Few areas in the world are as beautiful to explore by kayak as the coastal waters of BC, with its jagged coastline and thousands of islands, inlets and coves. British Columbia is one of the premier adventure destinations in the world for ocean kayaking, whether you’re new to the sport, looking for an exciting adventure getaway, or simply out to improve your paddling skills. The kayaking season is mid-May to September.

Sea Kayaks ashore in British Columbia, Canada.

Vancouver Island & the BC Gulf Islands

Vancouver Island’s vast number of lakes, rivers and ocean inlets are a pleasure to explore by canoe or kayak. The large, relatively isolated lakes of the north and central portion of Vancouver Island are enclaves of solitude. Kayakers glide through marine parks into scenic bays and lagoons and go ashore on secluded sandy beaches and uninhabited islands.

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

Exquisite kayaking adventures await paddlers in the crystal-clear waters of Desolation Sound and Sechelt Inlet, and the Powell Forest Canoe Route on the BC Sunshine Coast is considered one of the more significant paddle routes in the province. Closer to Vancouver, kayakers can explore Bowen Island, Burrard Inlet, Deep Cove, Howe Sound, and the numerous rivers and lakes of the Fraser Valley.

Thompson Okanagan

The BC interior offers unlimited paddling and kayaking delights, including the challenging Thompson River, while Shuswap Lake, and its many arms, is one of the most popular canoeing locations in the Southern Interior. Peaceful paddling can be enjoyed on Kinbasket Lake, Murtle Lake in Wells Gray Park, Clearwater and Azure Lakes, and the various lakes around Lac Le Jeune.

Kootenay Rockies

The region boasts some huge lakes with endless paddling excursions, including Slocan Lake, Upper and Lower Arrow Lake, and Kootenay Lake in the heart of the B.C. Rocky Mountains of the West Kootenays. Paddling down the Fraser and Columbia Rivers in the Rocky Mountain trench, flanked by the Canadian Rockies, is an inspiring near-wilderness experience.

Cariboo, Chilcotin, Coast

The wild and remote Central Coast offers spectacular kayaking opportunities, with coves, lagoons, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline. Kayakers explore the Fjordland Recreation Area and Princess Royal Island, home to the famous white Kermode (spirit) bear. Paddlers seeking a challenge can tackle the Bowron Lakes Chain, one of British Columbia’s most popular canoe routes.

Northern BC and Haida Gwaii

The lure of kayaking around Haida Gwaii is strong, with every place as magical as the next. The former Queen Charlotte Islands offer prime paddling, with the tiny islands, secluded coves, and sheltered coastline of the southeast being the most popular kayaking destination. The north coast of BC is wild, with wonderfully varied shores – an exceptional destination for kayakers.

Premier Listings

Remote Passages Marine Excursions

Box 624 51 Wharf Street Tofino BC V0R 2Z0 Home Phone: 250-725-3330Home Fax: 250-725-3380Work Phone: 1-800-666-9833Website: Visit Website
Photo of Remote Passages Marine Excursions

Biographical Info

Whether watching whales, dipping into Hot Springs Cove, or kayaking to a rainforest trail, people of all ages have enjoyed our excursions since 1986. We launch out of Tofino in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, just minutes from Long Beach and Pacific Rim National Park. We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a Clayoquot Sound adventure by Remote Passages.

Categories: Bear Viewing Tours, Canoeing & Kayaking, Clayoquot Sound, Hesquiat Lake Provincial Park, Hotsprings: Hot Springs Cove, Long Beach, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, Nitinat Triangle Canoe Route, Pacific Rim (West Coast), Pacific Rim Highway 4, Pacific Rim National Park, Pacific Rim National Park: Canoeing & Kayaking, Pacific Rim National Park: Whale Watching, Recreation, Sayward Forest Canoe Route, Sightseeing & Tours, Tofino, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island & BC Islands, Vargas Island Provincial Park, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing