With over 25,000 kilometres of coastline, 20,000 lakes, and 750,000 kilometres of rivers and waterways, the province of British Columbia is a paddler’s paradise. Whether your preferred craft is a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or raft, there are innumerable opportunities to explore both fresh and saltwater environs.
Most of the paddling in the province takes place in the summer months but autumn is also an excellent time to enjoy the waters. In fact, some people prefer it because there are fewer crowds, no insects, and more wildlife to be spotted closer to the waterline. You’ll want to dress for cooler weather but the only challenge about paddling in Canada’s westernmost province in the fall is trying to decide what adventure to do first. To help with the decision making, here are five paddle outings we recommend you enjoy during the autumn months in British Columbia.
1. Vernon & the Kalamalka Paddle Trail
From Vernon’s downtown core, it only takes five minutes to slip into the glassy waters of Kalamalka Lake or “Kal Lake as the locals call it. This glacial-fed body of water located in the heart of the Okanagan region, is famed for its shifting turquoise hues and calm expanse. The Kalamalka Lake Paddle Trail spans roughly 22 kilometres and hugs the shore, linking launch points near Kalamalka Provincial Park and Coldstream before tracing the full length of the lake.
In the fall, the lakeside hills glow with ochre and gold, and the winds tend to settle in the mornings, make it ideal for early-day paddles. Hurlburt Park is a reliable launch site with its dock and easy access to calm waters.
Another paddling option in is Okanagan Lake. At Paddlewheel Park you’ll find the Vernon Paddling Centre, which offers rentals, clinics, group paddles, and adaptive-friendly paddling courses and events. For more read our article “The Best Paddling in Vernon.”
2. Nelson & Kootenay Lake’s West Arm
Kootenay Lake, located in the West Kootenay region, is one of the province’s largest and most majestic. It’s flanked by the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, offering dramatic vistas and quiet shoreline paddling. The wind can pick up quickly on the main lake, though, so for friendlier, shorter paddles, people turn to the West Arm near Nelson. Multiple launch points near the city’s core make it easy to slip out for a few hours and return before dusk.
Nelson Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals operates from the Prestige Marina, which is one excellent launch site. Another good place to put in is the beach at Lakeside Park. While on the water, be sure to take in the golden hemlock trees on Elephant Mountain to the North and the red, orange and yellow hues of the deciduous trees throughout the city. Read our article, “The Best Paddling in Nelson” for more info.
3. Vancouver’s North Shore & Indian Arm
It’s remarkable how quickly the urban environs of Vancouver give way to forested fjords and steep, wild shorelines. At the heart of that transition is səl̓ilw̓ət, also known as Indian Arm, which is accessible from Deep Cove on Vancouver’s North Shore.
Most paddlers launch from the Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre, where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards can be rented and guided tours arranged. From there, paddlers can follow the east shore of Indian Arm northward past waterfalls, mossy cliffs, and rocky beaches. Jug Island makes a nice day trip, especially in calm weather. In fall, the water is quieter and the surrounding forest transitions into muted greens, ochres, and russets. You’ll often have the inlet to yourself (especially midweek) and there’s a good chance you’ll spot seals and other marine mammals depending on tide and timing. For more about where to paddle around Vancouver’s North Shore, visit our 3 Day Itinerary.
4. Comox & the Coastal Waters of Comox Valley
When you land in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, you have a range of paddling options available to you, from large lakes and wild whitewater to river estuaries and protected coastal waters. There are many local experts and rental shops in the region including Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes and Coast Surf Shop and we recommend visiting them to learn weather and tide info, and the best paddling spots for the current conditions.
That said, one paddle that always delights no matter the weather is the Courtenay River Estuary, where freshwater meets sloughs and tidal flats. The waters are well protected from wind here and eagles, herons, and shorebirds are always congregating. If you prefer inland waters, Comox Lake remains navigable in early fall, and its steep-shoreline reaches are quiet and atmospheric as the leaves begin to fade.
5. Southern Gulf Islands & Gulf Islands Marine Trail
For paddlers drawn to saltwater, the Southern Gulf Islands offer a premier autumn sea kayaking playground. The Gulf Islands Marine Trail provides launch points and campsites across dozens of islands, enabling custom itineraries from half-day loops to week-long journeys. One of the most accessible launch zones is Montague Harbour on Galiano Island, where rental operators like Gulf Island Kayaking equip day and multi-day paddlers. From Montague, paddlers can traverse sheltered bays, explore sandstone cliffs, and cross to Prevost or Salt Spring islands (weather and tides permitting).
While currents and tides between islands (especially in Trincomali Channel) can be demanding, the fall often provides calmer windows—especially in the mornings—making paddling safe and pleasant. Be sure to carry tide tables, a reliable chart, proper cold-water gear, and always plan your crossing with the tide.
