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.
Meet the experts, businesses, associations, and clubs that have a handle on all things kayak related.
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Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.
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Aquabatics sells a wide variety of gear and equipment for different paddle sports.
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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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Plan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.
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Bruker Marina & Beach Club is a great spot to either go boating or enjoy some family time on the beach.
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Explore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
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Experience year round rafting trips with Chilliwack River Rafting.
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Located between the scenic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Columbia Wetland Outpost offers self guided tours to explore the surrounding nature.
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Experience eco excursions on a kayak or paddle board with Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions.
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Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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GearHub sports offers a wide variety of watersports gear and equipment for rentals or sale.
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Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
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At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.
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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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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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King Fisher offers guided sea kayaking tours along the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, and Northern Vancouver Island.
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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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For over 20 years the Kootenay Raft Company has been offering adventurous whitewater rafting trips in Kimberley BC.
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Explore Chilko lake on guided kayaking tours at the Nehiam Valley Lodge.
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Ocean Sound Kayaking offers 7 different kayaking tours/trips for you to choose from to best fit your adventure.
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Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
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Located on the Arrow Lakes, Scotties Marina is a fully serviced marina that also provides some watersports rentals.
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Skeena kayaking provides many kayaking tours where you explore the surrounding nature and wildlife.
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Squamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.
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The Squamish Rafting Company offers everything from whitewater rafting to family experiences on the Cheakamus River.
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Explore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!
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Experience a cultural get away by exploring the local waters on a 35 foot long traditional canoe.
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Sail the Salish Sea or go on a guide sea kayaking tour with Talaysay Tours.
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True Outdoors is a local equipment store that carries a variety of outdoor gear for different watersports activities.
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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 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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Experience kayak-fishing and more with West Coast Expeditions.
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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…
