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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Whether in Sechelt, Gibsons, or Pender Harbour, Alpha Adventures offers paddle rentals and more at each location.
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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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Experience amazing sea kayaking tours with Coastal Bliss Adventures.
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If you’re looking for a canoe or kayak rental, lesson or guided tour Coastal Expression offers them all!
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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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Choose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.
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At CRIS Adaptive Adventures the offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for all your paddling needs.
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Experience eco excursions on a kayak or paddle board with Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions.
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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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Book a kayak or paddle board rental at the Eldorado Marina to explore Okanagan Lake at your own pace.
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Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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Offers unique kayak tours in Desolation Sound and the Copeland Islands.
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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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Explore the Sechelt Inlet on and kayak or paddleboard with Halfmoon Sea Kayaks.
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Hope Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals is a great place for rental options so you can explore the local waterways.
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Explore the ocean on a guided kayaking tour with Island Römer Adventures.
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Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.
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With tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.
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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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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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Book a kayak tour, lesson, or rental with Kayaking Skills and explore the Southern Gulf Islands.
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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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Looking for a good workout or a relaxing paddle? Book a kayak or paddle board rental with Kelowna Downtown Marina.
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Join the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.
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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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With kayak and paddleboard rentals LakeSurf Premium Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake.
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Paddle the Powell Forest canoe route with Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Sales & Rentals.
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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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With a lot of rental options Okanagan Beach Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.
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Pender Island Kayak Adventures is a perfect place to try anything from kayaking to canoeing and even paddle boarding.
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Enjoy different types of tours or rent a kayak with Powell River Sea Kayak.
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Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
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Salt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
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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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With many kayak and paddleboard rental and tour options Sealegs Kayaking Adventures has something for everyone!
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Book an unforgettable guided kayaking tour with Sea to Sky Expeditions.
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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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Explore the Desolation Sound in Lund BC with Terracentric Coastal Adventures.
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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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Wilderness Kayaking Co offers many different kayaking tours, lessons, and has many rental options for kayaks and paddleboards.
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The Okanagan city of Kelowna boasts one of the warmest climates in the country and offers incredible paddling experiences. Here are the best.
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…
