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 challenge the Strait. Whales, wildlife & endless options await.
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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.
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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.
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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Ucluelet
Dreams come to life along our 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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Vancouver Island North
Paddle glacial fjords, island chains & wild coastlines. Whales, wildlife & adventure await.
ExploreMeet the specialists Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Race Series
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.
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Alder Bay Kayak
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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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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BC Marine Trails
BC Marine Trails is a non-profit organization promoting public access to BC’s coastline through marine trails.
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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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Blue Dog Kayaking
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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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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Coastal Bliss Adventures Ltd.
Experience amazing sea kayaking tours with Coastal Bliss Adventures.
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Coastal Expression
If you’re looking for a canoe or kayak rental, lesson or guided tour Coastal Expression offers them all!
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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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Comox Valley Paddlers Club
Comox Valley Paddlers Club offers paddling trips, education, resources, and memberships for all levels.
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Compass Adventure
Compass Adventure offers a variety of ocean activities, rentals, lessons, and programs for all ages.
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Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre
Choose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.
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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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Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions, Kayak Rentals & Retreats
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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ECOSUMMER EXPEDITIONS
Experience eco-friendly sea kayaking adventures in Telegraph Cove, BC. Encounter orcas and wildlife up close.
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Expedition Engineering
Designing unique expeditions to remote destinations, specializing in ski touring, kayaking, surfing, and adventure sailing.
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Fairway Gorge Paddling Club
Join Fairway Gorge Paddling Club in Victoria for exciting paddling programs, events, and expert advice.
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Farewell Harbour Lodge
Escape to a west-coast lodge in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Experience wildlife, nature, and indigenous culture.
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Hello Nature Adventure Tours
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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Island Römer Adventures
Explore the ocean on a guided kayaking tour with Island Römer Adventures.
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Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals
Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.
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Kaatza Adventures
With tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.
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KARIBU ADVENTURES
Karibu Adventures offers curated trips for active adventurers seeking raw and real experiences.
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Kayaking Gulf Islands
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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Kayaking Skills Saturna Island
Book a kayak tour, lesson, or rental with Kayaking Skills and explore the Southern Gulf Islands.
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King Fisher
King Fisher offers guided sea kayaking tours along the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, and Northern Vancouver Island.
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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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North Island Kayak
North Island Kayak offers unforgettable sea kayaking tours in Telegraph Cove, BC since 1991.
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Paddle & Go Victoria SUP Co
Paddle’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!
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Paddler’s Inn
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Paddle West Kayaking
Experience unforgettable kayak tours in Tofino and Ucluelet, Vancouver Island. Rentals and custom tours available.
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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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Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals
Rent a paddle board with Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals.
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Pender Island Kayak Adventures
Pender Island Kayak Adventures is a perfect place to try anything from kayaking to canoeing and even paddle boarding.
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Pristine Paddleboard Adventures
Located on Cowichan Lake Pristine Paddleboard Adventures is the perfect place to rent a paddleboard and explore the lake at your own pace.
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Quatsino Lodge
Quatsino Lodge in Vancouver Island offers top-notch fishing, kayaking, and hospitality in a remote setting.
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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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Salt Spring Adventures
Salt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
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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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Sealegs Kayaking Adventures
With many kayak and paddleboard rental and tour options Sealegs Kayaking Adventures has something for everyone!
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Sea to Sky Expeditions
Book an unforgettable guided kayaking tour with Sea to Sky Expeditions.
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Shawnigan Surf & Board co
Create your own adventure with paddleboard rentals from Shawnigan Surf & Board Co.
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South Island Sea Kayaking Association
SISKA is a vibrant sea kayaking community in Victoria, BC, promoting safety, skills, and camaraderie on the water.
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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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Tofino Sea Kayaking
Discover Tofino Sea Kayaking, offering guided tours and rentals for exploring Clayoquot Sound.
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UKEE BACKCOUNTRY
Experience Ucluelet’s natural beauty with UKEE BackCountry’s guided SUP and UTV tours.
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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.
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Wildcoast Adventures
Wildcoast Adventures offers unforgettable sea kayak tours with gourmet meals and top-notch service.
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Wilderness Kayaking Co
Wilderness Kayaking Co offers many different kayaking tours, lessons, and has many rental options for kayaks and paddleboards.
Learn MoreLearn more about paddling in Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Race Series
Oar-ganize Your Year
Whatever type of paddling you prefer, here are the events you’ll want to take part in around the province.
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.
How to Start Kayak Fishing in BC
Here are 16 ways to slightly alter our paddling practices and improve our experiences at all of the wild places in BC.
