7 best places near Vancouver to try watersports

We’re extremely lucky as Vancouverites to live so close to the Pacific Ocean. Why not take advantage of it?

Whether you want a relaxing evening in a canoe with your beau, or you need an adrenaline fix that only jetpacks can satisfy, here are the 7 best places in and around Vancouver to test out those watersports you’ve always wanted to try.

BC Flyboard

Jetpacks! In the ocean! Get a one-on-one instructional experience to master the art of flight. The introductory one-hour session includes 15 minutes of groundwork and 45 minutes of flight time for you to test out your new super power.

Price: $150 – $500
Address: 1812 Boatlift Lane, Granville Island, Vancouver

Vancouver Water Adventures

This place has paddle boards, kayaks, and seadoos for rent at the locations on Kits Beach and Granville Island. Get out on the open ocean for relaxation, getting in touch with your inner yogi, or to get that perfect Kits Beach sunset Insta post.

Price: $20-$500
Address: North end of Kits Beach or 1812 Boatlift Lane, Granville Island, Vancouver

Kelowna Jet Boat Adventures

Bet you’ve never gone this fast on Lake Okanagan. Kelowna Jet Boat’s custom built rocket boasts over 400 horsepower and can go over 80km/h. Hop on for fantastic views of downtown Kelowna, Gyro Beach, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Old Ferry Wharf, Manhattan Point, and more.

Price: $20-110
Address: 230 Queensway, Kelowna

Ogopogo Parasail

Get a birds’ eye view of Lake Okanagan while safely strapped behind a speedboat for some of the most spectacular views around.

Price: $75-90
Address: 230 Queensway, Kelowna

Windsure Adventure Watersports

Learn to windsurf or skimboard this summer with Windsure’s introductory lessons on gorgeous Jericho Beach. Already an expert? They do rentals, too.

Price: $14-495
Address: Jericho Sailing Centre, 1300 Discovery St, Vancouver

Cove Watersports

Deep Cove’s premier location for windsurfing, boat lessons, charter tours, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Spend a day getting toured around North Van’s beautiful Indian Arm with your friends, or shred some gnarly wake – this place does it all.

Price: $55-930
Address: 4400 Gallant Ave, Deep Cove

The ocean

Get your own supplies! Check Craigslist or Kijiji for paddle boards, kayaks, or whatever you’re into. If you buy it once, you’ll never have to pay someone else to get out on the water again. Before you know it, you’ll be one of those Kits Beach bums windsurfing in five-degree weather while passers-by shake their heads to hide their raging jealousy.

Price: Free
Address: Walk west and/or north until your feet feel wet