The Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region offers a host of kayaking and canoeing opportunities, all within reach of the city of Vancouver.
Enjoy ocean kayaking at Bowen Island, minutes from West Vancouver. Or marvel at colourful marine life – from whales to sea stars – while paddling in Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park, just off Powell River.
Another Sunshine Coast highlight is the Powell Forest Canoe Route, which has a week’s worth of paddling on eight lakes. Closer to Vancouver, don’t miss canoeing or kayaking on Buntzen Lake or in Deep Cove.
Whitewater kayakers can get their thrills on rapids suitable for all levels, from the powerful Skookumchuk Narrows on the Sunshine Coast to Whistler’s curving River of Golden Dreams.
Bowen Island is one hour from Vancouver, including a scenic 20-minute ferry ride, and is situated at the mouth of Howe Sound. Kayakers can weave around a multitude of smaller islands, each offering its own brand of scenery and wildlife. Explore the east side from Snug Cove, head north for mountain peak views, or head west for the Pasley Island archipelago and Keats Island.
In Vancouver, kayak rentals on Granville Island enable paddlers to get great views of the city while touring False Creek and English Bay.
On the Sunshine Coast, Gibsons and Sechelt offer easy access to sheltered coastal waters for paddling. At the north end of the Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park provides an isolated area of safe boating waters. Encompassing an astonishing 8,449ha/20,878ac, the park boasts more than 60km/37mi of picturesque shoreline, multiple islands, quaint bays and cozy coves. Crystal-clear waters provide views of sea cucumbers and urchins on the ocean floor. Watch for whales, sea lions, deer and bald eagles.
Lake Paddling Highlights
Paddling excursions in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region can be as quick or as lengthy as you choose. Put in at Buntzen Lake near Port Moody, Deer Lake in Burnaby, or Indian Arm in North Vancouver and spend an hour or an afternoon on the calm, cool water.
Just outside of Vancouver, Cultus Lake, Pitt Lake, Harrison Lake and Alouette Lake are popular day trip destinations. Look out for Aboriginal pictographs in this area. Further east of the city, Manning Provincial Park's Lightning Lakes offer excellent paddling, camping, swimming and fishing in a mountain setting. In Whistler, Alta Lake and Green Lake offer some gentle paddling.
The Powell Forest Canoe Route is one of BC's premier lake circuits. Comprised of eight pristine lakes and five portages, the most direct route requires 57km/35mi of paddling and 8km/4.8mi of portaging. While the trip can be completed by beginning at either end, the recommended way is to begin at Lois Lake. First-come, first-served campsites are available. Between April and October is the best time to do the route.
Whitewater Kayaking Highlights
On Vancouver’s North Shore, intermediate to advanced whitewater kayakers will enjoy the Capilano River. Just half an hour from downtown Vancouver, hurtle down these canyon-walled waters.
Nearby, mighty Fraser Country offers everything from small lakes to raging rivers, and paddlers of all skill levels will find something to challenge them.
Whistler's River of Golden Dreams is a popular kayaking route along a watershed, running from the north end of Alta Lake to the south end of Green Lake. After the snow melts in early summer, this river can be fast-flowing and requires skill to handle.
At Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park on the Sunshine Coast, over 757 billion litres/200 billion gallons of water flow between two inlets on a 3m/9.8ft tide. Extreme tidal rapids attract the most expert whitewater kayakers, plus avid spectators. Read more about these impressive rapids in British Columbia Magazine's article on "Braving Skookumchuck Narrows."
Guided Tours and Rentals
Kayak and canoe rentals are available at Buntzen Lake, Indian Arm (Deep Cove), Alouette Lake, Deer Lake and many other locations. For the Powell Forest Canoe Route, rentals are available in the town of Powell River; transportation to and from the lakes can be arranged. Paddling lessons and guided trips in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains can often be arranged with local outfitters and rental shops; enquire in advance.
Guided tours and lessons are available for all skill levels in this region. If you are unfamiliar with the area, a guided tour is highly recommended. Guided tours usually supply guests with all the necessary gear, safety equipment, and food needed, or provide guests with a list of items to bring.
Make a larger boat your home base as you explore Vancouver, Coast and Mountains' lengthy shoreline on a so-called "mothership" kayaking adventure. These multi-day excursions feature day-long guided paddling trips, followed by hot meals and warm beds.
Those interested in local Aboriginal culture can take an interpretive kayak tour on the Sunshine Coast to learn about First Nations history, ecology and arts.
Practical Points and Safety
- For a comprehensive guide to sea kayaking, read the Transport Canada Sea Kayaking Safety Guide.
- Learn more about canoe safety.
- There are inherent dangers to whitewater kayaking, so paddlers should have a good understanding of the international whitewater classes/river difficulty ratings.
- Get real-time river-level information.
Show Less