Columbia River Canoe Trip - Columbia Lake To Donald - Pt. 2 of 2

[@darrellcaruk8880]

I love canoeing on calm waters. great video

[@nickharland3795]

This section of the river was surprisingly calm. Thanks for watching Darrell.

[@rialobran]

Brilliant couple of films, glorious scenery and a bear to boot, all I get is irate horses :)

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. it was a good trip, really enjoyed myself. Though I think I'd rather deal with the horses. Take care.

[@Kitchfox]

Thanks for the video. I spent countless hours growing up and even today on the last 150 miles of the Columbia.

[@nickharland3795]

My pleasure, thanks for watching. The Columbia would be a much different river in the lower portion, sounds like a great place to grow up and live. Take care.

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

Glad to have found your channel. I'm in Florida but actually grew up in Portland, Oregon a bit downstream from you and the terrain brings back memories. Columbia River country is really beautiful. British Columbia is the most beautiful area of Canada in my opinion. It looks like there's some great areas for canoeing too. I'll check out your other videos as time permits. Take care.🐊🛶

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. Yeah British Columbia has some spectacular scenery, and it is definitely the best mountain terrain in Canada. I'm in Alberta, and thankfully it is not too far of a drive to get to B.C. The Columbia River was a very nice trip, lots of wildlife. Many nice rivers to canoe up here, just as there is in Oregon I'm sure. We could sure use some Florida sunshine right now:) Take care.

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

@@nickharland3795 It's a beautiful area but I know how those northern winters can be in late January. The temps dropped here to 49 degrees Fahrenheit the other night and people thought that was bad! 😊 The spring will be along soon and you'll have perfect weather and we'll be sweltering.

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah winters can be long and cold, I'm definitely looking forward to summer, and open water :)

[@Dream-bh3jh]

Can't wait for your next trip! You do all the hard work and we get to sit back and relax. You're good company. Like hearing about where you are and info.

[@nickharland3795]

Some of it is hard work, most of it is simply pleasure though. A bit of hard work makes the whole experience more rewarding.

[@blackriverrambler3963]

This second part is a great way to start a Sunday! Wasn’t that long the haze and warmth. Now I hear cold and messy weather have invaded. To be expected out that way though. Glad the bear decided not to investigate any closer. What a beautiful river. Probably be a while before I see the mountains and rivers of the west again. Thanks Nick ✌️🔥🏕🛶

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks man. Yeah it was a very short summer, with lots of smoke. But nice weather on this trip, and the smoke wasn't too bad. Back in Edmonton, yeah we've had 2 good snowstorms already, temps are pretty cool. I'm also glad the bear didn't come any closer, but it was really nice to see him at the same time. When you make it back west and possibly have time for a paddle, let me know. Thanks, take care.

[@WaywardWaggs]

The views of the mountains are really great. We have not been canoeing in years. We need to go again soon.

[@nickharland3795]

It is a nice area for sure. Canoeing a fantastic way to see the land, and makes for great camping trips. Thanks for watching. Take care.

[@WaywardWaggs]

👍

[@nibimocs]

So much different to most of your paddles... lots of quiet water. Sorry it took me so long to watch this. It's been a very busy 3-4 months. Thanks for sharing!

[@nickharland3795]

Absolutely nothing to be sorry for. You haven't missed much, I have been mostly absent from you-tube over the last year, and have fallen way behind. Yeah this was a nice trip, but also the slowest section of river I have ever paddled. Thanks, take care.

[@darrellcaruk8880]

looked like a relaxing escape for a few day. Nice.

[@nickharland3795]

Yes, this was a nice four day getaway. The Columbia River wetlands were very interesting. Thanks for watching.

[@wyopobo5339]

Hey Nick, i'm finally getting around to the second part of this trip. Great video and, as always, you picked a great river. Always cool to see a bear...take care my friend.

[@nickharland3795]

Hello Martin. Thanks again for watching. Yeah the Columbia is a huge river, biggest in the west... but starts out very slowly. Slowest "large" river I've paddled yet. But lots of history, and a nice setting in eastern BC. Yep, that was my first bear encounter, I was quite happy to see him from a distance. Thanks again, take care.

[@jimhanson7476]

A great trip Nick .. Enjoyed very much.. Thank you

[@nickharland3795]

My pleasure. Thanks again Jim, I'm glad you enjoyed. Take care.

