There’s nothing quite like the solitude provided by a canoe: the rhythmic dip of a paddle followed by the plip-plop of water droplets on the surface is both calming and mesmerizing. And when combined with exceptional views of British Columbia’s mountains and forests, the activity becomes absolutely enchanting. Even on the province’s wilder rivers, canoeing is an entrancing experience as the sounds of our daily lives melt away to be replaced by rushing water and excited laughter.
Humans have been building and using canoes to travel in and around British Columbia since time immemorial. Coastal First Nations fashioned large war canoes as well as smaller foraging ones from western red cedar and plied the waters of the Salish Sea. Other indigenous peoples used birch bark and willow trees in the crafting of their canoes that they then used to travel inland waterways. For example, the yaksumit, or Sturgeon-nosed canoe, has a design resembling its namesake fish and was used by members of the Sinixt nation on Kootenay Lake for thousands of years.
These days, canoeing is much more than a means of travel in British Columbia. Yes, world-class trips exist such as the 116-kilometre-long Bowron Lake Circuit in the province’s interior or the northern Alsek River that runs from the Yukon, through BC and into Alaska. But given the canoe’s cultural importance in the province, there are also canoe-making workshops offered as well as a variety of events and festivals, such as the BC Canoe Festival held in Hope every year. There’s even a community named Canoe on the shores of Shuswap Lake!
Meet the experts, businesses, associations, and clubs that have a handle on all things canoe related.
I want to go canoeing in
Whether in Sechelt, Gibsons, or Pender Harbour, Alpha Adventures offers paddle rentals and more at each location.
Learn More
Experience top-notch kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddling in beautiful BC. From lessons to advanced courses, we’ve got you covered!
Learn More
BC Marine Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to securing long-term public access to British Columbia’s coastline. In partnership with coastal First Nations, we are building, protecting, and promoting a public network of marine trails that supports safe, respectful, and low-impact coastal recreation.
Learn More
Becker’s Lodge offers four-season outdoor adventures in Bowron Lake, BC, with cabins, canoes, kayaks, snowmobiles, and more.
Learn More
Plan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.
Learn More
Canoe Kayak BC is the go-to spot for all things paddle sports in British Columbia. From competitions to training, we’ve got you covered!
Learn More
Explore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
Learn More
Discover Cates Park for kayaking adventures, rentals, and lessons. Book online today!
Learn More
Experience amazing sea kayaking tours with Coastal Bliss Adventures.
Learn More
If you’re looking for a canoe or kayak rental, lesson or guided tour Coastal Expression offers them all!
Learn More
Your go-to store for kayaks, SUPs, gear, and accessories for paddling adventures.
Learn More
Explore Lake Windermere and the Columbia River through rentals and guided tours. Discover diverse wildlife and enjoy family-friendly paddling adventures.
Learn More
Explore the stunning Columbia Wetlands with self-guided rentals and unique accommodations for special occasions.
Learn More
Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes offers top-quality kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, along with rentals, lessons, and guided tours for all skill levels.
Learn More
Choose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.
Learn More
At CRIS Adaptive Adventures the offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for all your paddling needs.
Learn More
Deep Cove Kayak Center in Vancouver offers premier kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfskiing tours.
Learn More
Providing eco-excursions via guided kayaking and paddle board tours, Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions is a great place to reconnect with nature.
Learn More
Far Out Gear Rentals offers a wide range of outdoor adventure rentals and tours, including biking and paddling equipment. Explore BC’s stunning waterways and trails with our top-quality gear.
Learn More
Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
Learn More
Hellman Canoes and Kayaks, based in Nelson, BC, crafts high-quality, custom-made canoes and kayaks designed for adventure and durability. Founded by passionate paddler Bob Hellman, this Canadian-owned business offers personalized watercraft for recreational and wilderness paddling, available at their specialized shop.
Learn More
Experience whitewater rafting trips with Interior Whitewater Expeditions, no matter your skill level they have something for everyone!
Learn More
Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.
Learn More
Explore a wide range of outdoor gear, from apparel to safety and rescue equipment.
Learn More
With tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.
Learn More
Kamloops Canoe & Kayak Club offers many different programs while being as inclusive and accessible as possible, so that everyone can enjoy what they have to offer.
Learn More
Kamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!
Learn More
Explore the beauty of Kootenay Lake with Kaslo Kayaking – offering kayak tours, rentals, lessons, and more in the stunning BC mountain town of Kaslo.
Learn More
The Kelowna Canoe & Kayak Club is a great place to go on a canoe or kayak tour with many other passionate paddlers.
Learn More
Join the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.
Learn More
Klahoose Wilderness Resort offers an immersive eco-experience in British Columbia’s pristine nature, rich in culture and wildlife. Stay in intimate accommodations and explore the land with Indigenous guides.
Learn More
Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort offers rustic cabins, RV & tenting sites, boat rentals, and a range of activities in a beautiful Canadian setting.
Learn More
Kootenay Raft Co. offers thrilling rafting adventures in the Kootenays. Family-friendly trips, rentals, and custom group outings available.
Learn More
Lakeside Heffley Hideaway offers cabins, campsites, and activities by Heffley Lake. Perfect for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature.
Learn More
Paddle the Powell Forest canoe route with Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Sales & Rentals.
Learn More
In order to truly learn about our culture we felt the only way was to touch, smell, see, hear, and feel it. Our journey started hundreds of years ago but your journey will start right
now with us at Moccasin Trails.
Rent paddleboards and kayaks in Nelson for fun workouts or leisurely paddling on beautiful waterways.
Learn More
With a lot of rental options Okanagan Beach Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.
Learn More
ORCBC advocates for responsible outdoor recreation in BC, promoting access to nature for all.
Learn More
Outer Coast Outfitters in Prince Rupert specializes in guided canoe trips.
Learn More
Pender Island Kayak Adventures is a perfect place to try anything from kayaking to canoeing and even paddle boarding.
Learn More
Rocky Peak Adventure Gear has a great retail selection of different paddle sports gear & equipment.
Learn More
Salt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
Learn More
Scoop Lake is the perfect wilderness get away where you can explore over a dozen lakes on a paddle board.
Learn More
Book an unforgettable guided kayaking tour with Sea to Sky Expeditions.
Learn More
Experience nature’s tranquility in Slocan BC with canoe, kayak & SUP rentals since 1998.
Learn More
Squamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.
Learn More
Explore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!
Learn More
Takaya Tours offers authentic First Nation canoe and kayak experiences in beautiful locations like Belcarra Park and Cates Park.
Learn More
True Outdoors is a local equipment store that carries a variety of outdoor gear for different watersports activities.
Learn More
Explore over 450 brands and find great deals on paddlesports gear. Shop now!
Learn More
Rent kayaks, canoes, or SUP boards from West Coast Water Sports. Fun for all skill levels!
Learn More
Whitegold Adventures is located at Bowron Lake which is known to have some of the best paddling trips.
Learn More
Like many, I’d floor it through the region between the Okanagan and the coast when travelling through southern British Columbia. There never seemed to be a reason to stop unless my kids…
When going on a paddling trip with the family, extra considerations are often part of the planning process. Safety and keeping the kids engaged are top priorities on a family trip, but…
A kayak bobs up and down over a forest of bull kelp as the tide recedes from the rocky shoreline of Galiano Island’s Montague Harbour. Galiano is one of the five larger…
