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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Discover the beauty of Bella Coola and the Great Bear Rainforest with Aegir Adventures. Experienced guides, top-notch equipment, and unforgettable experiences await.
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Alder Bay Resort offers sea kayaking excursions with North Island Kayaks in Johnstone Strait. Explore local islands, remote beaches, and marine wildlife.
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Join the Alert Bay 360 event for a chance to win prizes and cash rewards. Limited spots available!
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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 in Smithers, BC offers premier paddling gear, rentals, and courses since the 1980s.
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Explore breathtaking kayak tours in Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife habitats with At the Water’s Edge Adventures.
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Experience top-notch kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddling in beautiful BC. From lessons to advanced courses, we’ve got you covered!
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BC Marine Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to securing long-term public access to British Columbia’s coastline. In partnership with coastal First Nations, we are building, protecting, and promoting a public network of marine trails that supports safe, respectful, and low-impact coastal recreation.
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Becker’s Lodge offers four-season outdoor adventures in Bowron Lake, BC, with cabins, canoes, kayaks, snowmobiles, and more.
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Experience the thrill of kayaking among black bears in Clayoquot Sound with expert guides.
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Book a kayaking or SUP tour or lesson with Blue Dog Kayaking. Amber specializes in safety training before going out to explore.
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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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Paddle paradise awaits! Explore Broughton’s islands & inlets at Paddler’s Inn.
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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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Sea Kayak Adventures offers world-renowned orca and humpback watching in British Columbia. Enjoy exceptional sea kayaking, hiking, and cultural exploration on basecamp, lodge-based, and expeditionary trips from June to September.
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Canoe Kayak BC is the go-to spot for all things paddle sports in British Columbia. From competitions to training, we’ve got you covered!
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Explore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
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Discover Cates Park for kayaking adventures, rentals, and lessons. Book online today!
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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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Your go-to store for kayaks, SUPs, gear, and accessories for paddling adventures.
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Explore Lake Windermere and the Columbia River through rentals and guided tours. Discover diverse wildlife and enjoy family-friendly paddling adventures.
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Explore the stunning Columbia Wetlands with self-guided rentals and unique accommodations for special occasions.
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Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes offers top-quality kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, along with rentals, lessons, and guided tours for all skill levels.
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Comox Valley Paddlers Club offers paddling trips, education, resources, and memberships for all levels.
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Compass Adventure offers a variety of ocean activities, rentals, lessons, and programs for all ages.
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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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Deep Cove Kayak Center in Vancouver offers premier kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfskiing tours.
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Experience top-quality, Canadian-made kayaks by Delta Kayaks for all skill levels. Explore BC’s waterways with confidence and style.
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Destination Desolation offers custom tours and shuttle services to explore Desolation Sound & surrounding islands.
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Embark on guided kayaking tours in Telegraph Cove, BC. Encounter orcas, explore Sophie Island, and create lifelong memories in the wild.
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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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Experience eco-friendly sea kayaking adventures in Telegraph Cove, BC. Encounter orcas and wildlife up close.
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Egmont Adventure Centre offers unforgettable water activities in stunning British Columbia inlets.
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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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Escape to a west-coast lodge in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Experience wildlife, nature, and indigenous culture.
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Far Out Gear Rentals offers a wide range of outdoor adventure rentals and tours, including biking and paddling equipment. Explore BC’s stunning waterways and trails with our top-quality gear.
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Footprint BC offers unique sea kayak tours, courses, and expeditions in Desolation Sound & the Copeland Islands, BC.
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Discover quality paddle gear and apparel at GearHub. Find everything you need for your next adventure.
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Explore BC’s raw, unfiltered nature at an off-grid dive lodge on Hurst Island, offering world-class cold-water diving, coastal kayaking, and cozy lodge stays.
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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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Experience eco-friendly boat tours, kayak rentals, and hotel packages in Harrison Hot Springs.
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Hellman Canoes and Kayaks, based in Nelson, BC, crafts high-quality, custom-made canoes and kayaks designed for adventure and durability. Founded by passionate paddler Bob Hellman, this Canadian-owned business offers personalized watercraft for recreational and wilderness paddling, available at their specialized shop.
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Hello Nature Adventure Tours are passionate about the outdoors and the land we operate on. We look forward to meeting you and hosting you on an unforgettable kayaking experience. TIP: No before you go – check the weather and tides.
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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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Join us at Jericho Beach Kayak for rentals, lessons, tours, and group paddling experiences.
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Explore a wide range of outdoor gear, from apparel to safety and rescue equipment.
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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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Karibu Adventures offers curated trips for active adventurers seeking raw and real experiences.
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Explore the beauty of Kootenay Lake with Kaslo Kayaking – offering kayak tours, rentals, lessons, and more in the stunning BC mountain town of Kaslo.
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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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Downtown Marina in Kelowna offers boat rentals, moorage, fuel, retail, and more. Live the lake life with speedboats, pontoons, and SeaDoos.
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Join the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.
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Experience fully guided kayak tours in British Columbia’s stunning wilderness since 1999. Small group sizes, eco-conscious practices, and passionate guides.
