Vancouver Island is a haven for both lake and ocean kayaking, and it also has great places for canoeing.
Want an ocean paddling experience? Vancouver Island is known for its isolated beaches, old growth rainforests and abundant marine life. Glide silently past otters, sea lions and shore birds in their natural surroundings for an eco-friendly glimpse of some of the island's best-kept secrets.
Johnstone Strait, Broughton Archipelago, the Broken Group Islands, Clayoquot Sound, the Gulf Islands, Nanaimo, and the Discovery Islands are popular ocean kayaking areas.
Vancouver Island's freshwater paddling offers an experience for every kayaker or canoeist. Paddle the the remote 48km/30mi, 12-lake Sayward Forest Canoe Route or explore the campground- and village-lined Cowichan Lake. Enjoy a leisurely outing on Elk and Beaver lakes, just outside Victoria city limits, or do a multi-day wilderness adventure in Main Lakes Provincial Park on Quadra Island.
Ocean Kayaking on Vancouver Island
Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago are prime ocean kayaking areas near northern Vancouver Island along the scenic Inside Passage and the Queen Charlotte Strait near northern Vancouver Island.
Johnstone Strait is known for its premier wildlife viewing, dramatic landscape, and rich Aboriginal cultural sites. This is one of the world’s best places to view resident Orca whales from June through September. Most tours and rentals depart either historic Telegraph Cove or nearby Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island. Novice paddlers should consider joining an organized tour.
The Broken Group Islands archipelago is among the world's premier sea kayaking destinations, and is located in Barkley Sound between Ucluelet and Bamfield on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Kayak through more than 100 islands and rocks that feature giant twisted cedars, enormous sea caves and blowholes. Go ashore to investigate tide pools or camp on the beach. You may spot eagles, sea lions, grey whales, and black bears. Most guided tours average four days. The area is rated moderate to difficult for kayakers.
Clayoquot Sound abounds with beaches, headlands and old-growth rainforest on Vancouver Island's west coast. Tofino is the service centre and launch point for most kayaking trips. The most popular multi-day paddling excursion in Clayoquot Sound goes to Maquinna Provincial Park and Hot Springs Cove.
A mild climate, safe and sheltered waters, and spectacular scenery make the Gulf Islands one of Canada’s top kayaking destinations. The waters around the southern Gulf Islands are especially calm and suitable for paddlers of all skill levels.
Nanaimo offers superb sea kayaking with its dramatic coastline and numerous protected inlets and islands. Paddle around charming Newcastle Island or explore the natural sandstone formations of the Malaspina Galleries.
Some of the northern hemisphere’s strongest tidal rapids are around the Discovery Islands. Advanced paddlers come here for a high-performance whitewater experience; however, the rapids range in classes from I through IV. The Discovery Islands are accessed via BC Ferries from Campbell River on Vancouver Island to Quadra Island with connecting service to Cortes Island.
Canoe and Kayak Routes for Lakes
The 48km/30mi Sayward Forest Canoe Route is one of Vancouver Island’s most extensive paddling routes. Well-marked portage trails through second-growth forest link a series of 12 lakes. Many Forest Service Recreation sites, plus some undeveloped areas, are suitable for overnight camping. Be aware of four sets of small rapids. But overall, the waters along this route are calm and suit novice kayakers. Morton Lake and Gosling Lake are the most popular put-in spots. Traversing this route in a counter-clockwise direction is recommended. The Sayward Forest Canoe Route is a 35-minute drive from Campbell River.
On Quadra Island, paddle an intriguing chain of six lakes in Main Lake Provincial Park, with shallow marshes and rugged portages. The route’s rated easy to intermediate, taking anywhere from several hours to several days.
Kennedy Lake Provincial Park offers Vancouver Island’s largest freshwater lake. Put in on its sandy shores for a break en route to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Paddlers share this popular day-use recreation area with fishers, water-skiers and windsurfers. Caution: winds can pick up very quickly on this lake.
Spend several hours or several days paddling on Cowichan Lake (Vancouver Island's second-largest lake). Pull ashore to lakeside campgrounds like the family-oriented Gordon Bay Provincial Park, which has a sandy swimming beach.
Elk and Beaver lakes are recreation hotspots approximately a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria. Both small lakes attract windsurfers, water-skiers, boaters, fishers and swimmers. Olympic-calibre rowing teams train on Elk Lake, with athletes like Silken Laumann.
Guided Tours and Rentals
Canoe and kayak rentals are available throughout Vancouver Island. Companies can provide all the gear, advice, and training necessary, and often transport rental equipment to put-in points. Many operators offer guided tours and packages that combine kayaking and canoeing with other activities.
Ocean kayaking trips often run five to 10 days, maximizing the time spent visiting remote areas and allowing for changing weather conditions. Touring options include floating lodges, motherships (larger boats that serve as home base), shuttle boats, and wilderness camping.
Tour operators usually supply gear, safety equipment, and food, or give guests a list of items to bring.
When to Paddle
June to September are Vancouver Island’s peak paddling months. But as coastal areas experience a temperate climate, and lakes and creeks don’t freeze in winter, you can paddle any time of year. Summer is generally the best time of year for ocean kayaking.
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 license is required and may be purchased at resorts and sporting goods stores.
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