The second annual Ashlu River Festival -- one of the largest whitewater events in Canada --takes place in Squamish from Thursday to Sunday with guided trips, kayak lessons, playboating and creek boating clinics, rafting float trips, open kayak trips, canoe lessons, guided walks and much more.

Hosted by the Whitewater Kayakers Association of B.C., the festival also includes a a whitewater competition -- the Northwater Shootout Showdown.

A $45 registration fee includes camping, shuttles to the festival site, a barbecue, as well as boating demos, a gear swap, and a presentation on the impacts of development on rivers and access -- including hydroelectric projects and the recent Cheakamus River chemical spill.

Lessons, clinics and trips are between $10 and $20.

Last year's inaugural event was an "outrageous" success, according to organizers, with more than 160 paddlers from around North America in attendance at the festival.

For more information, 604-515-6376 or www.whitewater.org

© The Vancouver Province 2005