Kayakers enjoy a multitude of choices along the Sunshine Coast, from easy paddles along sheltered coastline to whitewater adventures in surging rapids.
Kayaking Near Sechelt
Directly north of Sechelt, experience the tranquil expanse of Sechelt Inlet, as well as the adjoining Salmon Inlet and Narrows Inlet. Surrounded by the Coast Mountains, kayakers and canoers will find plenty of places to stop for a picnic or go swimming, including Halfway Beach, Piper Point, and Tzoonie Narrows. At nearby Halfmoon Bay and Secret Cove, paddle the sheltered waters of Smuggler's Cove, which has a colourful history of smuggling liquor during Prohibition and Chinese immigrants into the United States. Experienced kayakers can paddle out to Buccaneer Bay between North Thormanby Island and South Thormanby Island and stop off at the large, sandy beaches. 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
Gibsons, the "Gateway to the Sunshine Coast," offers more kayaking just 23km/14mi south of Sechelt. 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 bulk of Vancouver Island 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. 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 in which to perform kayak freestyle tricks. The Skookum Challenge Whitewater Kayak Rodeo is held here in October. Further up Highway 101, sheltered coastline and enticing scenery abounds in Pender Harbour off Madeira Park. Take a tour around Francis Point Marine Park.
Practical Points
- In Sechelt, rentals and lessons are available at Halfmoon Sea Kayaks. Alpha Adventures has outlets in Roberts Creek and Pender Harbour, and another Pender Harbour supplier, 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.
- Remember to pick up a marine chart before heading out, and always put on a life jacket.
- For more information about kayaking in the area contact the Visitor Centre.