Looking for adventure during your stay at Vancouver Island vacation homes? Take to the waters by canoe or kayak to discover the splendor of nature near your island retreat. Whether you bring your own, rent or book a tour, your time will be well spent exploring the beauty and biological diversity of inland waters and the Pacific. With so many paddling options near your Vancouver Island vacation home, you may never want to leave.
Victoria Central
Victoria's busy Inner Harbour is the perfect place for eager beginners or leisurely drifters to paddle. Waters are usually calm, allowing views of the city from a different perspective and most days you can spot harbor seals bobbing nearby. Gorge Waterway is a meandering fjord leaving Inner Harbour toward Portage Inlet, offering scenic views of the city's shoreline. The channel is protected and calm until you reach Tillicum Narrows where the current becomes much stronger.
Near Victoria
Thetis Lake is 7 miles west where you can access remote beaches within two lake halves that are connected by a narrow culvert, maneuverable only by canoe or kayak. Explore small islands and bays while paddling gentle waters surrounded by thick forest. The park entrance is off Highway 1 at Colwood exit.
Saanich
Elk and Beaver Lakes offer a full day of aquatic adventure and with four launch areas, ample parking close to the water access is easy. Discover a myriad of small islands between the lakes to stop for a picnic or stroll along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for river otters that swim among pond lilies. Follow signs on Highway 17 to reach entrances.
Sidney
With a maze of inlets and bays, the Sidney shoreline is a haven of spectacular scenery and marine life. A launch ramp at Tulista Park provides a straight line paddle to Sidney Spit, passing through waters that can quickly become choppy. If you're not a seasoned paddler, it's best to explore the area with a guide. Expect to sight Dall porpoises and Orcas, so bring your camera.
Tours and Rentals
- Blackfish Wilderness Expeditions in Victoria offer kayak and giant canoe tours year round. With a wide range of excursions from whale watching to day trips available for all ages, check out their website for details or call (250) 216-2389.
- Rental canoes and kayaks are available seasonally at Hamsterly Beach in Elk Lake Regional Park, Saanich.
- A Paddle in the Park Kayaking offers several rental options, but paddlers must be able to self-rescue themselves. Guided tours include half-day, full-day, sunset and inner beauty. Located at 2320 Harbour Road in Sydney; for hours of operation check out their website or call (250) 686-2047.
- Sea Quest Adventures offer single kayak rentals to proficient paddlers as well as guided tours. Located at 105-2537 Beacon Avenue in Sidney, hours are daily from 7am to 11pm, March through November. Call (888) 656-7599 for reservations.
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