Secwepemc Thompson River Journey

Service Description

Departing from our launch just upstream of the confluence of the Bonaparte River and the Thompson, this 2.5‑hour jetboat experience begins by travelling upstream into the Secwepemc stretch of the Thompson River. Moving against the current gives you an immediate sense of the river’s strength as it narrows, deepens, and gathers energy between its banks. As we head upriver, the landscape shifts from open benches and rail lines to rising canyon walls and tighter bends. The Thompson’s character becomes more defined here—strong currents, clear eddies, and rock features shaped by seasonal flows and freshet. These landmarks have guided river travel for generations and continue to influence how the river is navigated today. We travel past Juniper Beach and into the canyon section leading toward the confluence of Deadman’s Creek and the Thompson. This area marks a significant meeting of waters from the interior plateau with the main river, and its steep slopes and distinctive rock formations make it one of the most striking parts of the route. We continue just beyond the confluence before making our upriver turn, giving you time to take in the full view of the joining waters and the surrounding canyon. The return downstream offers a different perspective as we travel with the current. Features that appeared one way on the upstream run—rock points, side channels, cutbanks—look new from this direction, and the changing light on the canyon walls adds depth to the scenery. The river moves faster beneath the boat, revealing how the Thompson connects different parts of Secwepemc territory through its flow and seasonal changes. This tour highlights the Secwepemc stretch of the Thompson River—its landmarks, its energy, and its role as a travel corridor. Travelling from the Bonaparte confluence upstream past Deadman’s Creek and returning with the current, this experience offers a fast, scenic, and grounded way to see one of the most important waterways in the interior.