Kayaking, Granville Island

Ocean Kayaking is a popular sport in Vancouver with numerous rental locations and year-round ocean access. Spotting seals, passing by boats and kayaking though False Creek are a few reasons why this activity is a fun way to see Vancouver, British Columbia.

STATS

Type:

Kayaking

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

Overcast, Clear, Sunny, Calm

Time:

4 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera, Sense of Curiosity, Drink, Snack, Sun Glasses, Waterproof Clothing

One of the best ways to see Vancouver is by Ocean, and the best way to get out on the ocean is via watercraft. One of the most reliable and interesting ways to navigate the many waterways surrounding Vancouver is by kayak, these nimble little boats are a quiet and easy means to move around Stanley Park, False Creek and along the shore of Kitsilano and Vancouver. This experience within the city offers amazing views, panoramas and an experience unlike any other which can be done in almost any season.

Surrounded by ocean, the city of Vancouver has always been a magnet for the adventurous, especially those braving the waters that surround this picturesque city.

One of the best ways to view Vancouver and its surrounding landscape is by boat, motorized rentals are expensive and don't offer the ability to view the ocean coast as closely as Kayaking.

For years, people have rented Kayaks throughout the Vancouver region as a way to see the West Coast as well as to keep active throughout the year. Cold, rainy weather or not, there are always people out in the Burrard Inlet, False Creek or paddling along the shores of Stanley Park and Vancouver taking in the sights from a completely different perspective.

Rentals are available throughout the year on Granville Island, and seasonal rentals are available on First Beach (English Bay) in the summer.

The mild Vancouver climate allows year-round kayaking and depending on skill level and bravery, through most weather. Rental locations will always warn renters about current conditions and advise safe locations to paddle, be sure to pay attention to the advice given.

Starting from Granville Island offers four routes, outwards to the Burrard Inlet where within four hours you can paddle around the parks perimeter to the stopping point of the Lion's Gate Bridge where Kayaks are not allowed past due to commercial vessel restrictions. Along the way many visible landmarks, such as the famed seawall, Siwash Rock and above, Prospect Point can be seen.

The second route follows the False Creek out and along the edge of Kitsilano where you can pass the oddly shaped Centennial Museum, home of the Vancouver Museum and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, as well as the Maritime Museum. Paddlers also pass the popular summer beaches, Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks, and for the daring, Wreck Beach, Vancouver's only nudist beach.

The Third route can take you into the harbour where you can paddle past the anchored barges which sometimes have bald eagles habitually perched on their edges, as well, along the giant shipping vessels waiting for their turn at port.

The final route can be into False Creek and along the Marinas, restaurants, seawall and attractions such as the Granville Island Boathouses, the mini-ferries, Science World and the Olympic Village.

A trip to Vancouver can be an amazing experience through kayaking, remember to take appropriate clothes and a change for afterwards, as well, bring waterproof bags for any cameras or phones potentially damaged by ocean water.

Enjoy Vancouver via its many waterways and rent a Kayak at Granville Island.