Gibsons Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking, Pascal Carrera Sunshine Kayaking photo
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.
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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.
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Natural West Coast Adventures offers sea kayak tours and instruction for the novice to experienced paddler. Located in White Rock, BC & servicing the Sunshine Coast region, we provide a variety of paddling programs. Our approachable safety conscious partners are hooked on kayaking & enjoy the outdoors. Join one of our courses or tours for safe, informative & attentive service. We also cater to groups so please feel free to contact us for group pricing on many of our programs.
New to NWCA - See our new Kayak Fishing site at kayakfishingbc.ca
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This park provides trails & viewing areas for visitors wishing to experience the awesome power of incredibly turbulent tidal rapids. On a 3 metre tide, 200 billion gallons of water flow through the narrows connecting Sechelt & Jervis Inlet. This is a great location for hiking, kayaking & canoeing.
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