No Paddler Is An Island. But This Region Is. Here’s How to Best Experience It.
The largest island on the west coast of the Americas, Vancouver Island is a destination that’s usually associated with ocean paddling, but it also offers excellent freshwater opportunities, including one of BC’s best canoe circuits located in a pristine forest northwest of Campbell River. The surf scene in Tofino is legendary here, as is the old-school British charm of the provincial capital of Victoria, but this region also includes the smaller Gulf and Discovery Islands where you’ll find remote beaches, secluded bays, and vibrant artistic communities.
Participating communities from Vancouver Island
Explore pockets of this region by way of specific communities. Get info on the waterways in or near them and meet local paddling professionals.
Comox Valley
Paddle calm bays, explore rivers, or float the lakes. Whales, wildlife and endless options await.
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Ucluelet
Dreams come to life along Ucluelet’s wild, rocky coastline, where the spirit of adventure was born and imagination takes flight. Here on Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nations traditional territories, awe meets wonder, and forever memories are forged. Visit a place beyond your wildest dreams.
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Southern Gulf Islands
There are over 300 islands located off the shores of south-eastern Vancouver Island that can be explored by sea kayak, canoe, and paddleboard including the main ones of Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Gabriola, and Salt Spring. Go ahead, take your time.
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Tofino
Tofino beckons paddlers with adventure. Kayak exposed coastlines, witness migrating whales, or explore the calm inlets teeming with marine life. From exhilarating currents to serene passages, Tofino offers unforgettable paddling for all skill levels.
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Vancouver Island North
Paddle glacial fjords, island chains & wild coastlines. Whales, wildlife & adventure await.
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Nanaimo
Located on Vancouver Island Nanaimo is a great place for paddlers to explore different bays, inlets, and the Pacific Ocean.
A bustling harbour city on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo gets its name from the Coast Salish word “Sney-Ny-Mous,” which means “meeting place.” Appropriate because you’ll definitely want to connect with friends here and go paddling.
Cowichan
Bordered by Nanaimo and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Districts, Cowichan is located at the southern part of Vancouver Island. It’s a waterfront community perfect for those who love the ocean. Cowichan is also home to many lakes and rivers making it a perfect spot to fit every paddlers needs.
ExploreLegend: Orange pins denote local experts, blue pins denote waterways
Meet the specialists Vancouver Island
From guides and instructors to marina owners and sales reps, here are the people who will ensure you’re not sent up the creek without a, well, you know.
I want to go
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ALERT BAY 360 ECO PADDLE
Join the Alert Bay 360 event for a chance to win prizes and cash rewards. Limited spots available!
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AT THE WATER’S EDGE ADVENTURES
Explore breathtaking kayak tours in Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife habitats with At the Water’s Edge Adventures.
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Black Bear Kayaking
Experience the thrill of kayaking among black bears in Clayoquot Sound with expert guides.
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BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO PADDLER’S INN
Paddle paradise awaits! Explore Broughton’s islands & inlets at Paddler’s Inn.
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CANADA SEA KAYAK
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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Coast Surf Shop
Coast Surf Shop is a family-owned store in Comox and Cumberland, B.C., offering surf, paddle boards, rentals, lessons, and tours since 2012.
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Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes
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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Destination Desolation
Destination Desolation offers custom tours and shuttle services to explore Desolation Sound & surrounding islands.
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Discovery Kayaking Ltd.
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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ECOSUMMER EXPEDITIONS
Experience eco-friendly sea kayaking adventures in Telegraph Cove, BC. Encounter orcas and wildlife up close.
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God’s Pocket Resort
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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KARIBU ADVENTURES
Karibu Adventures offers curated trips for active adventurers seeking raw and real experiences.
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Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures – Sea Kayaking Tours
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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Mosaic Earth
Discover immersive small-group journeys & self-drive road trips connecting travellers with nature, wildlife, and culture in BC & the Yukon.
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Paddle West Kayaking
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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Page’s Resort and Marina
Secluded cottages, marina & island adventures await at Page’s Resort. Kayak, hike, relax – it’s your island time.
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Relic Surf Shop and Surf School
Your go-to spot for surf and skateboard gear in Tofino – Ucluelet area.
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Remote Passages Marine Excursions
Discover breathtaking wildlife adventures in Tofino with Remote Passages. Enjoy whale watching, bear watching, and more.
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Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC
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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Sea Kayak Haida Gwaii Butterfly Tours
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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Spirit of the West Adventures
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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Surfside Paddle Sports
Surfside Paddlesports offers top-quality kayaks and surf skis for paddling enthusiasts. Book a demo now!
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Swell Tofino
Swell Tofino offers surf lessons, rentals, and a passion for ocean learning in Tofino.
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Tofino Paddle Surf
Tofino Paddle Surf offers private surf lessons, SUP tours, and quality beach rentals.
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Tofino Resort + Marina
Embark on guided remote kayaking tours through Tofino Inlet’s calm waters to explore wildlife and stunning coastline beauty.
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Traditional Oar & Sail
Embark on guided excursions aboard traditional wooden boats exploring BC’s stunning coast. Experience the joys of oar and sail with us!
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West Coast Expeditions Kayaking Tours
Experience kayak-fishing and more with West Coast Expeditions.
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West Coast Water Sports
Rent kayaks, canoes, or SUP boards from West Coast Water Sports. Fun for all skill levels!
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West Coast Wild Adventures
West Coast Wild Adventures offers thrilling zipline, kayaking, and floatplane tours in an eco-educational setting.
Learn MoreRoad Trips in Vancouver Island
Cowichan Road Trip Itinerary
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.
Ucluelet Road Trip Itinerary
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.
Paddling the Comox Valley
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.
Learn more about paddling in Vancouver Island
Oar-ganize Your Year
Whatever type of paddling you prefer, here are the events you’ll want to take part in around the region.
These waters are calm, make a splash by submitting your event, or check out our full events calendar.
BC Man First To Circumnavigate Vancouver Island Via Paddleboard
Paul Verchere is the first person to circumnavigate Vancouver Island in one journey. This is his story.
Adventure Afloat: How To Spend 3 Days Paddling In Ucluelet
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…
The Search For BC’s Best Lake
Which body of water will win CBC’s Best Lake in BC Contest? We have some suggestions of what to vote for.
