Enderby River Float: Routes, Parking & Everything You Need to Know
I’ve been floating the Enderby River since I was a kid, and it’s still one of my favourite things to do in the summer! Floating down the Shuswap River on a hot Okanagan afternoon is pretty hard to beat, especially when the alternative is melting in your backyard.
If you’ve never done the Enderby River float before, you’re in for a treat! It’s such a fun way to cool off during our hot summers, and you can choose anything from a relatively short float to spending most of the day on the water. Although, personally, I think a couple of hours is plenty. There’s only so long I want to sit in a floatie!
The biggest thing to know is that the river can be very different depending on when you go. Water levels change throughout the summer, and a float that takes an hour one day might take quite a bit longer later in the season. It’s definitely something you’ll want to check before heading out.
I’ve put together everything you need to know about floating the Enderby River, including my favourite routes, where to get in and out, and a few things I’ve learned from all those summers on the water!
Enderby River Float Routes: Which Should You Choose?
There are a few different places to float the Enderby River, and some routes are much longer than others! I’ve done quite a few sections over the years, but if it’s your first time, I’d definitely recommend starting with Belvidere Park to Tuey Park.
It’s the most popular section for a reason. You get a beautiful float down the river without committing to spending your entire day on the water. Plus, it’s easy enough to walk back to your car afterward!
Here’s a quick comparison of the different routes:
| Route | Distance | Approx. float time | My recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belvidere Park to Tuey Park | 2.5 km | 1-2.5 hours | My pick for first-timers! |
| Trinity Bridge to Eby Hand Launch | 2.5 km | 30-60 min | A short upstream section with hazards to check |
| Eby Hand Launch to Belvidere Park | 11 km | 3-6 hours | Experienced floaters who want a longer day |
If you don’t want to float all the way to Tuey Park, there’s also an earlier exit at Riverside Boat Launch. I’ll explain where to find it in the route details below.
Just remember that these times are only estimates. The river can move pretty quickly earlier in the season, but by late summer, you might be floating along at a snail’s pace. I’ve definitely had floats where I felt like I was barely moving!
⚠️And please don’t use the times to decide whether the river is safe. The water can be dangerously fast during high water, and there can be submerged trees or other hazards even when it looks calm. Check the Shuswap River Ambassadors for current conditions before heading out.
Best Time to Float the Enderby River
The Enderby River float is usually best in late July and August, although it really depends on the year! I’ve been floating here since I was a kid, and the river can be completely different from one summer to the next.
Early in the season, the Shuswap River is often running high and fast from the spring snowmelt. It might be 35°C outside and feel like the perfect day for a float, but that doesn’t mean the river is ready! The current can be dangerously strong, so I definitely wouldn’t rush to get out there just because summer has arrived.
By late July and August, and even into September, the water is usually lower and the current slows down. That’s generally when I prefer floating, although you might find yourself moving really slowly towards the end of summer. Sometimes it feels like you’re barely going anywhere!
And don’t forget that lower water doesn’t automatically mean safer water. There can still be submerged logs, strong currents, and other hazards, even on sections you’ve floated a hundred times.
Before heading out, check the Shuswap River Ambassadors for the latest river conditions. They post updates throughout the summer, and I’d definitely trust their advice over picking a date on the calendar!
Belvidere Park to Tuey Park: The Classic Enderby River Float
If you’re floating the Enderby River for the first time, this is definitely where I’d start! It’s the most popular route, and it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours cooling off without committing to an entire day on the water.
You’ll start at Belvidere Park, right in downtown Enderby. There’s a designated hand launch here where you can get into the river, plus a parking lot and washrooms at the nearby visitor centre when it’s open.
From here, you’ll float about 2.5 km downstream to Tuey Park, which usually takes around 1 to 2.5 hours. I’ve floated here more times than I can count, and it’s pretty funny how different the river can be depending on when you go. Sometimes you’re cruising along, and other times you feel like you’re barely moving!
It’s a really pretty stretch of river, with the Enderby Cliffs rising above the valley. If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, you can actually hike to the top of the Enderby Cliffs, too! Although I think I’d save that for a different day. Floating down the river sounds a lot more appealing when it’s 35°C outside!
Where to Get Out at Tuey Park
You’ll know you’re getting close to Tuey Park (also called Waterwheel Park) when the river bends and you see a big sandy beach on your left. Well, usually a big sandy beach! How much sand is actually exposed depends on the water level.
