There are amazing opportunities for boating in the area. Please review the regulations below before heading out on the water.
If you are interested in canoeing and kayaking, the Kootenay River offers some great opportunities. There are a variety of rustic launch points to access various sections. Please refer to the boat launch information below.
Paddling through the various ponds of the wetland offers various challenges. One concern is the disturbance of both migratory and nesting waterfowl and other bird species. Also, water levels fluctuate seasonally, making it difficult to maneuver through the mud and vegetation. If you have questions about exploring the wetland ponds via boat, please feel free to Contact Us
Rowboats, dingys and other small boats are often used by hunters and fishers to gain access to areas of the CVWMA. Please refer to the regulations below for information on motor restrictions and permits needed to store boats.
Day users and boat permit holders are reminded boat launches and water access recreational sites are use at your own risk. Be prepared, be safe and have fun!
Please adhere to the following rules and regulations when boating on the CVWMA property:
If you are interested in storing at boat on the approved location at Duck Lake on CVWMA property, please contact the CVWMA administration office as a yearly boat storage permit must be purchased. The total number of permits is capped at 50 per year. Entry into our lottery program starts Dec 1, 2025.
After Jan 20th, 2026:
Permit holders will receive a decal that MUST be affixed to and displayed visibly on the boat stored at Duck Lake.
The new changes to our boat storage and details can be found in the ‘Boat Storage Permits, upcoming changes for 2026’.
Boat owners are responsible for their own boats security during the storage period. Store at your own risk. CVWMA is not responsible for any damage, theft, loss or vandalism that may occur during the storage period.
Call for any questions (250-402-6900)
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Call the administration office for details on availability.
When available, a boat storage permit can be obtained in the following ways:
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BOAT ACCESS
If you are interested in getting a boat out on the water, there is a rustic boat launch on the west side of Duck Lake and at various locations along the Kootenay River.
If you want to access Duck Lake at Sirdar, where you can launch a boat as well as store a boat with a valid permit (limited annual permits available), you must drive along Highway 3A and access the area at the town of Sirdar, off the HWY at ‘Sirdar Pub’ and across the CPR train tracks – there you will find a rustic road, parking lot and information Kiosk. There is no vehicle access directly to the lake shore, boats must be carried/wheeled from the parking lot down a moderate incline trail approx. 150 meters.
If you are driving along the CVMWA dykes at Duck Lake, there is no access to Highway 3A and the Sirdar area.
Please see the CVWMA Access Map for more information on launch points.
The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society (250-402-8661) offers guided canoe tours from May to August in the ponds and channels around the Discovery Centre. A trained Naturalist will take you out in large voyageur style canoes for a one hour tour. You will learn all about the wetland and the wildlife that live here. It is an amazing way to explore the area. z
