Kayaking in Lytton
The warmest, dryest part of Canada can also be the wettest when seen from a kayak-seat in the middle of one of Lytton's great rivers. Certainly the most well-known and well-used kayaking river around is the Thompson river between Nicomen and Lytton. There are over 18 rapids in this stretch with warm water, warm winds and huge waves, boils and whirlpools. Many of the huge waves are great "surf-waves" and the Frog Rapid hosts the annual Frog Freestyle Kayak Rodeo every year on the legendary Frog Wave. This site is also the same spot where the infamous "Gulp Wave" appears every spring, a huge 4 meter high wave with great eddy access.
The Stein River is Lytton's local creek run, a steep, challenging river with the lower sixteen kilometers of river being one continuous, non-stop rapid. Some highlights in the lower stretches are the Devils Staircase, and the Devils Escalator. The upper regions of the Stein have a few overnight routes and options for the expedition kayaker.
While the Thompson and Stein put-ins can be reached from downtown Lytton with a 15 minute drive, also within a one-hour drive from Lytton are numerous other river options ranging from difficult creek runs to gentle beginner runs. Some highlights are Scuzzy creek (class 3-5), Cayoosh creek (class 5), the Nahatlatch river (class 3-4), the Nicola river (class 2-3) and of course the extra-large volume of the Fraser river (class 3-5).
Braden Fandrich
Kumsheen Rafting Resort