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…
Stand up paddleboarding has been the world’s fastest growing watersport during the past decade and for good reason: it’s easy to learn, gear is affordable, and you can do it anywhere. British Columbia is no exception. In fact, given its plethora of lakes, rivers, and coastal water routes, the province is one of the best places in North America to SUP. From fast-moving river rapid expeditions, to warm-water lake paddles to coastal island hopping, BC offers something for every kind of stand up paddler.
Another reason stand up paddleboarding is so popular in BC is it allows for excellent viewing of all the surrounding wildlife, both onshore and in the water underneath you. For example, those who SUP on the Columbia River near the interior city of Castlegar are sometimes afforded views of ten-foot-long sturgeon swimming under their feet. And paddle boarders who quietly ply the coastal waters of the Great Bear Rainforest have been rewarded with views of Sitka deer, grizzly bears, and grey wolves. Even those near the province’s largest city of Vancouver regularly see harbour seals, orcas, and otters.
Of course, not everyone on a SUP is interested in going slow. For those with a need for speed, there are multiple races held throughout British Columbia every year including the BC SUP Cup series. There’s also SUP surfing to be had off the beaches of Tofino, on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and innumerable waves and rapids to play in throughout the province, especially during the Spring run-off season when the province’s rivers are swollen with snow melt.
Meet the experts, businesses, associations, and clubs that have a handle on all things SUP related.
I want to go paddle-boarding in
Whether in Sechelt, Gibsons, or Pender Harbour, Alpha Adventures offers paddle rentals and more at each location.
Learn MoreAquabatics in Smithers, BC offers premier paddling gear, rentals, and courses since the 1980s.
Learn MoreExperience top-notch kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddling in beautiful BC. From lessons to advanced courses, we’ve got you covered!
Learn MoreBC Marine Trails is a non-profit organization promoting public access to BC’s coastline through marine trails.
Learn MoreBook a kayaking or SUP tour or lesson with Blue Dog Kayaking. Amber specializes in safety training before going out to explore.
Learn MorePlan a perfect self guided trip with the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals at Bowron Lake Lodge.
Learn MoreBruker Marina & Beach Club is a great spot to either go boating or enjoy some family time on the beach.
Learn MoreLocated in Fernie BC the Canyon Raft Company offers anything from scenic floats to whitewater rafting, making it suitable for all.
Learn MoreExplore the waters of the Cariboo-Chilcotin with Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
Learn MoreDiscover Cates Park for kayaking adventures, rentals, and lessons. Book online today!
Learn MoreCoast Surf Shop is a family-owned store in Comox and Cumberland, B.C., offering surf, paddle boards, rentals, lessons, and tours since 2012.
Learn MoreExplore the stunning Columbia Wetlands with self-guided rentals and unique accommodations for special occasions.
Learn MoreChoose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.
Learn MoreAt CRIS Adaptive Adventures the offer canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for all your paddling needs.
Learn MoreDeep Cove Kayak Center in Vancouver offers premier kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfskiing tours.
Learn MoreDestination Desolation offers custom tours and shuttle services to explore Desolation Sound & surrounding islands.
Learn MoreProviding eco-excursions via guided kayaking and paddle board tours, Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions is a great place to reconnect with nature.
Learn MoreEdge of the World offers a wide range of snowboarding, skateboarding, paddleboarding, streetwear, and goods in Fernie, BC.
Learn MoreBook a kayak or paddle board rental at the Eldorado Marina to explore Okanagan Lake at your own pace.
Learn MoreEndless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
Learn MoreNeed paddling gear, accessories or want to rent a paddle board? Find all it all plus more at Escape Route in Whistler BC.
Learn MoreFloat Your Way offers affordable paddle board rentals in Golden with door-to-door delivery. Choose your adventure and book online now!
Learn MoreDiscover quality paddle gear and apparel at GearHub. Find everything you need for your next adventure.
Learn MoreGolden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
Learn MoreExplore the Sechelt Inlet on and kayak or paddleboard with Halfmoon Sea Kayaks.
Learn MoreHope Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals is a great place for rental options so you can explore the local waterways.
Learn MoreRent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.