[@themiwoodsman7222]

looks pretty calm out this morning , looked like a nice calm day today , another nice place to have camp ! that bear must of smelt the Mountain house lol Yo bear go ! have to sleep with one eye open , another great adventure Nick thanks for taking us along my friend ! i always enjoy atb john

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks again John. Yeah there were some really nice calm mornings. Yep, mountain house bacon and eggs were on his mind I think lol. If there was no fire ban, I would have been cooking pork chops or hamburgers that night. All worked out well in the end, had a great time. Appreciate the kind words, thanks very much. Take care my friend. Nick

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Sure was Great paddling along with ya Nick ! A Lil Hair-Raising @ 7:07 Wow ! Very Much Enjoyed this, Friend ! Happy Trails From Down East ATB T God Bles

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks again Terry. I was just about to eat dinner, when I heard loud thrashing in the trees. A few minutes later he popped out. I hollered at him and he ran off. After I ate dinner, I just happened to look over and there he was again. Figured I should try and get him on video the 2nd time. He eventually wondered off. Thanks for watching Terry, really appreciate all your support. Take care. Nick

[@BennyBsolo]

Thanks for sharing your adventures

[@nickharland3795]

Hey it's my pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Great way to spend four days...reckon that Bear was wondrin what was on the spit!!!...LOL...them young bears can be a mite worrisome...enjoyed the vids start to finish my friend!...taker easy and we shall see you in the next Nick Harland adventure!!!...woods

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah they are curious of everything, and always looking for a quick meal. At least it wasn't a grizzly, or I probably wouldn't have slept very well that night. Thanks very much Woods, and looking forward to your next adventure as well. Taker easy Woods. Nick

[@provincialclodhopper9815]

Another great set of vids bro, keep'em coming!!!

[@nickharland3795]

Thank you very much, I appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed, I know I did. Take care man.

[@bdh3949]

Good paddlin Nick, thanks for taking us along with you. I almost can't believe the lack of wind this day. I would have expected heavy wind & chop. Is it due to you being on the western slope do you think? See you next adventure.

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah this was my first time paddling west of the divide. I'm not sure what the norm is there in regards to wind at this time of year. It was breezy and gusty at times, but overall the wind was not a problem. Especially the mornings, very calm. It was a very nice trip, interesting and a good sense of history. It's quite a river. Thanks for watching, take care.

[@sortavala]

Thanks for video! Seems it was nice trip first in small stream and finally in wide river. First couple of minutes in this part 2 could have been in Africa. Trees, mountains, fog looked very special. :D

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks Asko. Yeah the Columbia River is one of the largest rivers in North America by discharge, and flows for 2000 km to the ocean. It starts out very small and very slow. It was a very nice trip. Appreciate you watching, hope you are doing well. Take care and stay strong.

[@georges3242]

Thanks for the Columbia River videos. You paddle the canoe very straight. Lots of practice I’m sure. Did you expect that marsh/reed filled area? Also you always kept the lid clamped down on your pot while cooking on the Emberlit. Any reason?

[@nickharland3795]

You're very welcome, and thank you for watching. I evidently took a wrong turn somewhere. I was following the channel, and then followed the bending weeds in the river, but ran out of river. I had studied google earth images of that area, so I knew this was a possibility. The water was fairly low when I was there. All in all it wasn't too bad, lost maybe 30 minutes. I clamp the lid down more because I am clumsy and afraid of knocking over the pot and/or stove:) It would heat just fine with the lid on loosely. Thanks again for taking the time, take care.

[@bohrerbros7555]

Nice video Nick, did sighting that bear keep you awake at night? The Columbia River looks like a good river to explore and canoe.

[@nickharland3795]

Hello, and thanks again. I slept pretty good, but it was on my mind for a couple hours that evening. The Columbia is a very slow river in this section, but pristine and not effected by dams and reservoirs. This was likely the only trip I will do on the Columbia River, but it was very interesting and enjoyable. Thanks, take care.

[@ronchilibeck2240]

Hi Nick Just found your KZbin videos. Great trip and good information. This was a trip that was in the initial stages of planning for me and some friends a few years back and then COVID struck. I decided to restart the planning again for a trip this year. Thanks for all the information. The only question I have is what is the flow like - does it require constant paddling to make progress. (I may have some newbie paddlers on the trip). Also noticed your from Edmonton as am I.

[@nickharland3795]

I knew there would be no rapids at all on this trip, but I was surprised by how slow the current really was. If you start at Columbia Lake, there is some decent current in the very beginning... but the river is more like a small creek there. Once past Fairmont Hotsprings, the current is slow the whole way. Near Golden, the river briefly comes to life with the Kicking Horse and Blaeberry River confluences, but other than that, it is quite slow. I had to paddle hard and steady to make 200km in 4 days. This was in September, with low to low/medium flows. Higher water would speed things up, but also cover shoreline and good camping spots. Thanks for watching Ron, I hope you have a great trip.