This is where you need to get out if you’re floating on an inflatable. And I really mean it, don’t miss your exit! Thankfully, the exit is pretty obvious and as long as you stay on the left bank, it’s super easy to get out.
The next public exit is at Grindrod Park, another 13 km downriver. The Shuswap River Ambassadors warn that it can take up to 12 hours to float that section, with no public access along the way. Can you imagine accidentally turning your relaxing afternoon float into a 12-hour adventure?! No thank you!
Once you’re out at Tuey Park, you can hang out at the beach for a bit or walk back to Belvidere Park along the Riverwalk. It’s about a 30-minute walk, but it’s a pretty nice one! The path follows the river, so you get to enjoy a little more of it on your way back. No need to arrange a second vehicle unless you’d rather avoid the walk altogether.
Want a Shorter Float? Get Out at Riverside Boat Launch
If you don’t want to float all the way to Tuey Park, you can get out at Riverside Boat Launch instead. It’s only about 1 km downstream from Belvidere Park, so you’ll be on the river for roughly 30 minutes to an hour.
There’s a concrete boat launch where you can get out, and from there, it’s about a 10-minute walk back to Belvidere Park along the Riverwalk.
Riverside Campground is right nearby, but remember that the campground is private property. Stick to the public boat launch and Riverwalk when you’re getting out!
Trinity Bridge to Eby Hand Launch
If you’ve already floated from Belvidere Park to Tuey Park and want to try somewhere different, Trinity Bridge to Eby Hand Launch is another option!
This section is about 2.5 km long and usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to float. It’s farther upriver, near Ashton Creek, and the current can be faster than what you’re used to in downtown Enderby. So even though it’s a short float, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for your first time on the river.
You’ll start at Trinity Bridge, where there’s a designated river access area. Parking is pretty limited, though, so make sure you’re in an actual parking spot and not blocking the road.
From there, you’ll float downstream to Eby Hand Launch. There aren’t any designated public exits between the two, so make sure you know where you’re getting out before you hop in!
One really important thing: The Shuswap River Ambassadors warn about a large fallen tree (called a strainer) just downstream of Eby Hand Launch. These can be really dangerous, so don’t miss your exit! Check their latest river updates before going because hazards can change.
And unless you’ve arranged a ride, you’ve got quite a walk back to Trinity Bridge. It’s roughly an hour on foot, so I’d definitely recommend bringing two vehicles for this route if you can.
Eby Hand Launch to Belvidere Park
If a couple of hours on the river isn’t enough for you, how about spending most of the day floating? The section from Eby Hand Launch to Belvidere Park is about 11 km long and can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the current.
I’ve done longer floats on the Shuswap River, and while I love spending time on the water, that’s a long time to be sitting in a floatie! I much prefer using a paddleboard for longer sections because you can move around a lot more and actually paddle when the river slows down.
You’ll start at Eby Hand Launch, where parking is pretty limited. There aren’t any washrooms or garbage bins here, either, so make sure you’ve got everything sorted before you arrive.
The river is beautiful along here, but there are also more hazards to watch for than on the shorter downtown float. You’ll come across sections with faster currents, and there can be fallen trees and branches sticking into the water. Those can be seriously dangerous, especially if you’re floating on an inflatable.
You’ll finish at Belvidere Park in downtown Enderby. And unlike the shorter float to Tuey Park, you definitely won’t want to walk back to where you started! Arrange two vehicles or have someone pick you up before getting on the river.
Personally, I’d save this route for a day when you’ve got plenty of time and are comfortable navigating the river. If you just want to lounge around in a floatie for an hour or two, I’d stick with Belvidere to Tuey Park.
Parking & Transportation for the Enderby River Float
Before you hop in the river, make sure you’ve figured out how you’re getting back to your car! Unlike the Penticton Channel, there isn’t a dedicated tube shuttle in Enderby that’ll pick you up at the end of your float. You’ll need to walk back or arrange your own ride.
Luckily, if you’re floating from Belvidere Park to Tuey Park, getting back is pretty easy!
Where to Park
Belvidere Park is where most people start their Enderby River float. There’s public parking nearby, although it can get pretty busy on hot summer days.
Tuey Park (Waterwheel Park) also has parking near the beach. If you’re bringing two vehicles, you can leave one here before heading to Belvidere Park.
If you’re floating one of the longer routes, parking at Trinity Bridge and Eby Hand Launch is much more limited. Make sure you’re not blocking the road or anyone’s driveway!
