We do this for guest quality of trip, the environment and the impending Kokanee Salmon run.

Should water levels rise we expect the salmon to migrate upstream to the spawning beds and don’t want boats disturbing the eggs.

Backroads Whistler expects to remain off the river till the eggs  hatch sometime in Oct.

We will update this report as conditions change

Thanks for a great summer

Eric Wight

We have now passed the flood period and the river is running at optimal levels.  The water is slightly high giving paddlers a wider surface to paddle and preventing boats from hitting the river floor.  With the speed of the current the way it is now, the river can be paddled in approximately 2 hours.

This week we’ve seen several beavers, osprey and eagles. Furthermore, with snow still occupying higher elevations, the black bears are foraging the valley floor looking for skunk cabbage, and are regularly seen along the river banks.

Status:

• Daily operations till Sept 6 then weekends till Oct 13, 2011
• River of Golden Dreams – Open – Canoes, Single and Double Kayaks – guided tours  recommended for inexperienced paddlers – see below
• Beaver have been busy, new dam at the end of the canal will keep it open through fall
• Alta Lake boat rentals –  Open  – Canoes, Double Kayaks, Single Kayaks, Lake-Limo, Pedal-Boats, Paddle Boards, Fishing/Row-Boats
• Bears are starting to feed on the new skunk cabbage shoots sprouting along the river
• Beavers seen swimming right next to boats on Wildlife at Dusk tours

Forecast:

Spring run-off has increased and will continue to do so as we experience more warm weather. Check back here for updates as water levels change.

The views from the river are amazing, with the snow-capped peaks sparkling during the day and providing a lovely alpenglow in the evening.

We are recommending guides for all tours.  Guides will help you combat the higher water levels by teaching suitable paddling techniques and pointing out areas that are commonly problematic.  We guarantee our guides.  If at the end of the tour you and the guide feel they did not represent great value we would not expect you to pay for them.

For further details please call Backroads at 604-932-3111.

Many Thanks,
Eric Wight