Kayaking in and near Vancouver provides a new perspective on the city's unique blend of urban and natural beauty.From a kayak, Vancouver's cityscape is nearly always framed by surrounding mountains and ocean. Vancouver's downtown core and the famous Stanley Park share a peninsula bordered by two great ocean kayaking locations. To the west is English Bay, part of the Pacific Ocean's Strait of Georgia, and directly to the south is False Creek — "false" because it is actually a protected inlet that extends from English Bay, dividing downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city to the south. Just thirty minutes' drive east, Indian Arm offers excellent wilderness paddling in a pristine setting.
Learn More About Ocean Kayaking in:
Deep Cove
False Creek
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Kayaking in Vancouver
Huge parks, kilometres of beaches, several neighbourhoods and numerous attractions are all within paddling distance on an urban kayaking adventure. A paddle around English Bay takes you from Jericho Beach on the south shore to downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park on the north. Kayak around Stanley Park, one of North America's largest urban green spaces, and trace the world-famous Stanley Park Seawall.
Rent a kayak at Granville Island, the revitalized industrial area that was recently named the best North American neighbourhood by New York's Project for Public Spaces, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of vibrant public areas. Explore False Creek by water, then return to the island and discover its dynamic arts scene and impressive public food and arts market.
At the mouth of False Creek, Vanier Park is home to abundant green space as well as a civic museum, a maritime museum, and a space centre. At the opposite end of False Creek lies the future site of the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Village, temporary home for athletes and officials during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Within easy reach of the city are miles of pristine coastline and countless islands that attract kayakers from around the world.
> More about kayaking in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region
Practical Points and Kayak Safety
- The best time for kayaking in Vancouver is April through October, but thanks to the city's mild climate, it's possible to paddle year-round.
- Vancouver has numerous rental opportunities at several locations, including English Bay (downtown), Jericho Beach, Granville Island, and Deep Cove (in North Vancouver). Most operators offer both hourly and multi-day rentals.
- Guided tours and lessons are available for all skill levels. 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 kayak trip. Be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly and may affect your itinerary.
- Weather can change quickly, and kayakers often get wet through rain, waves, spray or splashing. Be sure to dress in layers. Bring quick dry clothing, such as nylon, polyester, or polypropelene; avoid cotton clothing, as takes longer to dry and does not keep in heat. Wool clothing is also a good option.
- A lifejacket, hat, waterproof jacket, and sunglasses (on a lanyard so you won't lose them) are essential, as is rain gear and a change of dry clothes stored in a watertight container.
- Wear suitable footwear, such as sandals, water shoes, or light running shoes. Watertight cases for personal items (such as cameras) are also recommended.
- For a comprehensive guide to sea kayaking, read the Transport Canada Sea Kakaying Safety Guide
Highlights
Deep Cove
From the cozy North Shore village of Deep Cove, venture into the narrow fjord of Indian Arm in the heart of the Coast Mountain Range. You'll have awesome views of old growth forest and pristine waterfalls from your unique vantage point. Deep Cove is just 30 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver.
Attributes
- Rated: easy to moderate
- Approximate time required: 3 - 4 hours
- The waterway is busy – exercise caution
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False Creek
False Creek is a narrow inlet located between the towers of downtown Vancouver, Yaletown and Granville Island. If you are looking for an outdoor escape without leaving the urban energy of the city core, kayaking on False Creek is an excellent option with its up-close views of passing yachts and sailboats as well as fast-paced downtown life. Start your journey at Granville Island, which you can find just under the Granville Street Bridge, across from downtown Vancouver.
Attributes
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 3 hours
- The waterway is busy – exercise caution
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Jericho Beach
Depart from the sandy shores of Jericho Beach to explore spectacular English Bay. Just 20 minutes by car from the city centre, Jericho Beach offers a front-row seat to some of Vancouver's most impressive scenery – the downtown skyline, North Shore Mountains and an open expanse of ocean. Jericho Beach hosts an annual ocean kayak marathon for avid kayak fans every July. Although waters can occasionally get choppy, this is a mostly relaxing route for beginners.
Attributes
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 3 hours
- The waters of English Bay can be busy – exercise caution
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