Both kayak and canoe enthusiasts come to Northern BC to experience a blend of unspoiled wilderness, clear waters, and abundant wildlife. The region features one of the world's great kayak destinations – Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.
In Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), kayakers can paddle among 100-plus islands and countless islets while exploring bays and sheltered inlets. Or, launch from Prince Rupert to enjoy protected ocean waters and fine whale-watching opportunities.
The Northern BC region encompasses more than half of BC’s total area, and contains some of the province's most pristine, uncrowded waterways. Check out the Nanika-Kidprice Canoe Route, the Nation Lakes Canoe Route, and Muncho Lake.
Northern BC also has serene lakes, challenging rapids, and accessible wilderness campsites and beaches. In remote areas, wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking trails abound. Most Northern BC lakes and rivers also offer tremendous fishing.
Canoe and Kayak Routes and Lakes
The Nanika-Kidprice Canoe Route links four lakes flowing southwest from the Nechako Plateau into the snow-capped Coast Mountains. The return trip requires about 32km/20mi of paddling and 8km/5mi of portaging. It takes at least three days. All four lakes have wilderness campsites along the shoreline. Fish for trout, watch for moose feeding, and listen for the calls of loons. The route begins a one-hour drive southwest from Houston.
The Nation Lakes (Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo and Chuchi lakes) are located in central BC near Fort St. John. This quiet, wilderness environment provides an alternative to the popular Bowron Lakes circuit. This chain of four lakes is joined by three rivers. It takes five to seven days to paddle from one end to the other. Those not wanting to travel the entire 112km/70mi route can launch from Tchentlo Lake.
Muncho Lake, only minutes from the Alaska Highway in the northern Rocky Mountains, offers casual and advanced canoeing and kayaking. From a base on Muncho Lake, fly-in wilderness trips give paddlers an opportunity to explore the Muskwa-Kechika Wilderness area. These trips, running three to 14 days, suit intermediate-advanced paddlers.
Ocean Kayaking Areas
Kayakers from around the world come to Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) for its ancient rainforests, unrivalled beauty, remoteness, and Haida culture.
Kayaking is a magnificent choice for navigating these 138 islands. Novice kayakers can paddle in sheltered inlets such as Skidegate and Masset. Adventurous? Then arrange a multi-day guided tour from Queen Charlotte City or Sandspit to the remote, challenging waters of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Kayak shallow Burnaby Narrows and watch for whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises and birds.
Visitors not on a guided tour must register and attend an orientation session in Queen Charlotte City or Sandspit prior to entering Gwaii Haanas, an extremely remote wilderness area with variable weather conditions.
Alternatively, head to Prince Rupert, and paddle solo or with a guide. There are sheltered waters for inexperienced paddlers, plus opportunities for multi-day trips.
The protected waters of Prince Rupert harbour and Metlakatla Pass are ideal for new kayakers. There are several public docks to launch from, and waterfront kayak rentals are available. Paddlers here should exercise caution – the harbour can be busy at times.
Port Edward, just south of Prince Rupert, is an ideal launching point to explore Kitson Island Marine Provincial Park. Located at the mouth of the Skeena River, Kitson Island offers great kayaking and wilderness camping, plus fishing and wildlife viewing.
More advanced kayakers can explore Work Channel or Porcher Islands. The entrance to Work Channel is good for viewing marine life, including Orcas, gray whales and humpback whales.
Guided Tours and Rentals
Guided tours are often the best way to experience Northern BC’s waters. Kayak rentals are available in Prince Rupert’s Cow Bay, and tours can be arranged.
Wilderness lodges and live-aboard "motherships" are another great option for kayakers. Floating lodges, usually anchored in a pristine setting, serve as base camps to explore areas of the coast not accessible by regular tours. Both wilderness lodge and mothership sea kayaking tours attract paddlers who like hot showers and comfortable beds after their day of paddling.
From Prince Rupert, special kayaking tours head to the ancient Tsimshian village of Metlakatla, where petroglyphs and beautifully crafted totem poles illustrate the culture of the coast’s hereditary people.
Preferred kayak travel in Haida Gwaii is with an organized tour group or a commercial operator. Typical kayak trips in Haida Gwaii usually last seven to 10 days, and park reservations are highly recommended. Paddlers on multi-day trips should have an intermediate to advanced skill level.
Fully guided tours or bare-bones canoe rentals put many Northern BC canoe routes within the reach of inexperienced – but reasonably fit – paddlers. Rent canoes or sea kayaks from lodges and ranches, and in most towns near popular paddling destinations. Some businesses offer shuttle services, but consider renting a canoe cart to make portaging easier.
When to Paddle
The best time for a Northern BC ocean kayaking trip is June to September. Remember, weather can change quickly in this region.
Generally, lakes here can be freely travelled from May through November. From May through June, melting snow makes rivers higher and faster than normal. Daylight hours lasts up to 20 hours in extreme northern locations.
July can be the wettest and buggiest month for paddling. In August, bugs are usually gone, and the water is low, offering good swimming at lakeside beaches. Daytime temperatures remain warm, but evenings are cooler. By September, most canoe routes are quiet, and the fall colours are spectacular.
Practical Points and Safety
- For a comprehensive guide to sea kayaking, read the Transport Canada Sea Kayaking Safety Guide.
- Learn more about canoe safety.
- Fishing is permitted on many lakes and rivers in compliance with the BC Non-Tidal Sports Fishing Regulations. A BC fishing licence is required and may be purchased at resorts and sporting goods stores.
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