5 Scenic Paddling Day Trips near Vancouver

My top 5 paddling day-trips near Vancouver for kayaking and paddleboarding.

#1 Widgeon Slough, Pitt Meadows

This is one of my favourite paddling spots - it feels like you’re paddling in Jurassic Park or something. The water is spectacularly clear, the mountains are gorgeous, the route is pretty relaxed, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot a black bear. For real, bring bear spray here.

Pitt Lake is one of the world's largest tidal freshwater lakes with an average three-foot tide range. Water levels and the resulting currents in the Pitt River are more complicated than those in the Strait of Georgia as they are influenced by both the tides and the flow/discharge of the Fraser River. You need to be most aware of the currents when doing the short crossing from the boat launch across into the slough but max currents in the Pitt River will usually be <2.0 knots.

Those on paddleboards will want to be mindful of the strong afternoon wind that picks up shortly before the return crossing.

Parking: park and launch from Grant Narrows Park at Pitt–Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Bring $10 cash for paid parking which is enforced May-Oct. 

Route: Cross immediately from the boat launch into the small channel on the other side - you’ll see signs for no motorized vessels. Follow the winding slough, there will be a sign for the campground which is a nice route to follow with picnic tables and toilets available at the campground.

Notes: bring bearspray, no cell service so remember to download offline maps, there is a hike to Widgeon Falls from the campsite you can add-on. No toilets available between parking lot and campground - practice leave no trace.

#2 Stave Lake, Mission

An alternative to busy Alouette Lake in Golden Ears is Stave Lake. This place can get a bad rep as a party lake but I still really enjoy paddling here, especially for the “ghost forests” that you can can paddle over.

Parking: there is the Stave Lake boat launch but if you want to explore the ghost forests, launch from one of the rec sites further up like Lower Kearsley Recreation Site - bring cash for parking/day-use access.

Route: paddle across from the west side that you’ll launch from to the east where most of the ghost forests are. Be careful not to catch a fin or rudder on the tree stumps!

Notes: no cell service so remember to download offline maps, there is a large off-roading community hilariously called “dirt church” that gets pretty rowdy in the mudflats. I usually check Facebook to avoid any of their events as it can be really loud and busy.

#3 Stanley Park, Vancouver

Paddling the iconic Stanley Park seawall from the water is epic! Starting from False Creek, this route takes you by the best of Stanley Park - the Inukshuk at English Bay, Second Beach, Third Beach, to the famous Siwash Rock.

Keep an eye out for seals and if the tide is low, there are beautiful purple and coral coloured starfish to be seen between second and third beach. Stop for an ice cream at the concession stand at Third Beach, my favourite beach in the park.

Parking: park and launch from Vanier Boat Launch. There are other launch/parking options in Stanley Park like the parking lot at Second and Third beach but it is often busy and awkward to launch from. Vanier is definitely your best bet.

Route: start from Vanier boat launch and cross immediately as boats have to follow a reduced speed in this area - they will be able to rip it out of there around the off leash dog park in Kits so cross ASAP. Be very mindful of boat traffic, especially in the summer, cross quickly and together as a group. Paddle along English Bay beach to Second and Third beach, turning back at Siwash Rock. The water is usually super flat and calm in this area until 11am.

*Extremely important* you cannot kayak under the Lions Gate Bridge - it is a restricted area so use Siwash Rock as your turnaround point.

#4 Lillooet Lake, Pemberton

A further, but stunning alternative to Alice Lake in Squamish or Green Lake in Whistler is Lillooet Lake in Pemberton. This large lake is surrounded by mountains, has sandy beaches, and offers endless paddling. The first come first serve lakeside camping is a bonus. 

Parking: park and launch from Strawberry Point Rec Site

Route: no specific route for this lake!

Notes: first come first serve camping available for $15/night cash. Limited cell service. Gravel road is decent, no need for 4x4.

#5 Indian Arm (Deep Cove), North Vancouver

This is a classic day-trip recommendation for a reason! This fjord is stunning with sheer granite cliffs and deep, dense forests. The only problem is parking, so try to go during the week if you can.

Parking: parking at the closest lot (east side of Panorama drive) is limited to three hours. Alternative longer parking options are the schools during the summer (Cove Cliff and Seycove Secondary).

Route: launch from Panorama Park and paddle across to Jug or Racoon Island for a picnic. This is a really great route for a day trip, especially for beginners. You can push on as far as Twin Islands. The real highlight is the Granite Falls waterfall and camping area, however this is ~3.5 hour paddle one way.

Notes: no cell service as you get further up the fjord. With the parking situation I find I can launch, paddle to Racoon Island for a picnic and swim, and make it back just barely in time for the 3 hour parking limit. This is a great spot to take visitors as they can rent a kayak from Deep Cove Kayak.