Enderby River Float in the North Okanagan-Shuswap

If summer in the Okanagan had a soundtrack, the Enderby River float would be playing on repeat. Whether you live here or you’re just visiting, this lazy, sun-soaked float is a must-do. It’s an easy-going adventure where you can spend the day drifting past farms and forests, and the beautiful Enderby Cliffs, all while hanging out with your favourite people.

The best part is that the Enderby River float is completely free, all you need is something to float on (I’m a big fan of cheap floaties or paddleboards), a PFD (it’s the law), and a way to get back to where you started.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your perfect Enderby River float: the most popular routes, when to go, and how to make it fun and safe. I’ve also shared my go-to gear so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to floating the day away.

Jacob and I have been doing the float almost every summer since we were kids and it never gets old! If you’re putting together an Okanagan summer bucket list or hunting for the best things to do in the North Okanagan, this is one you don’t want to skip.

Enderby River Float Stats

Before you head out, it helps to know the basics. The Enderby River float has a few different sections to choose from, each with its own vibe, distance, and time commitment. Whether you want a quick afternoon float or a full-day North Okanagan adventure, there’s a route for you.

These stats will give you a good idea of how long each float will take and where to get in and out. I’ve included more info about each section below so you can pick the perfect route.

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Popular Routes

• Trinity Bridge to Eby Hand Launch: 2.5 km, 0.5-1 hr
• Eby Hand Launch to Belvidere Park: 11 km, 3-6 hrs (best for kayaks or experienced floaters)
• Belvidere Park to Riverside Campground: 1 km, 0.5-0.75 hr
• Belvidere Park to Tuey Park: 2.5 km, 0.5-2 hrs

Entry & Exit Points: Trinity Bridge, Eby Hand Launch, Belvidere Park, Riverside Campground, Riverside Launch, Tuey Park

Fees & Open Dates

• Fees: Free, just bring your own gear
• Season: The Enderby River float doesn’t technically “close” since it’s a natural river, but the recommended time to go is from early July to mid-September. Earlier in the season, the water is usually higher and faster which can be dangerous

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Parking & Shuttle Tips

There’s no official shuttle for the Enderby River float, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Here’s how to make it easy:

Two-vehicle method: Bring two cars, park one at your starting point and the other at your exit. This is the easiest way to avoid a long walk at the end.

Walking times

• Belvidere Park to Tuey Park: ~20 minutes
• Belvidere Park to Riverside RV Park: ~10 minutes (via Riverwalk)
• Trinity Bridge to Eby Hand Launch: ~1 hour
• Eby Hand Launch to Belvidere Park: ~1.5 hours, two vehicles highly recommended

Parking notes

• Belvidere Park: Lots of parking, but can fill up on hot weekends
• Tuey Park: Busy beach area, parking is limited, arrive early
• Riverside RV Park: Parking for campground guests; use public access points nearby if not staying there
• Trinity Bridge & Eby Hand Launch: Limited parking, be respectful of residents and avoid blocking driveways

Gear Suggestions

One of the best things about the Enderby River float is how simple it is. You don’t need a ton of fancy gear to have an amazing time on the water. A few key items will keep you comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy an amazing Okanagan summer day.

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Floatie

Do I really need to say it? You need a floatie to float the Enderby River. It can be a cheap rainbow tube, a paddleboard, a floating dock, or anything else sturdy enough for a few hours on the water.

I love the cheap floaties for the shorter routes because they’re light and easy to carry back to your car. For longer routes, though, a paddleboard is my go-to. These days I pretty much use my paddleboard for every route, but I get that they’re a bit (okay, a lot) of an investment compared to a $20 floatie.

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Water

Bring plenty of water! The bigger your bottle, the better, because you’ll be surprised how thirsty you get floating on the Enderby River. I like having a large, insulated water bottle so my water stays cold for hours.

