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.
Paddle pros
Here are the experts who will help perfect your paddling trip.
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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Bayview Brewing Company
Brewed with Local Vancouver Island malts from Field 5 Farm and hopped with Canada’s very own Sasquatch hops!
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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.
Learn MoreBest Western Plus Chemainus Inn
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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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Blue Vista Resort
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Bridgemans Bistro
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Bridgemans Bistro
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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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Buccaneer 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 Bastion Hotel
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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.
Learn MoreCowichan Regional Visitor Centre
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Craig Street Brew Pub
Discover a curated selection of top brewpubs and restaurants in BC.
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Deadhead Brew Co
Experience Cowichan Valley’s vibrant brewery scene at Deadhead Brew Co. with unique craft beers, retro vibes, and Vancouver Island charm.
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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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Drip Coffee | Social
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ECOSUMMER EXPEDITIONS
Experience eco-friendly sea kayaking adventures in Telegraph Cove, BC. Encounter orcas and wildlife up close.
Learn MoreEd’s Coffeehouse
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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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Gabriel’s Cafe
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Gina’s Mexican Cafe
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Gulf Islands National Park
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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.
Learn MoreHen and Hound Brasserie
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HUB at Hope Bay
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In The Bean Time
In The Beantime Cafe offers fresh, homemade meals, breads, desserts, and roasted coffee in Ladysmith, BC.
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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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Leeward Cafe
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Mayne Island Resort
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melange restaurant
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Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Award-winning craft cider & spirits farm in Cowichan Valley, offering tours, tastings, events, and farm experiences.
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North Island Kayak
North Island Kayak offers unforgettable sea kayaking tours in Telegraph Cove, BC since 1991.
Learn MoreOceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
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Old Town Bakery
Old Town Bakery in Ladysmith, BC offers a variety of made-from-scratch baked goods.
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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
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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Paddle West Kayaking
Experience unforgettable kayak tours in Tofino and Ucluelet, Vancouver Island. Rentals and custom tours available.
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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.
Learn MorePender Island Chamber of Commerce
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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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Port Browning Marina Resort + Pub
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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.
Learn MoreRamada by Wyndham Nanaimo
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Red Arrow Brewing Company
Discover innovative craft beers from Cowichan Valley since 2015. Join us for unique brews, events, and community gatherings.
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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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Rock Salt Restaurant & Cafe
RockSalt offers a diverse menu emphasizing local ingredients in a scenic ocean view setting.
Learn MoreSage Hayward Vineyards
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Salt Spring Adventures
Salt Spring Adventures has many tour and rental options available.
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Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
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Saturna Lighthouse Pub
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Sawmill Taphouse & Grill
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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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Serious Coffee Vancouver Island Conference Centre
Learn MoreShawnigan House coffee and chocolate
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Shawnigan Surf & Board co
Create your own adventure with paddleboard rentals from Shawnigan Surf & Board Co.
Learn MoreSlow Coast Coffee
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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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South Island Whitewater Club
Join the South Island Whitewater Club for thrilling whitewater paddling experiences on Vancouver Island. Explore courses, trips, and pool sessions.
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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.
Learn MoreSunny Mayne Bakery Cafe
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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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Temperance Hotel
Experience a luxurious stay in Ladysmith’s premier boutique hotel, blending luxury with nature’s beauty.
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The Crane and Robin Restaurant
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The Lakehouse at Shawnigan
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The Masthead Restaurant
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The Oak Taphouse
Your local taphouse in Cowichan Valley offering craft beers, live music, and delicious eats.
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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 Resort + Marina
Tofino Resort + Marina offers a gateway to unforgettable West Coast adventures in Tofino, BC. Stay, dine, and play in the heart of a vibrant community, surrounded by stunning natural 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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Tourism Nanaimo Visitor Centre
Learn MoreTourism Nanaimo Visitor Centre
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True Grain – Cowichan Bay
Learn MoreTruss Farm Food
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UKEE BACKCOUNTRY
Experience Ucluelet’s natural beauty with UKEE BackCountry’s guided SUP and UTV tours.
Learn MoreVibrational Cafe
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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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White Sails Brewing
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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.
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Yellow Point Lodge
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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.