[@ronchilibeck2240]

@@nickharland3795 Thank you for your response and information

[@markhonea2461]

👍 I would ask if you have ever seen or noticed anything out of the ordinary on your adventures?

[@nickharland3795]

Hi Mark. I can't say I have noticed anything out of the ordinary. Old relics from the past can sometimes be found, if you look hard enough. Wildlife is usually the highlight, if I see anything. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, take care.

[@markhonea2461]

@@nickharland3795 oh yes, I can imagine there was plenty of first Nations activity in some of those areas, along with early settlers. Interesting.👍

[@tyrone342]

Hi Nick, What was the name of shuttle service you used? How did you get to the take out? Looked like it was on the West side of the river and not on the Donald side? I was originally planning on paddling from Invermere to Micha dam (same time of year), but after finding out about the rapids and 5km of canyon I have changed my plans. Hoping to still do some paddling on the lake though, but maybe just a few days around the south end now. Thanks for any help. Thanks for checking out all of these paddling spots for us.

[@nickharland3795]

Hi Tyerel. I used Columbia Wetlands Outpost for my shuttle. You can go to the website and look for email, or call 250-348-2235. Ask for Mo (Maureen), she was very helpful and made sure the price was very reasonable. I picked up a driver from their location (Parsons), and then drove to the put-in. The driver then took my truck back to Parsons for safe storage while I was paddling. Once at Blaeberry, I phoned and Mo came and met me with my truck at the Donald bridge. I then drove her back to Parsons and paid the shuttle fee. I pulled to the left/west side at the Donald bridge simply because it looked more suitable for unloading a canoe. I had to climb the hill, but there is good vehicle access at the top. But I'm sure the Donald side is fine too. I hope that helps, and I hope you have a great trip!!

[@tyrone342]

@@nickharland3795 that’s perfect! Thanks for all the help! Have fun on your upcoming trips. 👍👍

[@keithclapper7011]

how much farther would kinbasket lake be, do you know if you can paddle right into the lake by chance?

[@nickharland3795]

Hey Keith, you can paddle right into Kinbasket Lake. The lake starts about 15 km downstream of Donald. There is a canyon with one small rapid in the river between Donald and Kinbasket Lake. Kinbasket Resort is along the upper end of the lake... after that there is no access for hundreds of kilometers (Mica Dam).

[@tomlakeandriver7670]

Hello Nick, it remains a privilege to be alone in these moments !! only beautiful scenery !! tranquility ,,, although sometimes there are difficult passages like reeds this is unforgettable moment.Thanks for this sharing, and these images. . Did you spend the night ready for this bear that you crossed? Good to you. Tom from France

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks again Tom. Yes this trip had some nice scenery, and was indeed very tranquil. There were a few small difficulties, but nothing too serious. All in all, it was a very memorable canoe trip. The days were long on the water, so I slept quite well during this trip, but the bear was on my mind that evening, as I was trying to eat my dinner. Thank you for taking the time to watch, take care.

[@danawick9817]

i love how at the end of your vids i just have to load my truck sooo how did you get to the beginning . great trip by the looks of it . another Video ENJOYED WATCHING

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks Dana. Yeah I used a local shuttle service on this trip. I picked up the driver and drove to the put-in. Then she drove my truck to the take-out at the end. It was very convenient. Thanks again, take care.

[@oldredcoonhound2182]

Did you drop off canoe and supplies at starting point, drive vehicle to where you were pulling out end and uber/cab back to canoe?

[@nickharland3795]

I used a local outfitting company for shuttle service on this trip. It was very convenient, and the price was good. And they parked my truck at their property while I was canoeing, safe and sound. Thanks for taking the time to watch. Take care man.

[@shawnyork9065]

@@nickharland3795 n Great Video ! No fishing ?

[@briancook8938]

Hello do I need a permit to canoe the Columbian river and if so where do I get 1

[@nickharland3795]

Hello, you do not need a permit. Just show up and go. There are plenty of good camp spots along the river. It is a very nice trip with lots of wildlife.

[@potatothorn]

Awesome video. do you have to do anything n particular to secure your food from bears ? The one was pretty close to camp! awesome video, you even got a train in here!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks. I had a barrel with all the meat and perishables. It is bear resistant, but not bear proof. A bear hang would have been the proper way to go, but I was too lazy. Yeah it was a fun trip with more than a few trains. Take care Thorn.

[@potatothorn]

seems like the bears are not too aggressive there anyway, good deal.../ obviously no bear can requirement.. i was surprised how much less stringent the rules in Glacier were compared to Yosemite / California bears Want Food!

[@bgschultz]

How were the bugs?

[@nickharland3795]

Not bad at all from what I remember. Cheers Blaine.