You can even get bottles with a filter built right in, which is perfect if you want to refill from the river while you’re out. A portable water filter, like a LifeStraw or similar, works great too. Whatever you bring, make sure it’s reusable so it doesn’t end up in the water or on the riverbank.

Sun Protection

Anytime you’re out in the Okanagan in summer, whether you’re hiking, paddling, or doing the Enderby River float, you’re going to be in full sun for hours. There’s almost no shade on the river, so protecting yourself from those rays is a must.

A wide-brimmed hat or a secure cap will help keep your face shaded, while polarized sunglasses cut the glare off the water and make it easier to spot obstacles ahead. If you’re doing a longer route, consider a lightweight, long-sleeve sun shirt for extra protection without overheating.

Don’t forget a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply often; the sun reflects off the water, so you can burn faster than you think. If you’re looking for a great option, my current favourite is Just Sun. It’s natural, feels lightweight, and leaves a very minimal white cast (and I’ve tried a lot of sunscreens over the years). Plus, they’re from Kelowna!

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PFDs & Safety Gear

By law, everyone floating on the Enderby River needs to have a properly sized personal flotation device (PFD) and a whistle. You don’t technically have to wear the PFD, but it needs to be with you at all times on the river. That said, I always recommend wearing it because the river has currents, deeper sections, and natural hazards that can catch you off guard and a PFD can literally save your life (especially on the upstream routes).

I know, I know… if you scroll through my photos you’ll see I’m not wearing one in some of them, which does make me a bit of a hypocrite. Don’t me like me, and be the safer (and smarter) floater.

When you’re picking one out, choose something comfortable and lightweight so you’ll actually want to wear it. There are plenty of options out there, from basic budget-friendly life jackets to sleek paddling vests that give you more arm movement. If you’re buying one, look for Transport Canada-approved models so you know they meet safety standards.

And yes, the whistle is important too. It’s the easiest way to signal for help if you need it and they’re cheap to clip right onto your PFD.

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Odds & Ends

These aren’t must-haves, but they’ll make your float way more comfortable and fun:

• Water shoes or secure sandals: The riverbed can be rocky in spots and these will make it a lot easier when hopping in and out.
• Dry bag: Perfect for keeping your phone, keys, and snacks safe. Some clip right onto your floatie or paddleboard.
• Waterproof phone pouch: Lets you take photos without worrying about a dunked phone. I like the ones with a lanyard that also float so it’s not going to sink to the bottom of the river if you drop it.
• Snacks: Even on shorter routes, snacks are always a good idea. Go for stuff that won’t melt in the sun and keep it in a resealable bag.
• Bungee cords or rope: Great for tying floaties together so your group stays connected.

What You Need to Know About the Enderby River Float

The Enderby River float is hands-down one of my favourite summer activities in the North Okanagan! I’ve been floating this river since I was a little kid and it still brings back lazy-afternoon memories every time I go.

The Shuswap River, which is more commonly called the Enderby River in this stretch, winds its way from Mabel Lake to Mara Lake, passing forests, open farmland, and the stunning Enderby Cliffs along the way. As you float, you might spot cows cooling off at the river’s edge, eagles soaring overhead, or even the occasional deer or black bear in the distance.

Unlike the busy Penticton Channel, the Enderby River is a completely natural waterway. It’s a slow, meandering float that lets you soak in the scenery and enjoy the peace of the Okanagan summer.

Even on peak weekends, the river is wide enough that you won’t feel crammed together. You can still drift with your friends and family in your own little bubble of sunshine and water.

When to Float the Enderby River?

The short answer? Late summer is the best time to float the Enderby River.

How about the long answer? Well, it really depends on when you go.

In early summer, the water can be high and fast. That might sound exciting, but it can also be dangerous; plus, your float will be over way quicker than you’d like. By late summer, the river slows right down. The water is usually low, warm, and lazy, which makes for a much longer, safer float. In some shallow spots, you can even hop out and walk along the sandy bottom.

