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A Wilderness Paddling Adventure Just Beyond Vancouver

Indian Arm Inlet, located just outside Vancouver, offers an incredible paddling experience for seasoned kayakers and canoeists. Launching from the charming Deep Cove village in North Vancouver, paddlers leave behind the city’s bustle and venture into the serene waters of this 14-kilometer-long fjord.

For experienced paddlers, Indian Arm offers an unparalleled blend of wilderness, accessible camping, and a memorable adventure on the water.

Quick Facts

Length: 14km one way

Season: Summer

Style: Inlet

Difficulty: Intermediate

Access: Launch from beach in deep cove after parking for free on the nearby feeder road.

Experiences: Kayaking and Canoeing

More Info: Anabatic winds are frequent in afternoon

Gear safety

  • Motorboat traffic.

  • Bears are occasionally reported in the area

  • Places with strong currents

Indian Arm

  • 1

    Deep Cove

    Launch from beach in deep cove after parking for free on the nearby feeder road.

  • 2

    Granite Falls

    Granite Falls is a stunning paddling destination in Indian Arm, with its majestic 150-foot waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs. Just south of the falls, marine-access campsites offer a serene place to camp amidst nature’s beauty. From here, paddlers can explore the Indian River estuary, where the river meets the ocean, for a unique adventure.

  • 3

    Raccoon Island

    A small rocky outcrop in the middle of Lower Indian Arm, is a popular stop for paddlers looking to rest. Accessible by kayak or paddleboard at low tide, its northwest shore offers a small rocky beach, though this disappears when the tide rises. While the island is a great stepping stone to Twin Islands, it has a unique challenge in the spring when aggressive nesting Canada Geese take over, filling the air with their territorial hissing

  • 4

    Twin Islands

    Just off the east shore of Indian Arm, are a popular spot for paddlers on a day trip or overnight adventure. Connected by a sandy beach at low tide, the larger North Island offers camping with rustic outhouses but no running water. A public dock on the east side provides easy access, and the sheltered waters between the islands are great for spotting marine life like crabs and starfish.

  • 5

    Silver Falls

    Its discreet location makes it easy to miss, though paddlers can find it by following the west shore past Lone Rock Point and Best Point. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the People of the Inlet, hold a belief that it is not appropriate to look at Silver Falls, adding a layer of cultural significance to this serene and elusive spot.

  • 6

    Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre

    2156 Banbury Rd., North Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7G 2T1

    Deep Cove Kayak Center in Vancouver offers premier kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfskiing tours.

    Lessons, Tours & Rentals

Paddle pros

Here are the experts who will help perfect your paddling trip.

Rentals, Tours & Lessons
Cates Park Paddling Centre

Discover Cates Park for kayaking adventures, rentals, and lessons. Book online today!

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Retail and Repairs
Coast Outdoors

Join us for personalized training and programs in Squamish, BC since 2015.

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Rentals, Tours & Lessons
Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre

Deep Cove Kayak Center in Vancouver offers premier kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfskiing tours.

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Rentals
Middleton’s Canoes & Kayaks

Middleton’s Boats offers canoe and kayak rentals, sales, accessories, and expert advice for paddlers of all levels.

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Retail
Mountain Equipment Company

MEC North Vancouver offers gear rentals, repair services, and a green building experience.

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Retail
Quoth Paddle Boards

Quoth Boards offers premium iSup gear for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality and performance.

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Rentals and Tours
Sea Dragon Charters

Sea Dragon Charters offers scuba diving, snorkeling, boat tours, and more in Vancouver, BC.

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Tours, Rentals & Lessons
Takaya Tours

Takaya Tours offers authentic First Nation canoe and kayak experiences in beautiful locations like Belcarra Park and Cates Park.

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Explore more in this community.

Every corner of BC has something unique to offer. From freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island to rafting on the whitewater of Squamish, you will never find a shortage of amazing paddling.

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