Learn MoreExplore a wide range of outdoor gear, from apparel to safety and rescue equipment.
Learn MoreWith tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.
Learn MoreKamloops Water Sport Rentals offers three different locations. From paddle boards to pedal kayaks and canoes they have something that will work for everyone!
Learn MoreExplore Mayne Island at our own pace with kayak and paddle board rentals or booked a guided kayak tour to explore the beautiful waters.
Learn MoreDowntown Marina in Kelowna offers boat rentals, moorage, fuel, retail, and more. Live the lake life with speedboats, pontoons, and SeaDoos.
Learn MoreJoin the Kelowna Paddle Centre for safe and accessible paddle sports activities.
Learn MoreKlahoose Wilderness Resort offers an immersive eco-experience in British Columbia’s pristine nature, rich in culture and wildlife. Stay in intimate accommodations and explore the land with Indigenous guides.
Learn MoreKootenay Raft Co. offers thrilling rafting adventures in the Kootenays. Family-friendly trips, rentals, and custom group outings available.
Learn MoreLakeside Heffley Hideaway offers cabins, campsites, and activities by Heffley Lake. Perfect for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature.
Learn MoreLakeSUP has everything to do with paddleboards with rentals, lessons, and retail available you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Learn MoreWith kayak and paddleboard rentals LakeSurf Premium Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake.
Learn MorePaddle the Powell Forest canoe route with Mitchell’s Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Sales & Rentals.
Learn MoreNorm Hann Expeditions explores the ocean and coastlines of Squamish and Howe Sound: connect with nature while observing a unique and vast ecosystem that’s easy to access.
Learn MoreWith a lot of rental options Okanagan Beach Rentals is a great way to explore Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.
Learn MorePaddle’n’Go offers top-notch paddle board and kayak rentals, guided tours, lessons, and group paddle events in Victoria, BC. Experience the beauty of Vancouver Island’s waterways!
Learn MoreLocated on Heffley Lake in Kamloops BC, Paddle Surfit is the perfect place to relax and escape the city with SUP and kayak rentals.
Learn MoreRent a paddle board with Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals.
Learn MoreRent a paddle board with Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals.
Learn MorePender Island Kayak Adventures is a perfect place to try anything from kayaking to canoeing and even paddle boarding.
Learn MoreLocated on Cowichan Lake Pristine Paddleboard Adventures is the perfect place to rent a paddleboard and explore the lake at your own pace.
Learn MoreExplore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
Learn MoreRocky Peak Adventure Gear has a great retail selection of different paddle sports gear & equipment.
Learn MoreSalt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
Learn MoreScoop Lake is the perfect wilderness get away where you can explore over a dozen lakes on a paddle board.
Learn MoreScotties Marina offers a scenic waterfront vacation rental suite, moorage, fuel, fishing derby, and kayak/paddle board rentals on the pristine Lower Arrow Lake.
Learn MoreWith many kayak and paddleboard rental and tour options Sealegs Kayaking Adventures has something for everyone!
Learn MoreNikki J Fitness offers personalized training in Squamish, BC since 2015. Specializing in pregnancy & postpartum fitness programs.
Learn MoreCreate your own adventure with paddleboard rentals from Shawnigan Surf & Board Co.
Learn MoreSquamish Paddling Club is perfect for paddlers that have a strong focus on the environment and keeping local waterways safe.
Learn MoreExplore the waters of Howe Sound while paddling, kiteboarding, and even wakeboarding there is something here for everyone!
Learn MoreEnjoy a scenic float on the Fraser River or try something more upbeat like whitewater rafting, Stellar Descents offers many of those options.
Learn MoreSwell Tofino offers surf lessons, rentals, and a passion for ocean learning in Tofino.
Learn MoreTunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
Learn MoreExperience Ucluelet’s natural beauty with UKEE BackCountry’s guided SUP and UTV tours.
Learn MoreValhalla Pure in Squamish BC is a great outfitter store that has a wide variety of gear options and even clothing for paddle sports.
Learn MoreWilderness Kayaking Co offers many different kayaking tours, lessons, and has many rental options for kayaks and paddleboards.
Learn MoreFrom 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…