Ocean kayaking, lake paddling, whitewater kayaking... for kayak and canoe enthusiasts, British Columbia’s spectacularly scenic regions offer adventures for all skill levels.
BC is one of the world's premier ocean kayaking destinations, thanks to its jagged coastline and many islands, inlets, and coves. Kayakers enjoy easy-to-challenging waters and myriad wildlife viewing opportunities. Orcas, as well as grey and humpback whales, are commonly seen during their migration seasons. Watch for marine birds, seals, otters and porpoises too.
Meanwhile, whitewater kayakers flock to the legendary Stikine River in Northern BC and the Sunshine Coast’s Skookumchuck Narrows.
Learn more about kayaking and canoeing in BC’s regions and cities:
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Vancouver Island
Thompson Okanagan
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Kootenay Rockies
Northern BC
Vancouver
Victoria
Whistler
Ocean Kayaking Highlights
Paddling hotspots on Vancouver Island’s west coast include the Broken Group Islands and Clayoquot Sound. The Gulf Islands archipelago and Nanaimo are popular destinations on the east coast. Near Vancouver, Bowen Island provides the gateway into island-dotted Howe Sound, with the neighbouring Sunshine Coast communities of Sechelt and Gibsons and Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park (near Powell River) close by.
Heading north, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast's popular areas are along the lush, pristine coastline around Klemtu, Bella Bella and the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area. Paddlers can truly escape in remote areas around Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) in Northern British Columbia.
For convenient paddling near the city, Vancouver offers the protected waters of Deep Cove, False Creek and Jericho Beach. Victoria offers paddling directly from the Inner Harbour. Explore the Gorge Waterway and nearby Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park.
Lake Paddling and Canoe Routes
Love freshwater paddling? The Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, a 116km/72-mi chain of four lakes in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, is arguably BC’s best-known canoe route.
In the Thompson Okanagan region, Wells Gray Provincial Park offers excellent lakes, wildlife and waterfall viewing and includes Murtle Lake, North America's largest paddle-only lake.
Nation Lakes Canoe Circuit draws paddlers to Northern British Columbia. The four pristine lakes that make up this chain are considered an undiscovered jewel.
Another great option is the Powell Forest Canoe Route, located on the Sunshine Coast in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. It’s a gorgeous circuit of eight lakes and five portages with 57km/35mi of paddling.
Whitewater Kayaking Highlights
BC's whitewater crown jewel is located in Northern BC on the Stikine River, called "the river of a lifetime" by world kayak freestyle champion Olli Grau. Known as one of North America's greatest whitewater challenges and best pure class V whitewater rivers, the Stikine was first run by kayaking legend Rob Lesser in 1981. The Grand Canyon of the Stikine has sheer, 1,000ft walls and is considered unnavigable except at low water flows (normally in August or September). It's only been successfully run by the world’s most accomplished whitewater paddlers.
Northern BC also has the pristine ecosystem of the Tatshenshini-Alsek river system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and kayaker's delight.
BC is famous for another kind of whitewater challenge – surfing the standing waves at saltwater tidal rapids. Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, on the Sunshine Coast in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, is popular with expert kayakers and spectators. The consistent and thrilling rapids and the tide change that happens between the Sechelt and Jervis Inlet, easy put-ins, and stunning scenery make Skookumchuck an exciting area to explore.
Guided Tours and Rentals
A guided tour is a good option for first-time paddlers or those unfamiliar with BC's waters, as some of the best paddling takes place in more remote locations. Tours range from short, half-day adventures to 10-day wilderness excursions. Canoe and kayak rentals are widely available at beaches, in lodges, and in cities.
Year-round whitewater kayaking lessons of varying durations and for all levels are available in BC. Courses feature certified instructors. Paddlers can bring their own equipment, or, depending on the operator, all gear and safety equipment may be provided, offering a safe, easy introduction to the sport.
Practical Points and Safety
- For a comprehensive guide to sea kayaking, read the Transport Canada Sea Kayaking Safety Guide.
- Learn more about canoe safety.
- There are inherent dangers to whitewater kayaking, so paddlers should have a good understanding of the international whitewater classes/river difficulty ratings.
- Get real-time river-level information.
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