If you’re planning a North Okanagan summer getaway and want the most relaxing version of this float, late July through mid-September is your sweet spot.

Entering & Exiting the Enderby River

There are several places to start and finish the Enderby River float, but the most popular route is from Belvidere Park to Tuey Park (0.5-2 hrs). Other well-loved options are Belvidere Park to Riverside Campground (45 mins) and Trinity Bridge to Eby Hand Launch (0.5-1 hr).

The Shuswap River runs through or alongside private property for most of its length, so it’s important to be respectful. Only use the designated public launch and exit sites to keep the experience safe, legal, and enjoyable for everyone.

You’ll find each of these access points linked above in the “Enderby River Stats” section so you can plan your North Okanagan float without any guesswork.

Local Facilities

Facilities along the Enderby River Float are pretty limited, so plan ahead.

You’ll find outhouses at Tuey Park and Belvidere Park, but there aren’t any public washrooms at Trinity Bridge or Eby Hand Launch. Riverside Campground does have washrooms, but they’re for campground guests only (you’ll need an access code to use them).

Bring what you need and be prepared to go without facilities for the duration of your float.

Enderby River Float Routes

There’s more than one way to do the Enderby River Float and each route has its own vibe. Some are short and sweet, others are a full-day adventure.

I’ve put together the most popular sections below with quick tips and all the details you need so you can pick the one that’s perfect for your next North Okanagan summer day.

Belvidere Park to Tuey Park

If it’s your first time doing the Enderby River float, this is the route I recommend. It’s about 2.5 km long and takes anywhere from 30 minutes in early summer to around two hours in late summer, depending on water levels.

It’s a gorgeous, easy-going section of the Shuswap River with a sandy bottom and very few obstacles. By late summer, it’s so shallow in spots you can walk most of the way.

About 1 km into the float, you’ll pass Riverside Campground. This is a great spot to cut your trip short if you want a quicker float. The exit is hard to miss, it’s usually buzzing with people from the campground. There are actually two ways out here:

1. A set of stairs that leads to the Riverwalk
2. A cement boat launch

If you take this exit, you can walk back to Belvidere Park in about 10 minutes by following the Riverwalk upstream.

If you stay on the river, your float will end at Tuey Park, which locals also call Waterwheel Park. You’ll know you’re close when you round a bend and see a big, sandy beach on your left, which is often busy with swimmers and floaters. The water gets very shallow here, so you might have to hop out and walk the last few steps.

Important: Make sure you get out at Tuey Park because there’s no proper exit until Grindrod, which, by float, is literally an 8+ hour commitment.

There are no shuttles for this route, but Enderby is small enough that you can easily walk back to your car at Belvidere Park in about 30 minutes. This is a great float because it’s relaxing and doesn’t take the whole day. Pair it with lunch or ice cream in town afterward!

Trinity Bridge to Eby Hand Launch

This is the second most popular section of the Enderby River float. It’s about 2.5 km long and runs upstream near Ashton Creek, taking roughly 30 minutes to an hour depending on water levels.

The current here is a bit faster than the sections in Enderby, so your float will be shorter, but it’s arguably even more scenic.

There are no exit points along this stretch, so once you get in, you’re committed until the Eby Hand Launch. Along the way, you’ll find a few sandy beaches where you can pull over for a snack or a quick swim break.

Access can be trickier for this route. Parking is limited at both Trinity Bridge and Eby Hand Launch, and the walk back between them takes about an hour. It’s worth planning your transportation ahead of time or bringing two vehicles if possible.

Eby Hand Launch to Belvidere Park

This is the longest and most challenging section of the Enderby River float that most people do. At around 11 km, it takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on the current and your gear. It’s beautiful, but you need to be prepared.

Start early, you don’t want to be caught out on the river as the sun’s going down. I highly recommend using a paddleboard for this route because it gives you the option to move faster through the slower sections or if you need to make up time. You’ll definitely want to bring food, plenty of water, and maybe even a small cooler that can clip to your floatie or SUP.

