Tatlowfest 2022
What is it?
We are bringing Tatlowfest Back from the Dead...
The Bulkley Valley Kayak and Canoe Club is proud to present the 2022 edition of Tatlowfest! After a several year hiatus, we are back with this awesome event. It will be a place where paddlers from across northern BC can come together at Tatlow Falls in an inclusive, fun environment. This event is for everyone, from curious person to pro paddler.
What you Need to Know
When: July 8, 9, 10
Cost:
$50/paddler. This includes a campsite for the weekend (if there is room), entry into the surf competition, insurance to cover our club, and cover for the live band on Saturday night.
$10 / non-paddler. This includes admittance to the site for the whole weekend and cover for the live band on Saturday.
***Does not include a camp site***
Tshirts - $30 for pre-orders, or $35 at the gate.
Where: Tatlow Falls, Smithers BC
From downtown Smithers, drive east on Highway 16 to the junction with Tatlow Road. Drive south on Tatlow Rd for 4.3 km to a signed gate on your left. The gate will be open. Follow the rough road down to the river. See map below.
If you hit the train tracks, you have gone ~100m too far. Turn around and drive through the gate that you missed.
Parking spots are limited on site so participants may be asked to park along Tatlow Road and walk down to the site.
Other Info
Entertainment
Beer garden will be open from 18:00 - 22:00 Friday and Saturday nights
LIVE BAND = Mississippi Lynx (previously Missing Lynx) for Saturday night
Site Amenities
No Running Water
2x port-a-potties and an outhouse onsite
Safety
Check out our safety plan here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I just want to join the river runs but don't want to join the party at Tatlow?
Members of the BVKCC are welcome to join for the river runs without paying the Tatlowfest registration fee.
What happens if I don't get a camp site?
We have space for ~ 20 campsites. We are hoping that this will be enough space for everyone who needs one.
Can I bring my kids / family / friends to Tatlowfest even if they aren't paddlers?
Yes!!! The registration for non-paddlers for the weekend is just $10. This can be paid at the door.
Kids under 12 years of age are free
What rivers might we be doing and what are they like?
Options include: Telkwa, Bulkley Canyon, Porphryr Section of the Bulkley, and the Suskwa. These range in difficulty and with water level, but generally range from grade 2/3, to grade 3/4. See here for more information.
Event Sponsors
Many thanks to our event sponsors below:
Itinerary
Friday:
12:00 - Festival grounds & reception table opens.
17:00 - Telkwa river run (grade 2/3), meet at Telkwa Pub at 5:00pm (note: leave Tatlow Falls no later than 4:30 to arrive at Telkwa Pub at the designated meeting time). Estimated round trip = 3.5 hrs.
19:00 - Beer garden opens.
22:00 - Beer garden closes. Festivities continue.
Saturday:
Morning - There will be an organized river run on Saturday morning. Location and time is to be determined based on water levels
13:30 - Muster for surf competition opens. Show up no later than this to get your competition bib!
16:00 - Surf competition begins
16:01 - Beer garden opens (spectators and hecklers only - paddlers are not to start drinking until off the water for the day).
20:00 - Live band starts.
22:00 - Beer garden closes. Festivities continue.
Sunday:
Morning - surf session.
Afternoon - There will be an organized river run on Sunday. Location and time to be determined closer to the date.
