Whether it is the remote 48-km (30-mi), 12-lake Sayward Forest Canoe Route or the campground and village-lined Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island's freshwater paddling offers a kayaking experience for everyone. Choose from a leisurely hour or two on Elk and Beaver Lakes, just outside Victoria city limits or gear up for a multi-day wilderness adventure in Main Lakes Provincial Park on Quadra Island.
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Learn More About Lake Kayaking in: Sayward Forest Canoe Route
Quadra Island
Kennedy Lake
Cowichan Lake
Elk and Beaver Lake
Wildlife Spotting on Kayak Excursions Vancouver Island's wilderness setting and countless secluded spots means wildlife watching is part of the paddling experience. The island is home to black bear, Roosevelt elk, deer, wolves, cougar and hundreds of different types of birds. Trout can be found in many lakes and the island is a haven for freshwater fishing.
Getting to the Best Kayak Spots in Vancouver Island Most all major lake kayaking routes can be accessed by vehicle via major highways and logging roads. Be aware that logging trucks and other working vehicles have right-of-way on industrial roads; obey any restrictions that may apply on these roads as well. Lakes closer to urban areas such as Victoria's Elk and Beaver Lakes offer transit service.
When to Paddle Vancouver Island June to September are the peak paddling months in the region but as coastal areas experience a temperate climate and lakes and creeks do not freeze over in winter, you can plan a paddling trip for any time of year.
Guided Kayaking Tours and Rentals Kayak rentals are available throughout Vancouver Island and companies can provide all the gear, advice, and training necessary for a trip into the wilderness. Companies will often transport rental kayaks and equipment to put-in points.
Practical Points and Water Safety - Test your competency before embarking on a self-guided kayaking journey. All paddlers should be able to launch the kayak from shore, paddle it in a straight line, turn it in both directions and steer to avoid obstacles.
- Take head winds into consideration - they can significantly increase the duration of your trip
- Proper planning, preparation, and clothing appropriate to the conditions, and an adequate food supply are essential.
- Dress in layers. Bring quick dry clothing, such as wool and polyester; avoid cotton clothing, as takes longer to dry and does not keep in heat. Food, clothing and other personal items should be packed in watertight containers. Specially designed portage packs and dry bags work well.
- Kayaks must have a Canadian approved lifejacket or PFD of the appropriate size for each person on board.
Fishing is permitted on many lakes and rivers in compliance with the BC Non-Tidal Sports Fishing Regulations. A BC fishing licence is required and may be purchased at resorts and sporting goods stores. - Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage. Be aware that bears, wolves and other wildlife inhabit the region. Do not get too close to or attempt to feed wild animals. Kayak routes in provincial parks usually have metal bear-proof caches to store odorous items that could attract bears.
Highlights
Sayward Forest Canoe Route The 48-km (30-mi) Sayward Forest Canoe Route is one of the most extensive paddling routes on Vancouver Island. Portage trails through second-growth forest link a series of 12 lakes. These trails - as well as the route - are well marked and there are many Forest Service Recreation sites, in addition to a number of undeveloped areas, suitable for overnight camping. There are four sets of small rapids to be aware of but, overall, the waters along this route are calm and are therefore suitable for the novice kayaker. Although Morton Lake and Gosling Lake are the most popular put-in spots, there are a number of easily accessible starting points. It is recommended that you traverse this route in a counter-clockwise direction. The best weather for paddling the route occurs in summer or early autumn. Attributes - Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 3-4 days - less if paddling only a portion of the route.
- The Sayward Forest Canoe Route is a 35-minute drive from Campbell River.
Quadra Island – Main Lake Provincial Park Paddle an intriguing chain of six lakes on Quadra Island, through shallow marshes and among rugged portages. The park offers other wilderness recreation opportunities such as trout fishing, camping and hiking with wildlife sightings including wolves, cougars, Peregrine falcons, Bald eagles, hawks, osprey and wintering swans. In fact, birdwatchers can spot over 70 bird species.
Attributes: - Rated as easy to intermediate
- Approximate time required ranges from several hours to several days.
- Quadra Island can be accessed via BC Ferries from Campbell River on Vancouver Island
Kennedy Lake Provincial Park The largest freshwater lake on Vancouver Island, surrounded by steep-sided mountains. Put in on sandy shores for a break on the way to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Paddlers share this popular day-use recreation area fishers, water-skiers and windsurfers. In autumn, you can view beach spawning of sockeye salmon. You may see Black bears along the shore as sightings are common in this park.
Attributes: - Rated as intermediate to difficult depending on winds
- Approximate time required ranges from 1 to several hours
- Caution: winds can pick up very quickly on this lake
Cowichan Lake Spend several hours or several days paddling Vancouver Island's second largest lake, spanning three kilometres (1.9 miles) wide by 32 km (19.9 mi) long. Pull ashore to any of the lakeside campgrounds, such as the family-oriented Gordon Bay Provincial Park, complete with sandy beach and temperate waters for swimming. The region's spectacular climate encourages lush growth, adding to a paddler's vista.
Attributes: - Rated as easy to intermediate
- Approximate time required 1 hour – 4 hours
- Watch for motorized marine vehicles
Elk and Beaver Lake A recreation hotspot just outside Victoria's city limits. Both small lakes attract windsurfers, water-skiers, boaters, fishers and swimmers. Elk Lake acts as a training centre for Olympic-calibre rowing teams producing athletes such as Silken Laumann. Rentals are available at Hamsterly Beach on Elk Lake. Several beaches line the lakes and walking trails are accessible just beyond the water's edge, through forest, field and wetlands.
Attributes: - Rate as easy to intermediate depending on winds
- Approximate time required 1-3 hours
- Elk and Beaver Lakes are approximately a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria
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