The Nicola is an early-summer gem, perfect for first-time and veteran paddlers. We recommend the
Nicola for youth, school groups, families and anyone looking for fun, fast-paced action. The
Nicola flows through the hottest and driest region in Canada. Starting in the arid BC Interior
near Merritt, the Nicola flows through ranch lands and rugged pine-forest canyons enroute to
the Thompson River in Spences Bridge.
REO owns 2 riverfront acres on the Thompson, our Nicola take-out. The rapids on the Nicola are
all Class 2-3 except in high water when several drops become Class 4. It is a fun, perky river
with an average gradient of 50 feet per mile (steeper than the Thompson river).
Of all our rivers, the Nicola is the best choice
in May and June for those wanting easy and intermediate rapids. At this time of the year, our
premier trip on the Nahatlatch is high, fast and may be too intense for younger paddlers. The
Nicola River is the best option for day trip rafters from Kelowna and the Okanagan. The Nicola
put-in is a 2-hour drive from Kelowna.
The Nicola is a perfect paddle rafting river and a favorite of our youth and school groups. The
Nicola also makes an excellent first day of rafting on our multi-day packages and retreats.
After floating 23 km on the Nicola, the river enters the mighty Thompson river, which we float
to our riverside ranch in Spences Bridge. REO's Thompson River property is the meet location
and take-out for Nicola trips. This property is 3.5 hours from Vancouver, 2 hours from Kelowna,
and 1.5 hours from the REO's Nahatlatch River resort.
reorafting.com.