6 Paddle Adventures To Do This Summer
Vancouver is a paddler's paradise with paddling adventures perfect for all abilities. You can whitewater raft, kayak, and paddleboard while enjoying views of the city skyline, the rugged coastline, or a backcountry river.
Kayak on the Beach
Sandy beaches stretch along the west side of Vancouver. Launch your kayak from Jericho Beach, then paddle out across the sand shoals of Spanish Banks or towards the quieter cliffs of Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Watch eagles soar overhead as you soak up the incredible views of the North Shore Mountains on the other side of Burrard Inlet.
You can rent kayaks at Jericho Beach Kayak Centre. They have kayaks for all experience levels. Rentals include essentials like paddles, PFDs, spray skirts, and safety gear. Their staff can also recommend the best paddling route for the weather conditions.
If you'd rather go out with an expert, they also offer guided tours. Their Jericho Explorer kayak tours run daily, but you can also sign up for family-friendly tours on select dates. If you want an extra special experience, book their sunset or full moon kayak tours.
Take an Indigenous Cultural Canoe Tour
Takaya Tours is a North Vancouver-based tour company run by members of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation. Sign up for a cultural canoe tour in one of their large ocean-going canoes.
Your First Nations guide will share songs, legends, and history as you paddle the waters of Burrard Inlet. They also offer combo canoeing and walking tours that include tips for identifying and harvesting local flora and fauna.
Go Deep Into the Backcountry on a Whitewater Rafting Trip
Canadian Outback Rafting offers several whitewater rafting experiences near Squamish. While you'll be rafting deep in the backcountry, their base is only 1.5 hours from Vancouver.
Beginners and families can enjoy a less intense float on the Cheakamus Splash experience, which mixes gorgeous scenery with mild class 1 and 2 rapids. Adrenaline junkies should sign up for the Elaho Exilerator, which is a wild and bumpy ride through bigger class 3 and 4 rapids.
All rafting trips include everything you need to get wet and have fun: rafting gear, wet suits, life jackets, helmets, and expert rafting guides.
Snorkel and Kayak with Seals in Howe Sound
Located just north of Vancouver, Howe Sound supports a diverse population of marine life, including seals, sea lions, porpoises, whales, eagles, and other seabirds. The area has such high ecological significance that it is protected in the Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.
Experience the aquatic beauty of Howe Sound up close on a snorkelling and kayak tour with PNW Expeditions. Their guides will take you along the rugged coastline of Howe Sound in their custom 30-foot boat while they help you learn about the history and conservation of marine life of the area. At key stops, you can get out of the boat and into the water, either in a kayak or decked out in snorkel gear. They provide wetsuits to keep you toasty warm in the chilly water.
Stand-Up Paddleboard in the Heart of the City
Launch a stand-up paddleboard from Vancouver Water Adventures on Granville Island, then paddle through False Creek in the centre of Vancouver. You'll get to see iconic landmarks like Science World, the stadiums, Olympic Village, and the glass towers of Yaletown from the water. False Creek has calm and protected water, so it's a great beginner-friendly paddling destination.
SUP rentals from Vancouver Water Adventures include a paddleboard, paddle, and lifejacket. They also have wetsuit rentals for an additional fee.
If it's your first time out on a stand-up paddleboard, sign up for a paddleboard tour. Your guide will give you expert tips for paddling, then lead you on a relaxed two-hour tour of False Creek's highlights while sharing stories about local history.
Attend the Musqueam Canoe Races
Watch pro paddlers and learn about the history and culture of Indigenous canoe racing at the Musqueam Canoe Races from June 13 to 15. Hosted by the Musqueam Indian Band and the Celtic Sunset Canoe Club, the event includes both youth and adult races in traditional war canoes. Everyone is welcome to attend this event at Musqueam Beach on the banks of the Fraser River in South Vancouver.