For First Nations travellers, early voyageurs and explorers and today's outdoor enthusiast, the canoe was - and still is - an integral part of BC's history. Canoeing allows you to naturally explore the wonders of British Columbia. Slip silently along mountain - fringed lakes, past old-growth forests, down meandering rivers and streams, and experience unparalleled wildlife viewing and scenery, and you will know why canoeing is as popular today as in the past.
The mild climate in many regions, plus more than a hundred major river systems and tens of thousands of lakes make the canoe the essential BC – and indeed Canadian – experience.
Learn more about Canoeing in BC's regions
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What to Expect on Your BC Canoe Excursion:
Canoeing in BC can be as simple as an afternoon paddle on a lake or inlet or a multi-day wilderness experience. 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 can relax at the many sandy beaches or enjoy wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities.
Unique BC Canoeing Experiences:
Bowron Lakes: this chain of four lakes in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region is a well-known and famous canoe route.
Wells Gray Provincial Park in the Thompson Okanagan region offers excellent lakes, wildlife and waterfall viewing in the province and includes Murtle Lake, 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.
Powell Forest Canoe Route on the Sunshine Coast in Vancouver, Coast and Mountain 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 Canoe Tours and Rentals
Many of the best canoe routes in BC are accessible to all levels of paddlers. Canoes can often be rented on a daily or weekly rate and popular paddling destinations usually offer on-site rentals.Some tours are all-inclusive and are a great option for first timers – no special gear is necessary. There are also many wilderness retreats that cater to intermediate to advanced canoe enthusiasts. Multi-day fly-in excursions are offered, providing access to some of BC's most scenic and unspoiled wilderness. In the summer, customized and self-guided tours can also be arranged with pick-up and drop-off service, as well as private paddling experiences.
Practical Points and Canoe Safety
Canoe rentals are often found at lakefront resorts, hotels and campsites, but this should always be checked beforehand. Popular canoe routes may have limits on the number of canoes 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. Read the Guide to Canoeing Safety in British Columbia and find more detailed information in each of our regional sections.
Canoeing in BC's Regions
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains: A host of canoeing opportunities, all within easy reach of Vancouver and Whistler, among others.
Northern British Columbia: Unspoiled, pristine wilderness; home to some of the best multi-day canoe trips in BC. For canoe enthusiasts, this is the region to truly get back to nature.
Vancouver Island: Canoeing in the many lakes, rivers, and inner-harbour waterways are a perfect way to spend the day.
Kootenay Rockies:Dominated by the massive Monashee, Selkirk, Purcell and Rocky mountain ranges, between each of these is a system of lakes and rivers that provide a range of paddling experiences.
Thompson Okanagan: Home to Wells Gray Park, one of BC's canoeing hotspots. The reliably sunny climate and warm lake waters make the region ideal for all water activities.
Cariboo, Chilcotin Coast: Bowron Lakes, the best-known canoe route in BC and hundreds of tranquil lakes and top-notch wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities can be found here.
Learn more about BC's Canoeing Businesses and Products or click on the link below.