The Shuswap River flows through the Enderby area of British Columbia, draining from Mable Lake through a landscape of forests and rocky canyon sections before eventually reaching Mara Lake. The river offers a range of paddling experiences, from mellow flatwater floats to demanding whitewater, making it suitable for a variety of skill levels depending on the section chosen.

The uppermost accessible put-in below Mable Lake is Brandt's Hand Launch, which has limited parking on a steep road and no outhouse facilities. This section features fast-moving water with rapids and is not appropriate for small children, weak swimmers, or those unfamiliar with the river. A roughly 3-kilometre stretch near the Mable Lake outlet is particularly notable for its whitewater character: at moderate levels it offers standing waves and technical features, while at high water it can produce Class IV conditions with large standing waves, holes, boils, and whirlpools. A section known locally as "Big Pool" is the most demanding stretch, featuring a 100-metre run of overhead waves and technical holes. A strong roll and confident lead are recommended here during high water.

Further downstream, Trinity Bridge serves as a common put-in for the popular 13.5-kilometre run to Belvidere Park, which typically takes four to five hours. From Belvidere Park, it is another 2.5 kilometres to Tuey Park, a trip of one to two and a half hours. Tuey Park is an important exit point: paddlers on inflatables are strongly advised to take out there, as the next exit downstream is up to a 12-hour float. The Tuey Park to Grindrod Park section covers 13 river kilometres and takes over five hours, with no public access points along the way for stopping, using facilities, or exiting the river. Mara Bridge offers a challenging exit, and from there it is 7 kilometres to Mara Provincial Park, with paddlers needing to watch for motorboat traffic while crossing the lake.

Use of the river is strongly discouraged during high water from May through July. Tuey Park has an outhouse, beach access, a youth life jacket loaner station, and gates that close at 9:00 pm. Parking at Tuey Park must be in designated areas only. Several outfitters offer guided raft trips, kayak instruction, and equipment rentals on the river, including guided whitewater experiences on the Skookumchuck Rapids section.