British Columbia's rivers and lakes offer a wide range of kayak excursions, and each of BC's regions holds unique paddling opportunities. With routes to suit all skill levels, from the first-timer to the experienced outdoor paddler, there's a BC kayak adventure for everyone.
Learn more about Kayaking in BC's regions
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Kayaking in BC - What to Expect
The kayak has been used by northern Canada's Inuit people for thousands of years, and in recent decades the kayak's popularity has spread south to British Columbia, where over 300,000 pristine, glacier-carved lakes lure paddlers from around the world.Like the canoe, the kayak allows you to naturally explore the wonders of British Columbia. Kayaking here can be as easy as an afternoon paddle or as adventurous as a multi-day wilderness excursion. You can find wonderful routes – particularly in regional and national parks – that take you on lake chains with simple portages. Whatever route you choose, you're likely to find a variety of sandy beaches and a wealth of wildlife viewing along the way.
Unique BC Kayaking Experiences:
Bowron Lakes is a 116-km (72-mi) chain of lakes, waterways, connecting portages and wilderness campsites. Located in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, it is one of the most well-known canoe and kayak routes in the world. Wells Gray Provincial Park in the Thompson Okanagan region offers some of the best kayak lakes in BC, not to mention excellent wildlife and waterfall viewing. The park is also home to North America's largest paddle-only lake.
Nation Lakes Canoe Circuit lies in Northern British Columbia. The four pristine lakes that make up this chain are considered an undiscovered jewel in the crown of BC canoeing and kayaking.
Powell Forest Canoe Route on the Sunshine Coast in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region is a circuit of eight lakes and five portages that comprises 57 km (35 mi) of paddling – an escape to nature just hours from the city.
Guided Kayak Tours and Rentals
Many of the best kayak routes in BC are accessible to paddlers of all levels. Kayaks can often be rented on a daily or weekly rate. Many popular paddling destinations have rentals available on site or nearby. Guided tours are often all inclusive, meaning there's no need to bring any specialized gear from home. These tours are a great way for first-timers to experience some of BC's best kayak routes.
There are many wilderness retreats that lure intermediate to advanced kayak enthusiasts. Multi-day fly-in kayak excursions are offered, providing access to some of BC's most scenic and unspoiled wilderness.
In the summer months there is no shortage of tours and rental options. ;Guided tours or excursions can last anywhere from several hours to several days, and customized tours can often be arranged. Some companies also offer self-guided tours – they supply the kayak, all necessary gear, and pick-up and drop-off service, and you get a private paddling experience.
Practical Points and Water Safety
- Kayak rentals are often found at lakefront resorts, hotels and campsites, but this should always be checked beforehand.
- Popular routes may have limits on the number of canoes and kayaks allowed on the lakes, so reservations are recommended, especially for the Bowron Lakes route.
- Many routes involve backcountry camping, so make sure you have adequate equipment and experience for these types of trips.
- Note that whitewater kayaks are unsuitable for longer excursions as they track poorly and offer little stowage space for gear and supplies.
To Kayak or Canoe?
Generally, kayaks are easy to learn to paddle, handle well in windy conditions, and give solo paddlers a greater sense of independence. Canoes, on the other hand, are easier to portage and are often a more efficient means of transporting people and gear. Think of your needs and preferences when making your decision.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: The region offers a host of kayaking opportunities, all within easy reach of western Canada's largest city.
Unspoiled, pristine wilderness; home to some of the best multi-day kayak trips in BC. For kayak enthusiasts, this is the region to truly get back to nature.
Kayaking in the many lakes, rivers, and inner-harbour waterways is a perfect way to spend the day.
Dominated by the massive Monashee, Selkirk, Purcell and Rocky mountain ranges, the region is home vast systems of lakes and rivers that provide a range of paddling experiences.
Home to Wells Gray Park, one of BC's kayaking hotspots. The reliably sunny climate and warm lake waters make the region ideal for all water activities
Home to Bowron Lakes, the best-known canoe and kayak route in BC. The region draws kayakers from around the world with hundreds of tranquil lakes and top-notch wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities.