Whether you’ve been kayaking your whole life or are putting hand to paddle for the first time, there’s a kayaking tour for you in Vancouver. There are so many breathtaking vistas within reach of the downtown core, from kayaking through False Creek to cruising Deep Cove, it’s a shame to miss out. Take in the natural beauty of British Columbia and check out the most beautiful kayaking tours in and around Vancouver with these 7 most beautiful kayaking tours in and around the city!
Calm waters of Deep Cove
#1 – Escape to the steep forested mountains of Indian Arm
Beginner friendly
Indian Arm is an 18km-long fjord right in Vancouver’s backyard promising breathtaking views of steep forested mountains and rollicking waterfalls. Because it’s so close to the city this is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in Vancouver. Deep Cove Kayak Centre operating out of the cove at the base of the fjord offers regular tours up Indian Arm from April to September for paddlers of all abilities. Check out the three-hour Deep Cove Explorer Tour for $80 and enjoy the calm waters of the fjord.
Take this tour for: Getting in touch with nature
Stanley Park seawall at sunset
#2 – Enjoy the sunset from Stanley Park
Beginner friendly
You’ve probably explored Stanley Park on foot—but have you ever seen it from the water? Known for its rich wildlife, enchanting rainforests, and highly coveted beaches, Stanley Park is a slice of natural BC beauty right in the heart of Vancouver. Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres offers a Sunset Kayaking Tour most evenings in the summer which departs from Granville Island and takes you past Vancouver’s iconic seawall and the Stanley Park beaches. Enjoy the beautiful sunset on serene waters for $69 and watch as the sun kisses the horizon.
Take this tour for: Beautiful sunsets
Thornbrough Channel Beach, off Howe Sound
#3 – Learn the legends of the Squamish people in Porteau Cove and Howe Sound
Intermediate to experienced
Departing from Porteau Cove Marine Park, about forty minutes up the north shore, this First Nations interpretive paddle on Howe Sound offers views of Squamish from the water. Talaysay Tours specializes in cultural tours that take you on a journey of discovery. The Howe Sound tour includes the history and legends of the Squamish people, and a complimentary lunch on the beach! Lasting just under four hours, it starts at $199.
Take this tour for: History and legends of the Squamish people
Sunset at White Rock beach
#4 – Catch a whale sighting or two at White Rock
Beginner friendly
If you want to get on the water to get closer to nature, check out the Gray Whale Tour by David Dreves Kayak in White Rock. In the spring and summer months gray whales come to White Rock to rest and feed before continuing their journey up the coast. And while a whale sighting is not always guaranteed, you’ll for sure catch a glimpse of a harbour porpoise or two. This tour lasts three hours and costs $70.
Take this tour for: Gray whale sightings
False Creek, downtown Vancouver
#5 – Get the best view of the city from False Creek
Beginner friendly
There’s no better view of city than the one you can get from False Creek. Take a break from the city buzz without ever leaving the downtown core on Vancouver Water Adventures’s False Creek tour from Kitsilano Beach. Called the Smooth Classic Kayak Tour, this tour will take you past the floating homes of False Creek, Vancouver’s Science World, BC Place, and more for $65. But fair warning—this tour departs at 8:30am!
Take this tour for: Awesome Vancouver views
#6 – Go sea kayaking in Haida Gwaii
Advanced
Those looking to get out of the city—way out of the city—should check out the week-long kayaking adventure to Haida Gwaii offered by Ecomarine Paddlesport Centre. This archipelago of steep forested islands, arching out of the Pacific Ocean, is breathtaking, possessing a bewitching natural beauty that’s hard to find anywhere else. On this is eight-day tour you’ll see stunning scenery, remote wilderness, fantastic wildlife, and the chance to visit important Haida cultural sites.
Take this tour for: A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
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