From sea kayaking the Howe Sound to canoeing the Bowron Lakes to heli-rafting down the rapids of Golden’s Kicking Horse River, British Columbia is revered as a world-renowned paddling destination, offering an unparalleled variety of experiences that appeal to every kind of paddler, from novice to expert.
Now, locals and tourists alike can easily discover Canada’s best paddling experiences all year long, thanks to PaddleBC.ca, an online directory of paddling destinations, guided excursions + essential tips.
PaddleBC.ca offers people a convenient directory of BC’s top waterways for paddling, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and kayak fishing, across the six diverse regions of the province, with a focus on vetted experiences that ensure safe and memorable excursions.
Adventure enthusiasts and industry experts agree that BC offers some of the world’s best paddling destinations, and many unique and beautiful landscapes to paddle through.
BC is known for year-round paddling excursions around the province, such as:
- Winter: Paddlers can explore waters such as the Howe Sound, or enjoy guided paddling trips off the south coast of Vancouver Island near Victoria where large herds of sea lions and flocks of waterfowl can be seen up close.
- Spring: The ideal time to book a whitewater rafting adventure as the melting mountain snows swell the rivers making for some incredibly exciting paddling. BC is renowned for such waterways as the Kicking Horse River near Golden, the Elk River near Fernie, and the Cheakamus River near Squamish.
- Summer: The best time for flat-water paddling excursions, such as the famed 113-kilometre-long Bowron Lakes circuit, or for enjoying a day-long tour of Kamloops Lake hosted by a Moccasin Trails guide, who will share ancestral songs and stories dating back thousands of years.
- Fall: The autumn months are the best time for enjoying slower paddles in BC like in the Columbia River wetlands near Golden. During this season, it’s easier to take in the changing foliage, especially in areas such as the Kootenays where the larch forests turn a rich golden colour. It’s also a great time to spot wildlife including bears and eagles feasting on salmon in the rivers and tributaries.
There is a brand new generation of recreational paddlers, kayakers, and wilderness seekers on the hunt for the next place to enjoy their newfound passion, and BC offers a greater variety and diversity of waterways than anywhere else in Canada – with over 25,000 kilometres of ocean coastline to explore, and more than 20,000 lakes.
Thanks to PaddleBC.ca, finding your next paddling adventure is easier than ever.