day backcountry missions. Remember to start out with easy trips, build skills and get training before you take on harder rivers. Drysuits, PFD’s and helmets are recommended for most of these trips. Here are some beginner-friendly options near Squamish, Whistler, and beyond (This is also not a comprehensive list of possible river sections in the Sea to Sky and Fraser Valley, but a sampling of possible trips).

Beginner 

• Squamish River, Fisherman’s Park to the Spit 

• Starting from Squamish’s Fisherman’s Park, this Class I-II run can be done as a short evening float or stretched out to an afternoon or full day affair. There are plenty of beaches and spots for breaks most of the hazards are large, easy to void pieces of wood. The take-out is on river left at the Squamish spit, it’s best to get eyes on this before you go to make sure you don’t miss it. Also a great option for bike-shuttling or bikerafting. 

• River of Golden Dreams - Whistler

• This pleasant, scenic float from Alta Lake to Green Lake in Whistler is a great way to spend a day. You can even rent all the gear and get a self-guided route for this trip from Mt.Waddington Whistler. 

• Lower Vedder 

• Starting from the Vedder Bridge, this section of river starts swift with some potential for wood hazards, especially in corners. Lower down it eases up. Take out on river left at Fisherman’s Corner in Yarrow or you may be in for a long float down into the Fraser to find a takeout. 

• Harrison River 

• From Harrison Lake to the Harrison Mills Bridge, this float will get you away from the hustle and bustle. Most days you won’t see another soul out on the water. A beautiful float with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. 

Novice 

• Squamish River, Ashlu Bridge to Fisherman’s Park 

• A step up from the lower run, this long stretch of river is relatively straightforward but has some more wood hazard to be aware of. Be especially careful in the corners and avoid this run at high water as it can dramatically shift. This trip can also be turned into a great overnight with some amazing beach campsites. 

• Soo River, Soo Valley Run 

• Just outside of Pemberton, put in below the Soo River falls and float downstream along winding glacial flows. Like all coastal rivers, it’s prone to log jams. The shores of this river are also prime bear habitat so come prepared. The takeout is on river left just past a riverside campsite. Typically it is flagged with flagging tape. Just below this takeout is Class III rapid so don’t miss the takeout. 

• Lillooet River, Pemberton to Lillooet Lake 

• Another beautiful trip where the main hazard is, you guessed it, wood. Avoid this one at high water and be aware of Indigenous land and private property along the banks. 

Intermediate 

• Lower Mamquam

• Squamish’s whitewater training ground. Start at the Mamquam whitewater site where you can practice your skills in a range of park-and-play rapids. A trail on river left makes hiking laps easy and keys for the gate are available through the Mamquam River Access Society. Below the whitewater site makes a great afternoon run down to the Dog Pound takeout on river right. Watch for wood.   

• Cheakamus River, Paradise Valley 

• Probably the prettiest trips in the Squamish area, this mostly Class II stretch has a few spicier rapids and is a great run for practicing skills. Be careful of wood and do not underestimate this run, there have been fatalities here in recent years. 

• Chilliwack River, Osborne to Vedder 

• A beautiful Class II paddle on the Chilliwack, watch out for a large log jam corner about halfway down and always keep your head-up for wood in this run. Can be challenging to paddle in the fall when the salmon fishing season is on. 

Stepping Up 

• Cheakamus River, Dam Run 

• A step up from Paradise Valley with long, bouldery rapids. There is a Class V drop in the middle of the run called Alpine Drop that is portageable via a trail on river right or at river level on river left. The river right portage is simpler and safer. Some of the rapids on this run are long and swims and lost gear are not uncommon. Don’t miss the take out beside the highway pull-off, the river enters a dangerous canyon below this. 

• Capilano River 

• One of the best pure Class III runs in the Lower Mainland. The takeout is in a weird place at Park Royal Mall, but once you put in below the Capilano Fish Hatchery you’re in a stunningly beautiful canyon. The hardest rapids are in the first few kilometers of the river. Best done for the first time at low water as the danger and consequences rise dramatically with water levels. This one can be hiked through a network of trails. 

• Chilliwack River, Slesse to Tamihi 

• The “classic” Class III run on the Fraser Valley. Fun at most levels, it gets big with a lot of water in it. Put in at Slesse Creek and take out at Tamihi Rapids. Scout “Trailer Park” on river right and Tamihi on river left. The first few rapids are rowdy and the whole run can feel like a step up. Tamihi packs a Class IV punch but can be portaged on river left from a takeout about 100m upstream.
  
  

Whether you’re based in Whistler, exploring Pemberton’s rivers, or chasing whitewater near Squamish, packrafting opens up a whole new world of adventure in the Sea to Sky. Use these tips, trip ideas, and location suggestions to get started—and remember, nothing replaces hands-on learning and solid safety practices.