Nlaka’pamux Thompson River Journey

Service Description

Departing from our launch at Martel, this 2.5‑hour jetboat experience begins by travelling upstream into the Nlaka’pamux stretch of the Thompson River. From the first push off the shore, the river’s power is immediately felt as we move against the current and into one of the most dramatic corridors on the route. The Thompson tightens, deepens, and gains force as the canyon walls rise around us, creating a fast, narrow passage shaped by centuries of water and wind. As we head upriver, the landscape shifts quickly. Open benches give way to steep rock faces, shadowed corners, and the distinct formations that mark the entrance to Black Canyon. This section of the river is known for its strong currents, swirling eddies, and the carved basalt walls that define the canyon. Travelling upstream through this corridor offers a close look at the river’s energy and the geological forces that have shaped Nlaka’pamux territory. Continuing upriver, we approach the landmark known as Cornwall Spire, a striking rock formation that rises above the canyon and signals the upper extent of this tour. The meeting of steep slopes, narrow water, and towering rock makes this one of the most memorable points on the route. We travel just beyond the spire before making our upriver turn, giving you time to take in the full view of the canyon and the surrounding river country. The downstream run offers a different experience as we travel with the current. The Thompson moves faster beneath the boat, revealing how the river flows through the canyon’s tight bends and rock features. Landmarks that appeared one way on the upstream run—cutbanks, shelves, eddies, and side channels—look new from this direction, and the changing light on the canyon walls adds depth to the scenery. The return trip provides a broader sense of how the river connects different parts of Nlaka’pamux territory and how its seasonal changes shape the landscape. This tour highlights the canyon stretch of the Thompson River—its landmarks, its power, and its role as a travel corridor through Nlaka’pamux lands. Travelling from Martel upstream through Black Canyon to Cornwall Spire and returning with the current, this experience offers a fast, scenic, and grounded way to see one of the most dramatic river sections in the interior.