Hi man, welcome to the west coast. First thing your gonna wanna do is pick up a copy of White water southwest british columbia, by far the best book around for the area, it just came out a few months ago so everything is up to date. Lots of awsome easier runs and some creeks as well. I work at Western Canoeing and Kayaking witch is in Abbotsford and am always heading up that way on deliveries, you can also order the guide book through us. Some of my favorite rivers are in your backyard, Thompson, Clearwater, Similkameen. I primaraly play boat, and theres lots of great rivers around where I live as well, about 3 hours from you towards Vancouver.
Feel free to drop me a line anytime,
Im usualy at work 9-5 mon-sat toll free @ 1-866-644-8111