Paddling on the Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River - Classic class 3-3+ run that actually feels like a river not a creek. A super popular run for paddlers in the lower Vancouver Island area, this run an awesome play features a variety of flows. Rapids start out at a gentle class 2 and progress nicely to 3+ towards the end. I'd stick between the 30 - 100cms range but it's known to be paddled up 300cms+ by local hardcore boaters. At levels above 100cms, expect to dodge hole and surf waves. The last rapid is known to have wood in it from time to time, worth scouting or portaging river right. There is an emergency egress point half way down but it is on private property, please only use it in an emergency. Owners have expressed that there should be no one on their property. Rafting is not recommended because of the hike at the take out.

Nanaimo River - A great training run in a very natural scenic setting. Rapid difficulty builds as the run progresses. The most challenging one has a portage with allows it to be run multiple times or avoided, and is near the end.