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From qajaqs to playboats, BC has plenty of water for all

British Columbia has played an important role in modern-day kayaking, which is no surprise given the province is the perfect play place for the sport. Invented thousands of years ago by the Inuit and Aleut peoples of the North, the qajaq or kayak was a wood-framed vessel enclosed with seal skin. The skill required for this particular construction method was all but lost by the early 20th Century until a young Vancouver man named George Dyson brought the tradition back in the 1970s using canvas instead of hides.

Today, canvas and nylon-skinned touring kayaks can be seen cruising the coastal waters of BC alongside fiberglass and cedar ones while polyethylene boats ply the many lakes and rivers in the province. The Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland are often described as some of the best in the world for sea kayaking because of the calm, protected waters, stunning scenery and plethora of wildlife. Likewise the archipelago known as Haida Gwaii, with its natural hot springs and heritage sites that include centuries-old totem poles, is a perennial favourite among kayak tourers.

For those interested in faster fare, whitewater kayaking is a popular pastime from Squamish to Fernie and from the Babine River to Wells Gray Provincial Park. In fact, the latter is the site of the Clearwater Kayak Festival, the longest-running event of its kind in the BC interior and home to Sabretooth Canyon, the biggest section of commercially rafted rapids in the province. There are also plenty of standing waves, waterfalls, and other features for playboaters to enjoy throughout British Columbia.

Paddle Pros

Meet the experts, businesses, associations, and clubs that have a handle on all things kayak related.

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lessons, rentals, tours & retail
Alpha Adventures- Outdoor Adventure Store

Whether in Sechelt, Gibsons, or Pender Harbour, Alpha Adventures offers paddle rentals and more at each location.

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Whitewater rafting
rentals and tours
Alpine Rafting

Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.

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Paddle board rentals
rentals and lessons
Aquabatics

Aquabatics sells a wide variety of gear and equipment for different paddle sports.

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BC Marine Trails

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rentals
Bear River Mercantile, Bowron Lake Museum

Relax at Bear Camp with their eco-friendly cabins and enjoy time out on the water with canoe and kayak rentals available.

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rentals
Becker’s Lodge

Surround yourself with nature at Becker’s Lodge located on Bowron Lake.

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tours, rentals & lessons
Blue Dog Kayaking

Book a kayaking or SUP tour or lesson with Blue Dog Kayaking.

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Canoeing on Bowron Lake
rentals
Bowron Lake Lodge

Plan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.

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Bruker Marina and beach
rentals
Bruker Marina & Beach Club

Bruker Marina & Beach Club is a great spot to either go boating or enjoy some family time on the beach.

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Canoeing with Cariboo Canoe & Kayak Rentals
rentals
Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Explore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.

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Whitewater kayaking on the Chilliwack River
tours
Chilliwack River Rafting

Experience year round rafting trips with Chilliwack River Rafting.

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lessons, tours & rentals
Coastal Bliss Adventures Ltd.

Experience amazing sea kayaking tours with Coastal Bliss Adventures.

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lessons, rentals & tours
Coastal Expression

If you’re looking for a canoe or kayak rental, lesson or guided tour Coastal Expression offers them all!

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Canoeing in the Columbia wetlands
rentals and tours
Columbia Wetlands Outpost

Located between the scenic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Columbia Wetland Outpost offers self guided tours to explore the surrounding nature.

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rentals, tours & lessons
Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre

Choose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.

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rentals
CRIS (Community Recreational Initiatives Society) Adaptive Adventures

At CRIS Adaptive Adventures the offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for all your paddling needs.

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Guide sea kayaking adventure
tours, rentals & lessons
Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions

Experience eco excursions on a kayak or paddle board with Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions.

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lessons, rentals & tours
Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions, Kayak Rentals & Retreats

Providing eco-excursions via guided kayaking and paddle board tours, Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions is a great place to reconnect with nature.

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rentals and tours
Egmont Adventure Centre

Come to Egmont Adventure Centre for kayak tours or rentals.

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rentals
Eldorado Marina

Book a kayak or paddle board rental at the Eldorado Marina to explore Okanagan Lake at your own pace.

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Rafting on the Slocan River
tours, rentals & lessons
Endless Adventure

Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.

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tours and lessons
Footprint Nature Explorations

Offers unique kayak tours in Desolation Sound and the Copeland Islands.

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Paddle boarding
rentals and retail
GearHub Sports

GearHub sports offers a wide variety of watersports gear and equipment for rentals or sale.

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Canoeing in the wetlands of Golden
rentals
Golden Paddle

Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.

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Paddle Boarding
rentals and tours
Golden River Adventures

At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.

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rentals and tours
Gulf Island Kayaking

Rent or book a kayak tour with Gulf Island Kayaking.

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rentals, lessons & tours
Halfmoon Sea Kayaks

Explore the Sechelt Inlet on and kayak or paddleboard with Halfmoon Sea Kayaks.

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rentals
Hope Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals

Hope Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals is a great place for rental options so you can explore the local waterways.

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lessons and tours
Island Römer Adventures

Explore the ocean on a guided kayaking tour with Island Römer Adventures.

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rentals
Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals

Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.

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rentals and tours
Kaatza Adventures

With tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.

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Kamloops Canoe & Kayak Club
lessons
Kamloops Canoe & Kayak Club

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.

