Put in:  Whitefish Lake boat launch (down the Northstar Road off of Hwy 10)

Take out:  same (out and back canoe route)

Classification:  Beginner

Distance:  14 km round trip

Time:  1-2 days

Summary:  Definitely one of the more popular canoe routes for those looking for a good day trip or even an overnighter without a lot of mileage to paddle.  It’s also easier to coordinate for vehicles as it's an out-and-back trip so no need to drive your vehicles ahead like on other river systems.  There’s a little bit of everything in this canoe trip - small, sheltered lakes, quaint river paddling alongside the beavers, some rapids, some portaging, and of course the beautiful Mikanagan Falls for swimming in! 

River Travel: Beginner (although there have been beaver dams to climb over in previous years)

Lake Travel: Beginner to Novice

Portaging: Moderate

Remoteness: Intermediate

Number of Rapids: possibly 1 (maybe able to shoot the first set of rapids on the way back if water levels are high)

Number of Portages: 1-2 (maybe be able to line the first set of rapids on way out upstream) 

Details: Drive Hwy 10 north up to Bakers Narrows where we will turn right on the Northstar road to Whitefish lake. Park in the boat launch area.  Paddle Northeast up Whitefish Lake to the entrance of the river.  Paddle river to the first set of rapids.  Line or portage on right.  Continue north on the river to the second rapids, portage on right.  Mikanagan Falls in the center of portage (there is a campsite can stay in here).  Paddle north upriver to Mikanagan Lake - an excellent campsite on an island close to the northwest shore.  Next day, come back the way you came!