BC is an amazing place to explore—by land, air, or water.
With hundreds of hiking trails, mountains, and lakes to discover, this province is an adventurers dream—though there are a few places that even the hardiest of snowshoes, hiking boots, or rock climbing shoes can’t get you to, and when water is the only way to go, kayaking is your best bet.
See also
- The secret history of Vancouver's beaches
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All those hard to reach paradises scattered along BC’s extensive coastlines and rivers are just waiting to be docked at, and you may even find yourself a view that you’ve never laid eyes on before.
So grab a paddle, rent a kayak, and get out on the water—before we’ve completely run out of these beautiful summer days.
Deep Cove Night Kayaking
Where: The Indian Arm
Launching from Deep Cove Kayak in North Vancouver (2156 Banbury Rd, North Vancouver) you can join in on their Friday Night Lights tour every Friday night until September 1. The two and a half hour tour takes you up the Indian Arm at dusk, and you’ll learn about the geography and First Nations of the area.
Widgeon Creek
Where: Widgeon Falls near Pitt Lake
A suitable day trip for those living in Metro Vancouver, a kayak up Widgeon Creek will take you to the beautiful Widgeon Falls. Kayaks and canoes can be rented from the Grant Narrows boat launch to get you up the creek, just make sure to give yourself enough time to get back!
False Creek
Where: Downtown Vancouver, Granville Island, Vanier Park
A great place to get on the water—especially if you don’t have a car to get you out of the city! Vancouver Water Adventures LTD rents out kayaks right from Granville Island, so you can take a trip around the well-trod area from an entirely different vantage point.
Howe Sound
Where: Launching from Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal
Officially opened in 2015, the Sea To Sky Marine Trail along the Howe Sound gained six new campsite for kayakers looking to take extended trips North of Vancouver. Kayaks can be launched from Horseshoe Bay, just stay out of the way of those ferries.
Deer Lake
Where: 5435 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby
The calm waters of Deer Lake make it a great area for beginner kayakers to learn the ropes. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats can be rented from Deer Lake Boat Rentals at hourly or daily rates.
Galiano Island
Where: 3451 Montague Road, Galiano Island
The sharply cut cliffs of Galiano Island are an interesting sight to see from the ocean, which is perfect for potential kayakers who want to stay shoreside. Gulf Island Kayaking provides sea tours of the area, so you’ll know exactly where to go to make the most out of your trip.
Alaksen National Wildlife Area
Where: Westham Island, Delta
If you’re hoping to see some creatures while out on the water, this is the place to go. The Alaksen National Wildlife Area is teeming with wildlife, as it is a migration stopover for more than a million birds each year.
Vargas Island
Where: 320 Main St, Tofino
Located just 3.5 km away from Tofino, Vargas Island’s white sands and ocean shores are a favourite to visit by Tofino Sea Kayaking tours.
Comox Valley
Where: 2020 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay
Comox Valley on Vancouver Island has it all. Sandy beaches, mountain views, and wildlife in abundance make it a great place to explore by water, and kayaks can be rented from Comox Valley Kayaks and Canoes right on the ocean.