8 Unique Ways to Go for a Paddle in Vancouver

July 24, 2023

5 min read

Three people kayaking on water at sunset with a city skyline and bridge in the background.

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.

Five people wearing life jackets sitting in two kayaks on calm water at dusk with mountains and a full moon in the background.

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.

Three people kayaking on calm water with a city skyline in the background during daylight.

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.

A person paddleboarding on calm water near a waterfront with buildings and a bridge in the background.

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.

A group of people wearing life jackets paddling a long canoe with black and white designs on a calm lake under a partly cloudy sky.

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.

Seal head peeking above calm blue water surface with gentle ripples.

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.

View from a kayak on water with other kayakers, a bridge, and city buildings under a clear blue sky.

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?

Two people kayaking on a river at sunset with a bridge and boats in the background.

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.