With dozens of lakes and a number of protected ocean inlets and coves, lake kayaking in Victoria has always been a popular pastime with both locals and visitors. Whether you are seeking a unique view of the city skyline or wanting to experience some of the city's most tranquil hidden spots, paddling here easy and accessible.
Learn more about Lake Kayaking on: Elk and Beaver Lakes
Thetis Lake
Gorge Waterway
Have you had a great kayaking adventure in BC? Let other visitors know about it. Write a blog!
Lake Kayaking in Victoria Lake Kayaking in Victoria can mean accessing many of the popular attractions, restaurants and pubs along the city's waterfront or venturing into many places inaccessible by a motorized boat or car. Connected to Victoria's Inner Harbour, Gorge Waterway provides a narrow, protected inlet while Elk, Beaver and Thetis Lakes offer beaches, forested trails and calm waters further outside the city core. Paddlers gain a unique perspective into the surrounding area's neighbourhoods and Victoria's unique blend and urban and rural living. City skyline views from the downtown Inner Harbour give way to the parks and suburbs of the Gorge Waterway. Only minutes from downtown, paddlers can discover protected coves, pocket beaches and hidden gems found only by boat. Guided Kayak Tours and Rentals Renting a kayak is easy and convenient with rental periods ranging from one hour to several days. Downtown departure points for the Gorge Waterway mean paddlers can spend an hour or more on the water and still have plenty of time to take in the city's shops, restaurants and attractions. Guiding companies will transport kayaks to prime locations just outside the city core such as Thetis Lake while others offer rentals directly on the lakeshore.
Wildlife Watching from Kayaks In Victoria, marine wildlife share the waterways with habour ferries, seaplanes, rowers, windsurfers and kayakers. Curious harbour seals hang out in the Inner Harbour and the Gorge Waterway leads to Portage Inlet where intertidal mud flats and freshwater creeks are home to spawning salmon and one of the most important bird habitats in Victoria. Local lakes are a haven for summering Canada Geese and black-tailed deer can be spotted along the shoreline.
When to Kayak Victoria The best time for lake kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city's mild climate it's possible to paddle year-round. Choosing to paddle in early morning may allow you to have a lake all to yourself.
Practical Points and Water Safety - Kayak rentals are available directly along the Inner Harbour, in various spots along the Gorge Waterway, on lakes as well as from guide outfitters throughout the city.
- Guided tours and lessons are available and there are kayaking areas to suit every skill level in and around the city.
- If you are unfamiliar with the area, a guided tour is highly recommended. Guided tours will usually supply guests with all the necessary gear and safety equipment needed, or will provide guests with a list of items to bring.
- Always let someone know your route and destination before setting out on a kayaking trip. Be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly and may affect your itinerary.
Highlights
Elk and Beaver Lakes A recreation hotspot just outside Victoria's city limits make up of two lakes, connected by a narrow waterway. Both small lakes attract windsurfers, water-skiers, boaters, fishers and swimmers. Elk Lake acts as a training centre for Olympic-calibre rowing teams producing well-known athletes such as Silken Laumann. Kayak 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.
Thetis Lake One of the most popular local summer hangouts, paddling on Thetis Lake is ideal for beginners and companies will deliver kayaks right to the put-in spot. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, rock cliffs, spring wildflowers, Garry oak ecosystems and Douglas-fir forest dominate this park located only minutes outside of downtown Victoria. Two lakes, Upper Thetis and Lower Thetis, connected only by a short, narrow waterway, provide numerous secluded and hidden spots along the shoreline. A small island in the middle of Lower Thetis is a perfect viewpoint and picnic spot.
Attributes: - Rated as easy
- Approximate time required 1-3 hours
- In summer and on weekends, this park gets very busy
Gorge Waterway The Gorge Waterway passes four bridges to connect Victoria's Inner Harbour to Portage Inlet, a designated waterfowl protection area. The waterway is calm and protected up to Tillicum Narrows, where currents are so strong it should only be crossed at slack tide. Novice and intermediate kayakers should avoid Tillicum Narrows entirely, unless they are accompanied by an experienced guide. Gorge Waterway Park provides paddlers with many scenic, forested viewpoints with restaurants and pubs dotting the shoreline. You can access the Gorge Waterway from downtown Victoria or at points along Gorge Road.
Attributes - Rated: easy to difficult, depending on the tides
- Approximate time required: 3-4 hours
- Only experienced kayakers should attempt Tillicum Narrows
|