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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.

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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Mike-Anderson\_Kayaking\_Nanaimo

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.

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Ben-Giesbrecht\_Southern-Gulf-Islands\_Galiano-Island

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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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. 

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lessons, rentals & tours
Blue Dog Kayaking

Book a kayaking or SUP tour or lesson with Blue Dog Kayaking.

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rentals, lessons & tours
Coastal Bliss Adventures Ltd.

Experience amazing sea kayaking tours with Coastal Bliss Adventures.

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tours, rentals & lessons
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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rentals, tours & lessons
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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Guide sea kayaking adventure
rentals, tours & lessons
Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions

Experience eco excursions on a kayak or paddle board with Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions.

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rentals, lessons & tours
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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rentals and tours
Gulf Island Kayaking

Rent or book a kayak tour with Gulf Island Kayaking.

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tours and lessons
Island Römer Adventures

Explore the ocean on a guided kayaking tour with Island Römer Adventures.

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rentals
Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals

Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals.

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tours and rentals
Kaatza Adventures

With tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.

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rentals and tours
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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tours, rentals & lessons
Kayaking Skills Saturna Island

Book a kayak tour, lesson, or rental with Kayaking Skills and explore the Southern Gulf Islands.

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tours
King Fisher

King Fisher offers guided sea kayaking tours along the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, and Northern Vancouver Island.

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lessons, tours & rentals
Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals

Rent a paddle board with Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals.

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rentals, lessons, retail & tours
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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rentals and tours
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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rentals and tours
Salt Spring Adventures

Salt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.

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retail, tours, rentals & lessons
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures

With many kayak and paddleboard rental and tour options Sealegs Kayaking Adventures has something for everyone!

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tours
Sea to Sky Expeditions

Book an unforgettable guided kayaking tour with Sea to Sky Expeditions.

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rentals
Shawnigan Surf & Board co

Create your own adventure with paddleboard rentals from Shawnigan Surf & Board Co.

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Sea kayaking tours
tours
West Coast Expeditions Kayaking Tours

Experience kayak-fishing and more with West Coast Expeditions.

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lessons, tours & rentals
Wilderness Kayaking Co

Wilderness Kayaking Co offers many different kayaking tours, lessons, and has many rental options for kayaks and paddleboards.

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Learn more about paddling in Vancouver Island

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.

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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. 

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