The first part of this section includes some quick-moving water and natural obstacles like logs. Make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with moving water and strong enough to steer their floatie or paddleboard safely. After that, the river mellows out in places, but there are still deep pools and stretches where the current picks up.

You’ll definitely want two vehicles for this route. Park one at the launch site (Eby Hand Launch) and one at your pickup point (Belvidere Park). The walk back is about 1.5 hours, and trust me, you won’t feel like doing that after spending the whole day on the water.

Because of the length and the mix of calm and fast water, this route is best for more experienced floaters or paddlers. It’s gorgeous, but it’s a full-day commitment.

Other Float Routes

There are plenty of other stretches of the Shuswap River you can float, but most of them are much longer and take way more planning than the go-to Enderby River float routes. We’re talking several hours, sometimes a full day, on the water. You’ll need to bring food, plenty of water, the right gear, and a solid transportation plan.

Because these routes can be remote, faster in sections, and a little unpredictable, most people prefer a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. They’re faster, easier to steer, and way better for handling deeper, quicker water.

The thing about these longer sections is that they often run through quieter parts of the North Okanagan, far from town. Once you’re in, you’re in; there’s no hopping out early. Sometimes it’s hours between pull-outs, which makes them a lot more of a commitment than the casual Belvidere to Tuey cruise.

If you’re tempted to give one of these routes a try, connect with local paddling groups or check in with an outfitter before you go. They’ll have the latest scoop on water levels, hazards, and the best launch spots so your “adventure” doesn’t turn into an unexpected survival mission.

Staying Safe

Floating the Enderby River might feel effortless, but a few hours in the hot Okanagan sun can be more tiring than you think. You’re exposed to the elements the whole time and the Shuswap River is a natural waterway which means changing currents, deep pools, and hidden hazards. Sadly, people have drowned here after being caught off guard.

By law, everyone on the river needs to have a properly sized PFD and a whistle with them. You don’t technically have to wear the PFD, but I recommend it (yes, I know I’m guilty of not wearing mine… don’t be like me). It doesn’t matter how strong a swimmer you are, the river can surprise you.

It’s also against the law to have open alcohol or be intoxicated on the river, though you’ll still see people with drinks in hand. The RCMP and conservation officers do patrol, so keep it safe and legal.

Other safety musts:

• Bring lots of water, you’ll dehydrate faster than you think
• Wear sunscreen and reapply often
• Pack out everything you bring to keep the river as gorgeous as you found it

And as always, enjoy your float! You’ll have a wonderful time and make great memories.

Enderby River Float FAQ

What Else to Do in Enderby

If you’re coming for the Enderby River float, you might as well turn it into a whole day (or weekend). Enderby’s small, but there’s lots to keep you busy:

• Hike Enderby Cliffs: One of my favourite hikes in the North Okanagan. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views over the valley and Shuswap River are absolutely worth it!
• Farmer’s Market: If you’re here on a Friday in the summer, swing by the market at City Hall. Fresh local produce, baking, and crafts, plus snacks for after your float.
• Starlight Drive-In: One of the few remaining drive-in theatres in BC, this is a classic summer night activity. Pack blankets, snacks, and settle in for a double feature under the stars.
• Cliff Avenue Shops & Cafés: Grab an ice cream, a coffee, or poke around some of the small-town shops right in the heart of Enderby.

Where to Stay in Enderby

If you’re coming from out of town, staying the night means you can float one day and explore the next!

• Riverside RV Park & Campground: Right on the river with camping and RV sites. Perfect if you want to roll straight out of your tent and onto your float.
• Mabel Lake Resort & Airbnbs: About a 30-minute drive, but worth it for lakefront cabins and a quieter vibe.
• Enderby Motor Inn: Simple, budget-friendly rooms right in town.
• VRBO & Airbnb Stays: Everything from riverfront cabins to cozy farmstays nearby if you want something unique.