Skip to content

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.

I want to go kayaking in

Whitewater rafting
rentals and tours
Alpine Rafting

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

Learn More
Paddle board rentals
rentals and lessons
Aquabatics

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

Learn More
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.

Learn More
rentals
Becker’s Lodge

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

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
Whitewater kayaking on the Chilliwack River
tours
Chilliwack River Rafting

Experience year round rafting trips with Chilliwack River Rafting.

Learn More
Canoeing in the Columbia wetlands
rentals and tours
Columbia Wetland Outpost

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

Learn More
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.

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

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

Learn More
Paddle boarding
rentals and retail
GearHub Sports

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

Learn More
Canoeing in the wetlands of Golden
rentals
Golden Paddle

Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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!

Learn More
tours
King Fisher

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

Learn More
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.

Learn More
tours and rentals
Kootenay Raft Company

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

Learn More
Kayaking tours
tours
Nemiah Valley Lodge

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

Learn More
tours
Ocean Sound Kayaking

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

Learn More
Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser Expedition
tours
Roam Adventures

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

Learn More
Scotties Marina
rentals
Scotties Marina

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

Learn More
Kayaking in Prince Rupert
rentals, tours & lessons
Skeena Kayaking

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

Learn More
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.

Learn More
tours and lessons
Squamish Rafting Company

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

Learn More
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!

Learn More
Group canoeing trip
tours
Takaya Tours

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

Learn More
Guided sea kayaking trip
tours
Talaysay Tours

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

Learn More
Canoeing in Kamloops
rentals
True Outdoors

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

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
Sea kayaking tours
tours
West Coast Expeditions Kayaking Tours

Experience kayak-fishing and more with West Coast Expeditions.

Learn More
Canoe, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Lakes, Ocean, Paddleboard, Rafting & Rivers

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…

Read More

Project Partners