Getting Back to Your Car
If you’re floating from Belvidere Park to Tuey Park, you can walk back along the Riverwalk. It takes about 30 minutes, and it’s actually a really nice walk along the river! I’ve never found it to be much of a hassle.
If you get out earlier at Riverside Boat Launch, it’s only about a 10-minute walk back.
Of course, if you don’t feel like walking, you can always bring two vehicles and leave one at the end. That’s definitely what I’d recommend for the longer routes, since walking several kilometres back to your car after spending hours on the river doesn’t sound like much fun!
Oh, and make sure you’ve got somewhere waterproof to keep your car keys. Losing them in the river would be a pretty terrible way to finish your float!
What to Bring for the Enderby River Float
You don’t need a ton of gear to float the Enderby River, but there are a few things I’d definitely bring! Especially if you’re planning one of the longer floats, because being stuck on the river for hours without water or sunscreen is not my idea of a good time.
I’d leave anything valuable at home if you don’t actually need it. The river has claimed enough sunglasses over the years!
Here’s what I’d pack:
- A properly fitted life jacket (PFD): This isn’t just a recommendation! You’re legally required to have a life jacket or PFD when floating the river. I’d definitely recommend wearing it rather than just bringing it along. If you’re not wearing it, the Shuswap River Ambassadors say you also need a buoyant throwing rope.
- A whistle: Yep, this is legally required, too! Keep it attached to your PFD so it’s easy to reach if you need help.
- A sturdy floatie or paddleboard: A good river tube works well for the shorter floats. Personally, I prefer a paddleboard for longer sections because I can move around and paddle when the current slows down. Just make sure whatever you’re using is suitable for the river conditions.
- Water: Bring more than you think you’ll need, especially on those really hot Okanagan days. You might be floating for hours with no opportunity to refill your bottle (unless you bring a filter).
- Sunscreen: You’re going to be sitting in the sun for a while, and the reflection off the water doesn’t help! I always recommend applying it before getting in and bringing some along to reapply.
- A dry bag: Perfect for your keys and anything else you don’t want getting wet. I’d also put your phone in a waterproof pouch if you’re bringing it.
Enderby River Float Safety Tips
I’ve been floating the Enderby River since I was a kid, and it’s always been one of my favourite summer activities! Most of the time, it’s a pretty relaxing way to spend an afternoon, but it’s important to remember that the Shuswap River is a natural waterway. The current and water levels change throughout the summer, and there can be hazards that aren’t immediately obvious.
I don’t want to scare anyone away from floating here! I’ve had so many wonderful afternoons on the river, and I definitely recommend experiencing it. I just want you to know what to watch out for so you can have a fun, safe float.
Don’t Tie Your Floaties Together
I know it’s tempting to tie everyone’s floaties together so you can hang out as a group, but please don’t!
Ropes and bungee cords can get caught on branches or fallen trees, and the current can pull you underwater if your floatie gets stuck. It’s a lot more dangerous than you might think, which is why the Shuswap River Ambassadors specifically recommend keeping your tubes separate.
You can still float together without tying yourselves to each other!
Watch for Logs, Branches & Strong Currents
One thing people don’t always realize is how much the river can change from one summer to the next. And I’m not just talking about how fast the water is moving!
Trees fall into the river, branches get caught underwater, and sections that were perfectly fine last year might have new obstacles. I’ve floated here more times than I can count, but I still wouldn’t assume everything is exactly how I remember it.
Keep an eye out for fallen trees and submerged branches, especially around bends and near the riverbanks. The current can push you towards them, and getting caught against something in moving water can be really dangerous.
If you’re using a paddleboard, having a paddle makes it much easier to steer. For river tubes, choose a route and conditions suitable for tubing rather than counting on being able to paddle yourself out of trouble.
Know Where You’re Getting Out
Please, please know where you’re getting out before you hop in the river! I’ve already warned you about missing Tuey Park and accidentally adding another 13 km (and potentially 12 hours!) to your float, but there’s a reason I keep bringing it up.
I grew up around here, and I’ve heard so many stories about tourists who stayed on the river way longer than they meant to. The sun starts going down, they’re freezing cold, and eventually they end up crawling out of the river into some random farmer’s field, asking for help getting home. Seriously, I’ve heard it all! And I can only imagine how thrilled those farmers are to have another group of lost floaters show up.
So do yourself a favour and figure out exactly where your exit is before you start. Make sure you’re on the right side of the river well before you reach it, because you can’t just hop out anywhere. Some banks are difficult to climb, and a lot of the land along the river is private property.
