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Vancouver Island Rivers

Last Update: 2021-07-25

Vancouver Island, with many rivers, has been getting the attention of angling enthusiasts. The variety of fish species, fishing pools, and easy access made Vancouver Island rivers an excellent choice for fishing. The Goldstream River, Campbell River, Cowichan River, and Nimpkish River are among the best rivers on Vancouver Island. Ride a boat and catch some fish in suitable spots of a river or do it from shore. Raise your adrenaline with rafting and tubing. Enjoy swimming holes, kayaking and canoeing. If you plan to participate in Vancouver Island overnight tours, you can find camps along the rivers. Plan for riverside camping and go for multi-day hikes. Rivers are habitats for several organisms and provide food for them. That's why you can even have fun with wildlife viewing. Rivers are among the natural attractions that have played an essential role in creating tourism structures and this industry's prosperity. Many entertainment businesses and also hotels stand near Vancouver Island rivers. Sports and recreational activities and events, also nature and wildlife around the rivers, attract visitors with different tastes to Vancouver Island.

Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River

The Nanaimo River, with warm water and deep pools, is an excellent choice for swimming. It has lagoons for a family picnic or day trail and a rocky beach for kids to play in, and for you to lay on some large rocks. From April to June, and in September or October, test your fishing skill in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Have the pleasure of hiking in trails and take some pictures.

Somass River

Somass River

The Somass River is placed in an area with pristine nature and high ecosystem values. Being near the crystal clear water with white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, gorgeous rustic-chic villas, and enchanting, dazzling sunsets can make your day. Have a great experience watching black bears from spring to late fall. Enjoy the Alpine meadow, mountain top views, rain forests, and waterfalls.

Trent River

Trent River

The Trent River runs through nature and brings more life to it. The river has a waterfall on its way and merges into the Strait of Georgia. It is fantastic to see the water flowing over the stones and hear the dipper's clear wandering song working along the edge. The Trent River is a beautiful attraction perfect for swimming in summer. There are many fishes in the river, including pink salmon.

Koksilah River

Koksilah River

Go to a river to feel alive as its current. The Koksilah River can be your place. It originates on the slopes of Waterloo Mountain and continues its way to reach Cowichan Bay. On hot summer days, being there to swim in the valley could be refreshing. This river has a distinct beauty and various rocky canyons, waterfalls and rapids to a wide river. There are many species of birds to watch.

Nimpkish River

Nimpkish River

Keep your restless spirit of travelling to start exploring the longest river on Vancouver Island. The Nimpkish River extends from the west slope of Mount Alston, passes Nimpkish Lake toward the Broughton Strait. With a provincial park on its way, it gives you excellent chances to camp or to have a picnic in nature. Discover it all and the wilderness, or have some relaxing time during fishing.

Jordan River

Jordan River

Experience the softness and strength of the Jordan River. Feel the release of adrenaline in your blood or the comfort of being in nature. Jordan River, which ends in its regional park and the Pacific Ocean, brings you chances to do lots of adventures like hiking, biking, and popular activities such as storm watching, surfing, and kayaking to the sea.

Englishman River

Englishman River

Are you looking for a nice place near Nanaimo or Parksville to have a memorable time? Are you interested in exploring a river, park, and waterfall at the same time? Choose the Englishman River, capture the beauties of nature, and enjoy hiking along the trails. Get relaxed by the falls, go fishing or swimming in the river, have meals at picnic tables, or get ready for camping in the area.

Cowichan River

Cowichan River

Are you interested in spring and summer plans on Vancouver Island? The Cowichan River, the fourth largest river on Vancouver Island, provides you with guided hiking and backpacking trips. Cowichan River Provincial Park protects the Cowichan River's essential stretches. Start from Lake Cowichan to Cowichan Bay and the Strait of Georgia to expand your adventure around the Cowichan River.

Type of Fishing and Fish Species on Vancouver Island Rivers

Vancouver Island has so much to offer when it comes to fishing. Enjoy different fisheries like kayak fishing and fly-fishing on Vancouver Island. The most common fishes that you can find in Vancouver Island rivers are Rainbow Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, and Kokanee Salmon.


Vanislander

Top 10 Rivers on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is known worldwide for its incredible clear flowing rivers. These rivers can build entertaining, remembering, and even romantic travel opportunities. Here we have a list of the most beautiful rivers on Vancouver Island.
1. Salmon River
2. Englishman River
3. Nanaimo River
4. Chemainus River
5. Goldstream River
6. Somass River
7. Puntledge River
8. Nimpkish River
9. Cowichan River
10. San Juan River


Top 10 White Water Rivers on Vancouver Island

There are many great opportunities for white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing on Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island's roaring rivers attract everyone to get an adrenaline rush. Here are the most popular white waters of Vancouver Island.
1. Gold River
2. Cowichan River
3. Campbell River
4. Koksilah River
5. Nanaimo River
6. Jordan River
7. Nimpkish River
8. Woss River
9. Salmon River
10. Oyster River

Vanislander


Vanislander

The Best Rivers for Swimming on Vancouver Island

Many great swimming spots on Vancouver Island may come to your attention, like the ocean, lakes and, of course, amazing rivers. Swimming in the freshwater of Vancouver Island rivers is what you shouldn't miss. The best rivers for swimming on Vancouver Island are as follows:
1. Nanaimo River
2. Puntledge River
3. Englishman River
4. Cowichan Lake
5. Taylor River


Top 10 Rivers for Fishing on Vancouver Island

1. Cowichan River
2. Stamp River
3. Campbell River
4. Big Qualicum River
5. Elk River
6. Nimpkish River
7. Gold River
8. Englishman River
9. Salmon River
10. Oyster River

Vanislander

Vancouver Island Rivers Common Questions and Answers

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