
The Best Paddling In And Around Kelowna, British Columbia
The Okanagan city of Kelowna boasts one of the warmest climates in the country and offers incredible paddling experiences. Here are the best.
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 MoreAquabatics sells a wide variety of gear and equipment for different paddle sports.
Learn MoreRelax at Bear Camp with their eco-friendly cabins and enjoy time out on the water with canoe and kayak rentals available.
Learn MorePlan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.
Learn MoreCanadian River Expeditions will take you on beautiful tours throughout Northern BC.
Learn MoreExplore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
Learn MoreExperience amazing sea kayaking tours with Coastal Bliss Adventures.
Learn MoreIf you’re looking for a canoe or kayak rental, lesson or guided tour Coastal Expression offers them all!
Learn MoreLocated between the scenic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Columbia Wetland Outpost offers self guided tours to explore the surrounding nature.
Learn MoreChoose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.
Learn MoreAt CRIS Adaptive Adventures the offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for all your paddling needs.
Learn MoreProviding eco-excursions via guided kayaking and paddle board tours, Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions is a great place to reconnect with nature.
Learn MoreGolden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
Learn MoreExperience whitewater rafting trips with Interior Whitewater Expeditions, no matter your skill level they have something for everyone!
Learn MoreRent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.
Learn MoreWith tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.
Learn MoreKamloops 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 MoreKamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!
Learn MoreThe Kelowna Canoe & Kayak Club is a great place to go on a canoe or kayak tour with many other passionate paddlers.
Learn MoreJoin the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.
Learn MoreBeing one of the oldest four season resorts in BC Knouff Lake Resort would be the perfect get away to unwind and explore the outdoors.
Learn MorePaddle the Powell Forest canoe route with Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Sales & Rentals.
Learn MoreIn 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.
Learn MoreWith a lot of rental options Okanagan Beach Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.
Learn MoreOuter Coast Outfitters in Prince Rupert specializes in guided canoe trips.
Learn MorePender Island Kayak Adventures is a perfect place to try anything from kayaking to canoeing and even paddle boarding.
Learn MoreRocky Peak Adventure Gear has a great retail selection of different paddle sports gear & equipment.
Learn MoreSalt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
Learn MoreScoop Lake is the perfect wilderness get away where you can explore over a dozen lakes on a paddle board.
Learn MoreBook an unforgettable guided kayaking tour with Sea to Sky Expeditions.
Learn MoreSquamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.
Learn MoreExplore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!
Learn MoreExperience a cultural get away by exploring the local waters on a 35 foot long traditional canoe.
Learn MoreTrue Outdoors is a local equipment store that carries a variety of outdoor gear for different watersports activities.
Learn MoreWhitegold Adventures is located at Bowron Lake which is known to have some of the best paddling trips.
Learn MoreThe Okanagan city of Kelowna boasts one of the warmest climates in the country and offers incredible paddling experiences. Here are the best.
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