I promise, knowing where you’re getting out makes the whole afternoon a lot more enjoyable!
A Few More Things to Remember
First, don’t forget your PFD and whistle! They’re actually legally required when floating the Enderby River, not just something I’m recommending. And I’d definitely wear your PFD rather than leaving it sitting in your floatie.
Now, you might notice that I’m not wearing a PFD in quite a few of the photos in this article. So, do as I say, not as I do! I’ve definitely been guilty of not wearing one in the past, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, the river can surprise you!
If you’re bringing kids, make sure they’re wearing properly fitted life jackets and that you’re keeping a close eye on them. The river might look calm, but the current can be stronger than you’d expect, even in shallower areas.
Now, I know people drink alcohol while floating the Enderby River all the time. I’ve grown up around here, I’ve seen it plenty! But I really wouldn’t recommend it. You still need to pay attention to where you’re going, and alcohol doesn’t exactly help with that. Plus, you can get fined for drinking in public, so save the drinks for when you’re back on dry land.
And please, please take your garbage with you! It makes me so sad seeing garbage floating down the river or caught along the banks. The Shuswap River is such a beautiful place, and I’d really love for it to stay that way.
Finally, before you head out, check the Shuswap River Ambassadors for any updates on river conditions or hazards. Even if you’ve floated here a hundred times, it’s always worth checking what’s changed since your last visit!
Enderby River Float FAQ
Can kids float the Enderby River?
Absolutely, but I’d be careful about when you go! I’ve seen plenty of families enjoying the river over the years, although that doesn’t mean every day is a good day to bring kids.
I’d stick to the shorter Belvidere Park to Tuey Park section when conditions are good, and make sure everyone has a properly fitted life jacket (there are free, first-come, first-served life jackets at Belvidere). And of course, keep a close eye on your kids the entire time. The river might look pretty calm, but it’s still moving water!
Can you bring dogs on the Enderby River float?
You can, although whether your dog will actually enjoy floating down the river is another question!
Some dogs absolutely love being out on the water, while others would probably rather be doing literally anything else. If you’re bringing yours, make sure they’re comfortable on your float, have a dog life jacket, and aren’t going to spend the entire afternoon overheating in the sun.
Personally, I’d only bring a dog that’s already used to being on the water. A couple of hours on the river probably isn’t the best time to find out they hate it!
How cold is the Enderby River?
It really depends on when you go. Earlier in the summer, the water can be pretty chilly from the snowmelt, especially if you’re planning to spend a few hours floating.
By late July, August, and September, it’s much more comfortable.
Are there washrooms along the Enderby River float?
There are washrooms near Belvidere Park and outhouses at Tuey Park, so definitely take advantage of those before and after your float.
Once you’re actually on the river, though, you’re out of luck. There aren’t public washrooms along the floating routes, and you can’t just hop out wherever you want.
And if you’re floating one of the longer sections, well, I’d definitely make a bathroom stop before getting in. Several hours is a long time when you’ve really got to pee!
Things to Do in Enderby After Your Float
If you’re already coming to Enderby for a river float, you might as well hang around for a bit! It’s a small town, but there are some really beautiful places to explore.
One of my favourites is the Enderby Cliffs hike. I’ve been hiking up there since I was a kid, and the views from the top are so good! You can actually see the Shuswap River winding through the valley below. Although I probably wouldn’t recommend tackling that climb right after spending hours floating in the hot sun. Save it for another day!
If you’re not in the mood for a hike, you can always hang out at Tuey Park after your float. I love the big sandy beach here, and it’s a great place to spend a little more time by the water before heading home.
And if you can stick around until evening, definitely check out the Starlight Drive-In! It’s just south of Enderby on Highway 97A, and watching a movie under the stars is such a fun way to end a summer day. Drive-in theatres are pretty rare these days, so I love that we still have one here!
Of course, after a few hours on the river, you’ll probably be pretty hungry, too. There are places to grab something to eat downtown before heading to the movie, which sounds like a pretty great summer day to me!
Final Thoughts on the Enderby River Float
I’ve been floating the Enderby River for as long as I can remember, and I still look forward to it every summer! Even after all these years, spending a hot afternoon floating down the river with friends is pretty hard to beat.
If you’ve never been, I definitely recommend adding it to your summer plans! Just check the river conditions before heading out, know where you’re getting out, and bring your PFD. I want you to have just as much fun out there as I’ve had over the years!
And if you’re planning to spend more time exploring the area, I’ve got plenty of other things to do in the Okanagan to share!