A paddle strokes through the teal-blue fjord as the sun crests behind the mountains, and the pastel-coloured sky to the east reflects pink colours on the snow-capped Mount Garibaldi. Part of what makes Squamish a great destination is that paddling can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the generally mild Coastal temperatures. The Howe Sound is a triangle-shaped fjord that spans 42 kilometres from Vancouver to its farthest point at Squamish. Paddling in the Howe Sound is a great place to start, but it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the paddling opportunities available in Squamish. The area offers a plethora of paddling experiences, all within close proximity, including freshwater lake paddling, multi-day canoe trips, whitewater kayaking, and whitewater rafting. It is one of the few places in Canada where you can white water raft in the morning and go for an ocean paddle in the evening.
For those interested in river paddling, there are several options to please a variety of skill sets. The Squamish River estuary is a great place to float along and watch for the abundance of wildlife. You may get lucky and spot a black bear fishing for dinner or a bald eagle perched in a tree. You can book a guided trip down the Squamish River that will take you past multiple waterfalls. It’s recommended to time the trip with one of the salmon runs that occur throughout the year for the opportunity to see thousands of fish rushing up the river to their spawning grounds.
For people looking to get into some whitewater, the Mamquam River boasts class 2-3 rapids, a challenging slalom course, and a popular play wave named “Paula’s Wave.” This river can be accessed by a 5-minute drive from downtown Squamish. If you have never paddled in whitewater before, taking a course is a good idea to learn the basics before diving in.
The Cheakamus and the Callaghan are the go-to playgrounds for advanced whitewater kayakers, with classes 3-4 on the Cheakamus and class 4-5 rapids, including some iconic Sea-to-Sky waterfall drops on the Callaghan. For those with no prior experience who still have the hunger to experience the class 3-4 rapids of the Cheakamus River, a guided rafting experience is the answer you’re looking for.
If the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting is a bit much, Squamish also offers a great selection of flat-water paddling. Cat Lake, located a 20-minute drive north of Squamish, is a great place to bring your canoe or stand-up paddle board. The warm waters of the small lake are a perfect place for swimming. The lake is also home to rainbow trout, making it an excellent place to cast the line and catch dinner. Cat Lake Rec site offers a handful of first-come, first-serve walk-in campsites for those who want to settle in and relax in the forest for a few days. Another flat-water option is the popular Alice Lake, a great place for mellow paddling and swimming while taking in the views of the towering mountains surrounding the park.
If casting a line and reeling in a hefty salmon is in your interest, then Squamish is a perfect place to try out kayak fishing. Within these waters, you can fish alongside the Southern Resident Killer Whales in Howe Sound or flyfish as you float down the Squamish River. Some species found in Howe Sound include chinook salmon, coho salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, lingcod, and more. The Squamish River is home to the same salmon species that populate Howe Sound and several freshwater fish, including bull trout, steelhead, and rainbow trout. When heading out fishing, carry a valid fishing license, follow all provincial and federal fishing regulations, and be aware of closure areas within Howe Sound.
While getting out and paddling for a day is great, sometimes you need multiple days to really get your paddling fix. The Sea to Sky Marine Trail is a non-linear network of campsites dotted throughout Howe Sound that can be linked together to make an epic multi-day paddle trip. While paddling the Sea to Sky Trail, keep your eyes out for the humpback, killer and grey whales, pods of Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbour seals, and sea lions known to inhabit the waters of Howe Sound. Launch your canoe or touring kayak in downtown Squamish or Porteau Cove, located south of Squamish on Hwy 99, and paddle from campsite to campsite, enjoying as little as an overnight trip or as long of a trip as you’re able to carry enough food for. The campsites are a mix of provincial parks and rec sites, so be aware of any booking requirements before heading out.
With a mix of gentle rivers, world-class whitewater, warm flat water, and saltwater in a teal blue fjord, Squamish is a no-brainer to add to your travel list for the coming year. Squamish is made even sweeter when considering how easy it is to do all of these different paddle sports from the city’s centre, with multiple options for accommodation and places to rent the gear, book an instructor or tour guide, take a course, or enjoy one of the paddling-specific events that happen throughout the year. For more info, visit: https://www.exploresquamish.com/
