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Vancouver Island Kayaking

Vancouver Island is one of the top destinations in the world for kayaking. It is an unforgettable experience with chances of whitewater kayaking, ocean kayaking, sea kayaking, and lake kayaking which are well worth exploring. At the same time, enjoy the views of the mountains and the wilderness. Gold River, Cowichan River, Nimpkish River, Woss River, Salmon River, San Josef Bay, and Long Beach are among the best places for whitewater kayaking. Comox Glacier also provides you with a chance to kayaking in the ice. Hundreds of island chains make Vancouver Island a hot spot for kayakers. Ride your kayak for some adventure from north to south and the east coast to the west coast at any time of the year.
Vancouver Island is known for whale watching opportunities. If you're a fan of paddling, you can get close to their living area in a canoe or kayak. Kayaking with orcas is so popular. To enjoy the underwater world, ride your kayak toward snorkelling spots on Vancouver Island.
If you are a beginner, experienced kayak guides at some beaches will give you kayak lessons. Getting enough knowledge about the area and first aid is recommended for professionals who do not need to hire a guide. By following the safety tips, night kayaking is also possible.
Just take your single or double kayak or rent one and paddle at any time of the year.

Kayaking Common Questions and Answers

A kayak is a small and narrow watercraft that you ride by using a double-bladed paddle. The word kayak is originally from the Greenlandic word qajaq. The act of kayaking, which is also considered a kind of paddling, uses a kayak to move across the water. It is a versatile sport that is sometimes paired with activities like fishing or camping.
Kayak was invented in Greenland by the Eskimos. Inuit, Aleut, and Yup'ik people were the first who built and used kayaks.
It is an aerobic exercise that improves strength and flexibility. Kayaking can be done as a sport or recreational activity. People used kayaks for hunting and transportation purposes which are still practical today.
Rivers, lakes, the sea, and the ocean are water bodies for kayaking on Vancouver Island. Tofino, Ucluelet, Telegraph Cove, Victoria, Nanoose Bay, and Nanaimo are among the best locations on Vancouver Island that kayaking takes place.
Adventuress Sea Kayaking in Parksville, Rush Adventures Inc in Sooke, Pacifica Paddle Sports in Brentwood Bay, Ocean River Sports and Active Sea Kayaking, Instruction and courses in Victoria, Sealegs Kayaking Adventures in Ladysmith
For more safety, please kayak in a zone proper to your skill level. White water kayaking, which takes place in rivers, needs high skills. Always inform a friend about your plan. Keep your distance from ships, surfers and whales. Consider the body of water conditions in which you are paddling. Check the weather reports, water levels, tides, and currents changes if you plan to kayak in the ocean or sea. Some inaccessible cliffs affect the facility of launching and landing; choose your spot wisely. Having signalling devices would be helpful in case of any emergency.
Having children with you to kayak requires safety guidelines. Kids between 4 to 7 have no problem sitting in the kayak bow however will not provide much propulsion. That is why your distances are limited. If your children are under 7, a canoe would be an excellent choice. Many kids above eight years old are ready to paddle the bow or learn kayaking skills.
By considering general safety guidelines, women with low-risk pregnancies, especially those who were physically active before this period, can do kayaking during pregnancy.
Kayaking on Vancouver Island is almost possible at any time of the year. If you are a kayak camper and plan to spend nights in the wilderness, choose your location in a season suitable to your taste to explore the area.
Kayak, paddle plus a spare, life vest, bilge pump, spray skirt, dry bag, headlamp/light and extra batteries, signalling devices
Paddling a kayak in the rain can be safe if you are prepared with rain gear. Having a spray skirt would help to stay dry. Layer your clothes and have a raincoat.
Vanislander / Activities / Kayaking
Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Welcoming kayakers from everywhere, Clayoquot Sound is a wild network of offshore islands, including alpine valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, and laidback beach towns. Rocky oceanfront coastlines with endangered and rare species living there have made this place a popular destination for paddlers who are not only satisfied by paddling and seek to experience other adventures.

Nitinat Triangle Kayaking and Canoeing

Nitinat Triangle Kayaking and Canoeing

Nitinat Triangle provides an excellent opportunity for those fearless paddlers that lets them set their adventure-thirsty souls on fire. Schedule your trip to Nitinat Triangle when you have 4 or 5 days free. The triangle features campsite facilities and magnetic vies of the land.

Broken Group Islands Kayaking and Canoeing

Broken Group Islands Kayaking and Canoeing

Broken Group Islands is one of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's three main recreational components, which offers paddlers undeniable opportunities to spend time on the water. While you are camping in the wilderness, you may be given the pleasure of watching lagoons, sandbars, blowholes, arches and secluded anchorages.

Barkley Sound Kayaking

Barkley Sound Kayaking

Those who are planning to engage in the adventure of paddling in Barkley Sound would better schedule their visit for July-August and reserve their seats beforehand. During cold months do not forget to bring rain gear. Besides kayaking, other activities are available in Barkley's good area to be fed on by your souls.

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are a paddling enthusiast and happen to visit Vancouver Island during summer times, put Shawnigan Lake on top of your list. The lake is enclosed with fabulous parks in which you are provided with tons of recreational activities. Lakeside cabins, several beaches and a spectacular shoreline make Shawnigan Lake a fantastic hot spot for kayaking and canoeing.

