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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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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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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A kayak bobs up and down over a forest of bull kelp as the tide recedes from the rocky shoreline of Galiano Island’s Montague Harbour. Galiano is one of the five larger…
The kayak is bobbing up and down as it flows through the gentle ocean waves in the sheltered waters of Cowichan Bay. What should be a peaceful scene is interrupted by the…
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…
