British Columbia is larger than the countries of France and Germany combined, but that only accounts for terra firma. When factoring in the amount of the Pacific Ocean located around Vancouver Island and off the 25,725 kilometers of mainland BC’s coastline, the size of the province is astronomical. The Salish Sea alone is 18,000 square kilometers and that only accounts for the waters as far north as Desolation Sound. In other words, there is a lot of saltwater to play on in BC. First Nations have been paddling the waters around Haida Gwaii, Howe Sound, and the Strait of Georgia for thousands of years and these days, ocean paddlers in BC are rewarded with views of lush rainforests and snow-capped mountains as well as local wildlife, which includes everything from massive humpback whales and elephant seals to tiny starfish and baby sea otters. For more about the oceans of British Columbia, we invite you to dive in.
Discover some of BC’s best saltwater.
Clayoquot Sound, launching from Tofino, offers paddlers a diverse range of experiences—from guided tours for beginners to challenging routes for seasoned adventurers.
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The Douglas Channel is where the mountain meet the ocean! There are a limited number of take-out spots along the steep shorelines of the Douglas Channel, so be sure to plan appropriately with the weather and tides. Well-prepared paddlers will be greeted by awe-inspiring views, beautiful creeks, waterfalls and interesting rock formations along the way.
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Indian Arm Inlet, a 14-kilometer fjord near Vancouver, offers seasoned paddlers a scenic and challenging escape into nature. With towering mountains, accessible campsites, and the unique experience of paddling through a tidal estuary, this route promises an unforgettable adventure.
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A beautiful area with lots of wildlife and fewer people. Great opportunity to see Orcas, humpbacks and other sea life.
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On a calm, windless day, Minette Bay is the perfect place to launch your stand up paddle board for a day on the water. This is Kitimat’s only waterfront nature park and is the easiest place to access Douglas Channel from the town.
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Offering calm waters, stunning coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife. Beginner to advanced paddlers alike will be enthralled by the tranquillity and ecological diversity of this coastal gem.
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Ucluelet Harbour and Barkley Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast offer paddlers calm, wildlife-rich waters and the breathtaking expanse of over 100 islands, including the Broken Group Islands. From serene shoreline paddling to exploring kelp forests and secluded coves, this area is a top destination for kayakers and paddleboarders seeking both peace and adventure.
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Story by Andrea Miller. Photos by Dave Heath. I ‘d always been curious why Ucluelet had such a mystical appeal. In my mind, I pictured a rugged fishing town sprinkled with laid-back…
The first river I paddled in British Columbia was the Slocan in the East Kootenay. It was, and still is, unbelievably beautiful. Having grown up canoeing the flat-as-glass prairies, I had never…
Every corner of British Columbia offers something special for the visiting paddler, from gliding through coastal inlets to soaking up the sun on warm interior lakes. To help you explore BC by…