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

If you want to make every moment on Vancouver Island worthwhile, remember to plan for a kayaking adventure on the waters next to Pacheedaht Beach. The San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve is the habitat for a variety of wildlife worthy of visiting. In addition to paddling, visitors can enjoy themselves doing other outdoor activities in the region.

Port Renfrew Kayaking

Port Renfrew Kayaking

Although Port Renfrew is primarily used for forestry and fishing, it is ideal for kayaking. The mountainous range, oceanic weather, and Mediterranean rainfall patterns make Port Renfrew one of the best locations for family holidays and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for kayaking. One of the merits of kayaking in these waters is the opportunity to see wildlife and birdlife on board.

Sooke Kayaking

Sooke Kayaking

You would get lost among the reasons why you should visit Sooke. As an ocean-side village, Sooke is full of natural beauties in which you can enjoy several outdoor activities. Waters that feature Sooke are idealistic for paddling enthusiasts to kayak. Most importantly, Sooke is the starting point of the exciting journey of the West Coast Trail.

Jordan River Kayaking

Jordan River Kayaking

For those who seek sea paddling, the Jordan River might be a potential destination to satisfy their desires for kayaking. Another merit of visiting Jordan River is that it is surrounded by some recreational sites which guarantee your stay to be adventurous. Camping areas around the Jordan River facilitate a long kayaking experience.

Sidney Kayaking

Sidney Kayaking

Views of Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, besides appealing sea excursions, make Sidney a paradise for tourists and suitable for kayaking. Sidney's moderate Mediterranean climate with relatively low rainfall is the reason behind its popularity among paddling enthusiasts. Also, recreational sites around Sidney have made it an ideal place to make beautiful memories while exploring the incredible opportunities provided for you.

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria offers endless kayaking and canoeing opportunities, whether you have the expertise or not. It is the gateway to world-class paddling in which various wildlife and birdlife exist. But the adventure doesn't stop there; you can do any activity you imagine, and consequently, Victoria is the paradise of paddles for those who enjoy having more exciting excursions besides kayaking and canoeing.

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.

Ladysmith Kayaking

Ladysmith Kayaking

Exceptional opportunities to explore the water while enjoying the scenic view of a city with a hundred years of history and culture preserved within the realms of Ladysmith. as an ideal kayaking destination, Ladysmith has several offerings to make your stay even more joyful. So, pack your bags and hit the road to this beautiful old city.

Zeballos Kayaking and Canoeing

Zeballos Kayaking and Canoeing

Although the city is known for its gold mining, Zeballos is a fantastic destination for paddling activities. Great hiking trail within the rainforest in which various wildlife is observable. Kayakers and canoeing followers may have the chance to explore a place with several underground caves and spelunking places. Not to mention that other outdoor activities can add to your joy in Zeballos.

Fair Harbour Kayaking

Fair Harbour Kayaking

Give rewards to yourself for working hard all week and plan to visit Fair Harbour to kill kayaking opportunities. Fair Harbour is an oceanic kayaking zone with all the necessary equipment to surf the water. Besides, you can find great recreational locations around and check all the activities on your to-do list.

Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park Kayaking and Canoeing

Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park Kayaking and Canoeing

To be a storyteller of paddling adventures, do not leave out Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park. This stunning historical park leaves you speechless about its undeniable opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park is known for its coastal forests and marine ecosystems, in which you are provided with several unique outdoor activities.

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

If paddling is frightening for you, make it normal while you are in Nootka Sound. It s worthy of mentioning that while paddling in the waters of Nootka Sound, you are given the pleasure of observing the birth point of BC, Yuquot. Nootka Sound is known as the paradise of the paddlers, and its island provides an extraordinary situation in which an astonishing adventure is waiting to be embraced.

Gold River Kayaking and Canoeing

Gold River Kayaking and Canoeing

Gold River is an excellent destination for paddling by all means. There are ample reasons which can trigger you to go kayaking and canoeing in this river. Its crystal clear water allows you sea the beauties lied underneath the surface. Besides, kayakers and canoeists can have fun doing other activities along with paddling in the water.

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

As another significant paradise for paddling, kayaker and canoeists can lose themselves enjoying every single moment while they are on board. Besides the great adventure of surfing the water, paddlers can do other water activities and make their stay even more memorable. So, if you are a paddling freak, don't forget to prioritize Telegraph Cove.

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Let your spirits feed on the adventure provided for you in Port McNeill. One of the best places for paddlers, Port McNeill, has a sheltered harbour and fabulous waterways suitable for kayaking and canoeing. This place is the gateway to real adventure in which you can experience every kind of vigorous activity both on land and at sea.

Port Hardy Kayaking and Canoeing

Port Hardy Kayaking and Canoeing

Looking for a place to make your kayaking adventure a safer experience? Check out Port Hardy and its protected waters and embrace the undeniable opportunities for a journey on board. Kayakers and canoers may have the chance to explore spectacular sightseeing and strange fishing spots and campsites.

Quatsino Sound Kayaking

Quatsino Sound Kayaking

Stretch your minds and imaginations to a different experience of kayaking by going to Quatsino Sound. As a mysterious place, it is known as underground caverns, and it offers undeniably chances for those in love with paddling. While you are on the water and paddling the smooth waves, you may be lucky and observe some marine creatures that can add to your joy.

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