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Kitimat Lodge offers exceptional fishing adventures in coastal British Columbia, including saltwater and freshwater fishing, kayaking, helicopter tours, and more.
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Experience world-class fishing, outdoor adventures, and stunning natural beauty in Kitimat, BC.
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Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort offers rustic cabins, RV & tenting sites, boat rentals, and a range of activities in a beautiful Canadian setting.
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Kootenay Raft Co. offers thrilling rafting adventures in the Kootenays. Family-friendly trips, rentals, and custom group outings available.
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Lakeside Heffley Hideaway offers cabins, campsites, and activities by Heffley Lake. Perfect for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature.
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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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Mosaic Earth Travel offers guided and self-guided tours in beautiful British Columbia.
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Rent paddleboards and kayaks in Nelson for fun workouts or leisurely paddling on beautiful waterways.
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Explore Chilko lake on guided kayaking tours at the Nehiam Valley Lodge.
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North Island Kayak offers unforgettable sea kayaking tours in Telegraph Cove, BC since 1991.
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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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ORCBC advocates for responsible outdoor recreation in BC, promoting access to nature for all.
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Experience unforgettable kayak tours in Tofino and Ucluelet, Vancouver Island. Rentals and custom tours available.
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Paddle West Kayaking offers guided tours and rentals in Tofino and Ucluelet for a memorable kayaking experience on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
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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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Explore BC’s coastal wonders with Powell River Sea Kayak. Offering guided tours, rentals, and eco resort packages in Desolation Sound.
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Join Prince George Canoe & Kayak Club for youth paddling programs. Low fees, high fun!
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Discover breathtaking wildlife adventures in Tofino with Remote Passages. Enjoy whale watching, bear watching, and more.
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Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
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ROAM Shop, a Nelson, BC-based outfitter, specializes in water sports gear for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Since 2004, this locally owned store has offered top-quality equipment and expert service for unforgettable paddling adventures in the Kootenay’s.
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Salt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
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Scotties Marina offers a scenic waterfront vacation rental suite, moorage, fuel, fishing derby, and kayak/paddle board rentals on the pristine Lower Arrow Lake.
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Sea Dragon Charters offers scuba diving, snorkeling, boat tours, and more in Vancouver, BC.
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Join SKABC, a Vancouver-based kayak club offering trips, training, events, conservation, and camaraderie for all skill levels.
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Join the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC for top-notch professional sea kayaking experiences. Certification, guides for hire, and industry news.
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Butterfly Tours offers immersive multi-day sea kayaking expeditions in the pristine wilderness of Haida Gwaii, led by experienced guides passionate about nature and culture.
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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 offers kayak rentals, tours, and sales in Prince Rupert, BC. Join us on the water!
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Experience nature’s tranquility in Slocan BC with canoe, kayak & SUP rentals since 1998.
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Explore BC’s stunning waterways with the Smithers Whitewater Club. Join us for safe, fun river adventures and support our advocacy for access to pristine river areas.
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Bring a sense of adventure and be ready to have an experience of a lifetime! No kayaking experience is required for nearly all of our tours. Our trips are thoughtfully designed to ensure a great vacation for all levels of experience and abilities.
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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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Explore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!
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Enjoy a scenic float on the Fraser River or try something more upbeat like whitewater rafting, Stellar Descents offers many of those options.
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Surfside Paddlesports offers top-quality kayaks and surf skis for paddling enthusiasts. Book a demo now!
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Takaya Tours offers authentic First Nation canoe and kayak experiences in beautiful locations like Belcarra Park and Cates Park.
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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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Embark on guided remote kayaking tours through Tofino Inlet’s calm waters to explore wildlife and stunning coastline beauty.
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Discover Tofino Sea Kayaking, offering guided tours and rentals for exploring Clayoquot Sound.
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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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Explore over 450 brands and find great deals on paddlesports gear. Shop now!
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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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Rent kayaks, canoes, or SUP boards from West Coast Water Sports. Fun for all skill levels!
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We have a variety of blow up paddle boards, hard paddle boards and kayaks. We are open most sunny/nice days throughout the summer.
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Wildcoast Adventures offers unforgettable sea kayak tours with gourmet meals and top-notch service.
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Rent a paddle board with Wilder Adventure Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board & Kayaks Rentals.
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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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Offering calm waters, stunning coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife. Beginner to advanced paddlers alike will be enthralled by the tranquillity and ecological diversity of this coastal gem.
The Alice Lake provincial park is 12 kilometres north of Squamish and includes its namesake lake as well as three others that are perfect for canoeing and stand up paddle boarding.
The Cowichan Valley spans 3,500 square kilometres in southern Vancouver Island and is home to communities like Ladysmith, Duncan, and Chemainus. It’s a paddler’s paradise, offering everything from peaceful SUP sessions on Lake Cowichan and saltwater kayaking in the Saanich Inlet to adrenaline-pumping whitewater canoe runs on the Cowichan River. Off the water, the region serves up a feast of local flavours with its farmers markets, wineries, cideries, farm-to-table restaurants and some great brewpubs.
A beautiful area with lots of wildlife and fewer people. Great opportunity to see Orcas, humpbacks and other sea life.
