Kayakers enjoy a multitude of choices along the Sunshine Coast, from easy paddles along sheltered coastline to whitewater adventures in surging rapids.
Kayaking Near Gibsons
One easy option for kayakers or canoers is to launch in Gibsons Harbour, admiring the sailboats in the marina, and paddle in Shoal Channel, following the shoreline. The Vancouver Island land mass to the west shelters these waters from harsher ocean weather conditions. Prefer to make a kayak or canoe crossing over to a nearby island? Keats Island, Gambier Island, Bowen Island, and Paisley Island are all within eyeshot of Gibsons. With luck, kayakers can spot dolphins, whales, seals, and porpoises. On the shores, watch out for grazing deer, or bald eagles perched in nearby trees.
More Sunshine Coast Kayaking
Head up Highway 101 to Sechelt to experience the tranquil expanse of Sechelt Inlet, as well as the adjoining Salmon Inlet and Narrows Inlet. Surrounded by the Coast Mountains, kayakers will find plenty of places to stop for a picnic or swim, including Halfway Beach, Piper Point, and Tzoonie Narrows. Near Halfmoon Bay and Secret Cove, paddle the sheltered waters of Smuggler's Cove, which has a colourful history of smuggling Chinese immigrants into the US and liquor during the Prohibition. Experienced kayakers can paddle out to Buccaneer Bay between North Thormanby Island and South Thormanby Island and stop off at the large, sandy beaches. Further north, sheltered coastline and enticing scenery abounds in Pender Harbour off Madeira Park.
The Skookumchuck Narrows offer a dynamic challenge for experienced whitewater kayakers. Located 74km/46mi north of Gibsons near the village of Egmont, the fastest-moving saltwater rapids in North America burgeon with waves and whirlpools ideal for kayak freestyle tricks. The Skookum Challenge Whitewater Kayak Rodeo is held here in October.
Practical Points
- In Gibsons, Sunshine Kayaking offers rentals, equipment sales, lessons, and guided tours on local waters.
- In nearby Sechelt, rentals and lessons are also available, Malaspina Water Taxi, can hook up kayaks and canoes, plus transportation to Jedediah Island Marine Park.
- For kayaking with a First Nations focus, including cultural interpretive tours that highlight traditional native foods, medicines, and rock pictographs, contact Talaysay Tours in Sechelt.
- Remember to pick up a marine chart before hitting the water, and always put on a life jacket.
- For more information about kayaking and canoeing in the area contact the Gibsons Visitor Centre.