Our fleet of canoes and kayaks and SUPs are modern, stable recreational boats which are easy to paddle.
Feeling adventurous? Why not push out into the fertile Columbia Valley Wetlands and enjoy a first rate view on a self-guided tour, or discover the Columbia River Wetlands' secrets and facts about local bird, fish, reptiles and animal life, and local human history from an experienced guide.
Whether you’re an individual, a couple, or large group your family and friends can enjoy a hassle-free canoe or kayaking in the picturesque Columbia Valley. What we offer: Guided and Self-Guided Tours, Shuttle Service, Canoe, Kayak up SUP rentals, relaxed, educational and fun Group Events! Our focus is on safety, with full orientations.
Born and raised in Kempten Allgaeu (Germany – Bavaria) Max emigrated to Canada in 1992. Max has been involved in Paragliding since 1987 and started Hangliding in 1989. Max worked as a Paragliding instructor and test pilot for various Paragliding manufactures and the DAeC in Germany.
He also flies Single Engine Aircraft since 1999, Sailplanes since 2000 and has been an Ultralight Flight Instructor since 2003. Besides flying, hiking, skiing and chasing adventures with his family, Max is working as an Internet Marketing/Development Consultant and is the founder of Appointment.com and is the President of Trappeur Homes Ltd.
Max and Penny bought Columbia River Paddle in 2006 and take pride in the successful business they have created. Max refers to himself as the “gopher; he goes for this and he goes for that”; he’s that driving force behind us that is commitment to getting people on the water and into nature.
Penny was born in South Africa, and lived in Banff and Canmore prior to moving to Invermere to live with her partner, Max, and starting a family. Penny traveled all over the world but was always happy to return to one of the most wonderful places in the world, which she called home.
Penny had always been involved in sports; she worked out every day at the gym, was a tennis pro, marathon runner, white water rafting guide, aerobics trainer, skydiver, paraglider pilot, triathlete, downhill and cross country skier.
Penny sadly passed away February 1, 2024 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Her commitment to making paddling accessible to as many people as possible and sharing the beautiful waterways in the Columbia Valley will never be forgotten. Penny was outgoing, easy to talk to and made a connection with everyone she met. We strive to continue the business in her legacy.
Originally from the UK, Fiona has worked at Columbia River Paddle since she moved to Canada in 2016. Since her first busy summer working at the ‘docks’ Fiona has started a family and her work moved more into the ‘behind the scenes’; coordinating transportation requests, responding to emails, taking bookings etc. Since the sad passing of Penny, Fiona has stepped up to work closely with Max and Allison in a General Manager position, you might meet her at the docks training her young kids to clean boats.
In winter you’ll find Fiona at Panorama where she enjoys skiing with her family when she’s not working as a Ski Patroller.
Originally from Calgary, Allison moved out to the Valley in 2016 and joined the Columbia River Paddle crew in 2019. Over the years she learned and helped to run the business. She is now the Operations Manager as the “boots on the ground” running the day to day operations. You will probably see her organizing and helping staff with customers, driving the bus for Radium pick up’s or events, checking customers in, working with the school groups, hauling boats around and whatever else needs to be done on site.
Allison says “Columbia River Paddle is hands down the best company and bosses she has ever worked for, she will strive hard to fill the big shoes of the best boss she has ever had. Penny will forever be missed but Allison is happy to be able to step up along side Fiona and Max to continue the legacy Penny and Max started.”
Growing up here in the Columbia Valley, I have had the opportunity to see the re-defining of the focus on both the use and importance of our local land and waterways. Specifically, what we as locals referred to down-stream of our beautiful gem in Lake Windermere, as the “sloughs” has now evolved into what it truly is; a vast, lush, critical wetlands providing habitat or many wild species, yet also recognized clearly as the hub of life itself for all! Did you know the wetlands are “carbon scrubbers” holding massive amounts annually of carbon from
entering the earth’s atmosphere?
It has been a privilege to paddle and guide friends, family and guests from around the world along our tributaries. I coined the source of the seventh-longest river in North America the “Mighty Lazy Columbia” and look forward to navigating her once again during this breath-taking season including the Wings Festival held in May!