Clayoquot Sound, launching from Tofino, offers paddlers a diverse range of experiences—from guided tours for beginners to challenging routes for seasoned adventurers.
Experience the beauty of the Coast Mountains above cedar, fir, and spruce forests from fjord-like waters, where wildlife such as bald eagles and black bears may be witnessed.
Located on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet means “people of the safe harbour” in the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ language. The small community of about 2,000 residents is nestled on an eight-kilometre-long peninsula that forms a natural barrier between the calm inner harbour and the open ocean. It’s the perfect launch point for beginner-friendly paddles and a fun town in which to enjoy aprés. If you only have three days, this paddling itinerary I enjoyed in Ucluelet is what I’d recommend.
The Kitimat River Meanders down from glaciers high up in the surrounding coastal mountains until it meets its estuary in the Douglas Channel. The Kitimat River is for paddlers of all levels and those kayakers who love fishing will love angling on the Kitimat River!
On a calm, windless day, Minette Bay is the perfect place to launch your stand up paddle board for a day on the water. This is Kitimat’s only waterfront nature park and is the easiest place to access Douglas Channel from the town.
The Douglas Channel is where the mountain meet the ocean! There are a limited number of take-out spots along the steep shorelines of the Douglas Channel, so be sure to plan appropriately with the weather and tides. Well-prepared paddlers will be greeted by awe-inspiring views, beautiful creeks, waterfalls and interesting rock formations along the way.
Ucluelet Harbour and Barkley Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast offer paddlers calm, wildlife-rich waters and the breathtaking expanse of over 100 islands, including the Broken Group Islands. From serene shoreline paddling to exploring kelp forests and secluded coves, this area is a top destination for kayakers and paddleboarders seeking both peace and adventure.
Whether you’re drawn to swift water, calm exploration, or rugged backcountry nights, Kitimat offers a bit of everything. It’s untouched, wild, and waiting. Here’s a full itinerary of our trip to this undiscovered paddling paradise.
Spend an afternoon paddling one of the largest contiguous systems of wetland habitats in North America between Invermere and Radium Hot Springs and take in hundreds of different wildlife species from eagles to moose.
Only 30 minutes from the largest city on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver’s North Shore is a magical area that boasts serene, secluded paddling.
Embark on a scenic 3-day paddling trip through the heart of the Kootenays, exploring the stunning waterways around Castlegar, British Columbia. This adventure blends gentle river currents, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain views for a relaxing, yet immersive, outdoor experience.
The pristine waters of Slocan Lake serve as the gateway to Valhalla Provincial Park—a rugged wilderness aptly named after Viking heaven. Towering granite peaks rise from the shoreline, waterfalls cascade down steep forested slopes, and eight idyllic beach campsites dot the edge of the lake, offering the perfect launchpad for a multi-day paddling adventure or a scenic day trip.
Stretching over 100 km between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, Kootenay Lake offers paddlers an endless playground of crystal-clear water, secluded beaches, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Whether launching from the vibrant communities of Nelson, Kaslo, or Balfour, you’ll find calm bays perfect for a leisurely paddle, as well as long, open-water crossings for more experienced adventurers. Stop at remote coves only accessible by boat, explore hidden waterfalls along the shoreline, or follow in the wake of history past old steamboat landings. With its mix of sheltered inlets, island outcrops, and panoramic alpine views, Kootenay Lake is a paddler’s dream—equally suited to sunrise solitude or multi-day shoreline expeditions under starlit skies.
Experience the best of Nelson and Kootenay Lake on a three-day adventure filled with paddling, mountain views, and local flavour. From coffee at Oso Negro and shoreline paddles in Nelson, to soaring with Kokanee Mountain Zipline, ferry rides across the world’s longest free crossing, and hikes to the Pilot Bay Lighthouse, each day blends outdoor adventure with unforgettable dining—ending with a sunset meal at the historic Kaslo Hotel.
Vancouver’s North Shore blends coastal adventure with urban charm, offering a journey where paddlers, food lovers, and culture seekers all find connection.
Comox Valley offers an accessible yet unforgettable paddling experience — the perfect blend of convenience, community, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or new to paddling, the region’s protected waters and stunning scenery make it a must-paddle destination on Vancouver Island.
This three-day paddling itinerary in Terrace, BC explores the Skeena, Lakelse, and Kitsumkalum river, blending gentle canoe trips, family lake outings, and thrilling whitewater with great local food and community charm.
Join us on a paddling journey through the Southern Gulf Islands that combines relaxed exploration with island charm.
“I think what you’re doing is really cool, but I’m terrified of water. I would never do that,” a woman named Cathy told Jordan Kerton at a presentation earlier this summer. Jordan…
Northern Vancouver Island is one of British Columbia’s most awe-inspiring sea-kayaking regions, a place where deep green forests meet swirling currents and a maze of wild islands. From the sweeping waters of…
Story by Andrea Miller. Photos by Dave Heath. I ‘d always been curious why Ucluelet had such a mystical appeal. In my mind, I pictured a rugged fishing town sprinkled with laid-back…