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Paddle board rental
rentals
Kamloops Water Sport Rental

Kamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!

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rentals and tours
Kayaking Gulf Islands

Explore Mayne Island at our own pace with kayak and paddle board rentals or booked a guided kayak tour to explore the beautiful waters.

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tours, lessons & rentals
Kayaking Skills Saturna Island

Book a kayak tour, lesson, or rental with Kayaking Skills and explore the Southern Gulf Islands.

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tours
Kelowna Canoe and Kayak Club

The Kelowna Canoe & Kayak Club is a great place to go on a canoe or kayak tour with many other passionate paddlers.

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rentals
Kelowna Downtown Marina

Looking for a good workout or a relaxing paddle? Book a kayak or paddle board rental with Kelowna Downtown Marina.

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rentals and lessons
Kelowna Paddle Centre

Join the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.

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lessons and rentals
Kelowna Yacht Club

Rent kayaks and paddleboards at the Kelowna Yacht Club.

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tours
King Fisher

King Fisher offers guided sea kayaking tours along the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, and Northern Vancouver Island.

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Kayaking at Knouff Lake
rentals and tours
Knouff Lake Resort

Being one of the oldest four season resorts in BC Knouff Lake Resort would be the perfect get away to unwind and explore the outdoors.

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tours and rentals
Kootenay Raft Company

For over 20 years the Kootenay Raft Company has been offering adventurous whitewater rafting trips in Kimberley BC.

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retail and rentals
LakeSurf Premium Rentals

With kayak and paddleboard rentals LakeSurf Premium Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake.

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rentals
Manning Park Resort

Manning Park is your four-season, activity-packed destination.

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tours
Metta Eco Experiences

Immerse yourself in nature with a tour from Metta Eco Experiences.

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rentals
Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak & SUP, Sales and Rentals

Paddle the Powell Forest canoe route with Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Sales & Rentals.

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Kayaking tours
tours
Nemiah Valley Lodge

Explore Chilko lake on guided kayaking tours at the Nehiam Valley Lodge.

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tours
Ocean Sound Kayaking

Ocean Sound Kayaking offers 7 different kayaking tours/trips for you to choose from to best fit your adventure.

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lessons and rentals
Okanagan Beach Rentals

With a lot of rental options Okanagan Beach Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.

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rentals and tours
Pedals & Paddles

Explore the beautiful Sechelt Inlet with Pedals & Paddles.

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retail, lessons, rentals & tours
Pender Island Kayak Adventures

Pender Island Kayak Adventures is a perfect place to try anything from kayaking to canoeing and even paddle boarding.

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lessons, rentals & tours
Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd.

Enjoy different types of tours or rent a kayak with Powell River Sea Kayak.

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Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser Expedition
tours
Roam Adventures

Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.

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rentals and tours
Salt Spring Adventures

Salt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.

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Scotties Marina
rentals
Scotties Marina

Located on the Arrow Lakes, Scotties Marina is a fully serviced marina that also provides some watersports rentals.

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retail, lessons, rentals & tours
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures

With many kayak and paddleboard rental and tour options Sealegs Kayaking Adventures has something for everyone!

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tours
Sea to Sky Expeditions

Book an unforgettable guided kayaking tour with Sea to Sky Expeditions.

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Kayaking in Prince Rupert
rentals, tours & lessons
Skeena Kayaking

Skeena kayaking provides many kayaking tours where you explore the surrounding nature and wildlife.

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Squamish Paddling Club
Squamish Paddling Club

Squamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.

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tours and lessons
Squamish Rafting Company

The Squamish Rafting Company offers everything from whitewater rafting to family experiences on the Cheakamus River.

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Kayaking with Squamish Water Sports
lessons and rentals
Squamish Water Sports

Explore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!

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Group canoeing trip
tours
Takaya Tours

Experience a cultural get away by exploring the local waters on a 35 foot long traditional canoe.

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Guided sea kayaking trip
tours
Talaysay Tours

Sail the Salish Sea or go on a guide sea kayaking tour with Talaysay Tours.

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tours and rentals
Terracentric Coastal Adventures

Explore the Desolation Sound in Lund BC with Terracentric Coastal Adventures.

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Canoeing in Kamloops
rentals
True Outdoors

True Outdoors is a local equipment store that carries a variety of outdoor gear for different watersports activities.

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tours and rentals
Tunnel 49 (Mountain High Adventure)

Whitewater Rafting is a unique way to experience Fernie. You’ll enjoy breathtaking sceneries in our high quality 8 seater rafts as you navigate through carved canyons, and over Class 2, 3, and 4 rapids.

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Valhalla Pure Kayak Rentals
rentals
Valhalla Pure

Valhalla Pure in Squamish BC is a great outfitter store that has a wide variety of gear options and even clothing for paddle sports.

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Sea kayaking tours
tours
West Coast Expeditions Kayaking Tours

Experience kayak-fishing and more with West Coast Expeditions.

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rentals, tours & lessons
Wilderness Kayaking Co

Wilderness Kayaking Co offers many different kayaking tours, lessons, and has many rental options for kayaks and paddleboards.

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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.

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How To Paddle Safely in British Columbia

From sea kayaking Howe Sound to rafting the rapids of Golden’s Kicking Horse River, the province of British Columbia offers something for every kind of paddler. But it’s important to know how…

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