Kayaking in Vancouver Island BC
You are never far away from a kayaking adventure on Vancouver Island. With vast lakes, hundreds of kilometers of coastline dotted with inlets, islands and fjords, paddling a kayak or canoe is one way to enjoy the amazing wilderness and wildlife of Vancouver Island.
Sights to blow your mind include breeching killer whales, leaping porpoise, wolves, bears, bald eagles swooping to catch salmon, hot springs, moss-shrouded rainforests and tidal pools teeming with strange and colourful marine creatures. Hourly rentals and multi-day day trips featuring camping, lodges and “mother ships” are available from dozens of experienced kayak outfitters around Vancouver Island.
Short kayak trips
If you only have a few hours to spare, Victoria, Nanaimo, Brentwood Bay, Ladysmith and Parksville are conveniently located and provide easy but scenic paddles and kayak rentals from the waterfront.
Gulf Islands
There are 250 separate islands within the Gulf Island archipelago off the south-east of Vancouver Island. A Mediterranean-style climate and protected waters make it a popular choice for kayakers of all levels. Highlights include multi-coloured tidal pools, killer whales, seals, river otters, herons and bald eagles. Wilderness camping is available on many of the islands.
Johnstone Strait
There is no better place to catch a killer whale close up than in Johnstone Strait on the North East Coast of Vancouver Island. Around 200 killer whales spend the summer here and numerous outfitters from Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill and Alert Bay run day-long and multi-day kayak trips to the best viewing spots.
Clayoquot Sound
Situated north of Tofino on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Sound is the place to enjoy wildlife encounters and explore First Nation culture. The designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve features big foaming surf, old growth forest, endless white sandy beaches, natural hot springs and imposing sea side cliffs. Clayoquot Sound is home to whales, otters, sea lions and sandstone reefs. Bring your wet weather gear as the area is the wettest place in North America.
Tips: Many kayak outfitters will not rent to solo paddlers and will only rent boats for longer trips to customers who can perform a capsize recovery.
Related sections: Vancouver Island BC | Kayaking in Vancouver