8 Unique Ways to Go for a Paddle in Vancouver

July 24, 2023
TE
By Taryn Eyton
5 min read

Vancouver is a beautiful place to paddle a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. But you can take your trip to the next level by paddling during the full moon, kayaking with seals, and more unique paddling options.

Paddle By the Light of the Full Moon

One of the best ways to see the splendour of the full moon is from the water. Enjoy the shimmer of the moonlight on the water as you paddle. Both Bowen Island Sea Kayaking and Jericho Beach Kayak offer memorable full-moon kayak tours. Since the full moon only happens once a month, be sure to book in advance.

A group of paddlers during the full moon

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Get Out on the Water as a Family

Spend some time in kayaks with your kids. Join other families as you explore Vancouver’s shoreline. Jericho Beach Kayak offers tours geared at beginners so family members of all ages can learn to kayak together.

Kaykers on a tour with Jericho Beach Kayak

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Take a SUP Tour

Leave the Seawall crowds behind as you paddle through False Creek. See Granville Island, Olympic Village, and lots more as you pilot your own stand-up paddleboard. Your guide from Vancouver Water Adventures can give you paddling pointers and tell fascinating stories about local history.

Stand-up paddleboarding in False Creek

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Experience an Indigenous Cultural Canoe Tour

Sign-up for an adventure with Takaya Tours. Help paddle a replica ocean-going canoe through the waters of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm as your Coast Salish guides sing songs and tell stories.

Paddlers in a First Nations Canoe

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Snorkel and Kayak with Seals

You don’t have to be a scuba diver to get up close and personal with seals. Sign up for Sea Dragon Charters’ Seal Adventure then sit back for the cruise to a seal colony in Howe Sound. Once you arrive, you’ll put on wetsuits to snorkel with these amazing creatures. Later, the boat will take you to another island where you can hop into kayaks and paddle alongside more seals.

A curious seal looks up from the water

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Sign Up for a Kayak Tour in Mandarin

Jericho Beach Kayak offers several different kayak tours for Mandarin speakers. You can sign up for a sunset paddling tour, a family tour, or a beginner kayaking course.

A kayak near the Burrard Street Bridge in Vancouver

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Paddle Under the Setting Sun

Enjoy the pink and purple glow of the sky as the sun sets. The best views are from the water, so why not try a sunset kayaking tour with Bowen Island Sea Kayaking, Deep Cove Kayak, Jericho Beach Kayak, Sea Dragon Charters, or Vancouver Water Adventures?

Kayakers at sunset in Vancouver

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Join a Paddling Meet-up or Club

Get together with other members of the paddling community for weekly kayak trips and races. Deep Cove Kayak hosts weekly races and women’s social paddling events. Jericho Beach Kayak plans lots of community-oriented paddling meet-ups including events for women, LGBTQ+ folks, and BIPOC paddlers. Vancouver Water Adventures organizes a Paddle Club for kayakers and SUPers every Wednesday night.

A group of kayakers in False Creek

Kayakers paddle in False Creek at Sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Vancouver paddling
unique paddling experiences
kayaking with seals
full moon paddles
Vancouver kayaking
canoeing
stand-up paddleboarding