About Paddle BC
Launched in 2022, Paddle BC is a collaboration between paddling associations and tourism organizations that has two main goals. The first is to promote British Columbia as a world-class paddling destination that offers some of the most varied and fun waterways on the planet. With over 25,000 kilometres of ocean coastline to explore, innumerable rivers and tributaries, and more than 20,000 lakes of all sizes in an area larger than France and Germany combined, we figured it was worth letting the rest of the world in on the secret that paddling in BC is epic.
The second goal of Paddle BC is to endorse the safety of the sport with the help of local experts. To that end we point you towards the people, businesses, associations, clubs, events, accommodations, services, and agencies that will ensure your paddling experience in British Columbia is memorable and safe. We also recommend trips, waterways, articles, and more to help reinforce the fact that BC is one of the best paddling destinations on the planet.
Have a question? Contact us via the form below. We’re always happy to help.
We thank Destination British Columbia and all our destination partners across the province for their ongoing support.
The partners who made Paddle BC Possible
The following associations, organizations, and businesses are responsible for helping launch Paddle BC.
BC River Outfitters Association
British Columbia is home to hundreds of beautiful rivers and rafting is one of many ways to explore the wild beauty of the province.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has the highest concentration of lakes and rivers in Canada.
Destination Castlegar
Castlegar is located at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia River.
Fishing BC
Experience the true nature of fishing.
Indigenous Tourism BC
Experience diverse culture with 204 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages.
Wilderness Tourism Association of BC
The Wilderness Tourism Association of BC supports BC’s world-class wilderness based tourism operators.
Tourism Golden
Golden is located between two heritage rivers; the Kicking Horse and the Columbia.
Tourism Squamish
Enjoy and preserve the beauty of Squamish while exploring the local rivers, lakes, and the ocean.
Destination British Columbia
Destination BC supports and promotes the business of tourism through the province.
Tourism Fernie
Completely surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Hope, Cascades & Canyons
Within a half hour drive, there are awe-inspiring desert canyons, vast stands of coastal rainforest, rugged snow capped mountains, expansive alpine meadows and fast-flowing rivers.
BC Whitewater
Advocating for publicly accessible and free flowing rivers in British Columbia.
BC Marine Trails
BC Marine Trails is a non-profit organization working together to help secure long term public access to the BC coast.
Southern Gulf Islands
Rising from the cool, clear water of the North Pacific, just off the mainland of British Columbia, Canada, you’ll find a handful of serene, verdant, rolling crowns we call the Southern Gulf Islands.
Tourism Kelowna
Okanagan Lake is known for its beaches with over 30 throughout the region.
Tourism Nanaimo
Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada, and a forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown.
Sunshine Coast Tourism
The Sunshine Coast is synonymous with adventure. Deeply ingrained in our local culture, we love the outdoors and desire to protect our natural spaces for generations to come.
Tourism Cowichan
Cowichan offers a myriad of aquatic pursuits such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and so much more. Also home to three major rivers which offer fishing, whitewater kayaking, swimming and tubing.
Discover Ucluelet
Picture yourself standing on the edge of the world, where the rugged shoreline meets the relentless embrace of the Pacific Ocean.
Tourism Vernon
Fortuitously located at the epicenter of three of the most beautiful lakes in the region, Vernon is just steps away from sand and rock beaches, pristine shorelines, and numerous launching points to dip a toe or dive right in to your next paddling adventure.
Experince Comox Valley
In the heat of the summer, aquatic adventurers will find themselves spending most of their time in the cool waters of Comox Lake, or accessing the ocean from one of the region’s many beautiful beaches.
Kitimat
World-class fishing, stunning views, majestic wildlife and endless trails and backcountry. People come to Kitimat to enjoy more of the things they love.
Vancouver North Shore
North Shore Paddler’s Playground: Explore hidden coves, conquer tidal rapids, and witness majestic wildlife. Unforgettable paddling awaits.
Vancouver Island North
From tranquil bays teeming with wildlife in the Broughton Archipelago to the thrilling currents and world-class whale watching of Johnstone Strait, Vancouver Island North offers a paddler’s paradise
Tourism Tofino
No matter your paddling style, Tofino offers unforgettable adventures with stunning scenery and endless opportunities to witness the wonders of nature up close.