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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


Be aware that the area may have motorboat traffic, occasional bear sightings, and sections 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.

Paddle pros

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

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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