McArthur Island Boat Launch closes for the season amid historically low river levels

KAMLOOPS — A heads up for boaters who recreate on the Thompson River in Kamloops as the McArthur Island Boat Launch was closed for the 2026 season on Thursday (Aug. 13). 

The City of Kamloops says current river levels are historically lower than normal for this time of year. As of publication, real-time hydrometric data from the federal government shows the Thompson River’s level in Kamloops at 3.280 metres. 

“The McArthur Island Boat Launch was closed just due to the fact that you literally wouldn’t be able to launch a boat there as the current conditions are,” Wayne Lockhart, the city’s utility services divisional manager says. “The other boat launches are fine. They’re in a little bit of a better situation as far as dealing with the low waters.” 

Lockhart says there have been no other issues with recreation near the Thompson River due to low levels. The McArthur Island Boat Launch will reopen in spring 2027.