dannefrancis wrote:
Anyone done any canoeing on the Fraser River?
I haven't paddled the upper reaches, only from near Prince George and onwards from there. It's a mighty fine river, and contrary to some advice you'll get, much of it is eminently canoeable, but you can't afford to ignore the caveats such as those in Soloman's reply.
For detailed advice, the best guide book I know of is "British Columbia Canoe Routes", compiled by Canoe Sport British Columbia from the mid 1970s.
It's only available second hand, though I've seen it in many BC second-hand bookshops.
First caveat:
Water levels change the river significantly. I've only paddled it once, late in the season (though the water levels were a bit elevated for the time of year). I saw the Fraser this spring when the water levels were very high and it looked much, much fiercer.
The guide book above will take you through from the upper reaches all the way to Vancouver.
Second Caveat:
There are far more obstacles than the those listed in the guide book. For example it makes virtually nothing of Cottonwood Canyon (between Prince George and Quesnel) whereas we encountered very, very big rollers and little scope for an easy portage. And Alkali Rapids, which the book plays down, were raging class 4 haystacks.
Third Caveat:
Scout everything. This is what the book recommends and it's the best piece of advice you'll get. Be a complete coward and scout everything: every swift corner that you can't see around; every bridge under which there appears to be a riffle; every canyon that may not look 'too bad'.
My experience of the Fraser is that a successful descent is about managing stress---don't let the river get on top of you (in any sense!) or you'll find yourself 'rushing' to get down. Stay calm---try to enjoy drifting between the shear, towering canyon walls of Portage du Baril and China Gulch, savouring the thrill but accepting that you might line around a bezillion simple grade 2 corners because you're not too sure what's coming next and unless you're a big-volume whitewater nut, most of the canyons are a line or portage.
Though the Moran (aka Pavillion) canyon above Lillooet and the Hell's gate region below Boston Bar aren't really suitable for canoes, the stretch through the ranching country between Soda Creek and the Big Bar ferry is something special, and surprisingly remote and isolated (bear that in mind when scouting the river!)
It's a gorgeous river, but your nerves will pay a price. But better your nerves than your health.