The 10 most beautiful spots for paddle boarding near Vancouver
Discover the wonderful paddle board spots near Vancouver and immerse yourself in an unforgettable aquatic adventure! With its magnificent coastlines, picturesque bays and crystal-clear lakes, British Columbia offers a paddle boarding enthusiast's paradise. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, Vancouver has everything you need to satisfy your passion for water activities. So, prepare your board, put on your life jacket and experience moments of pure SUP joy near Vancouver!
1. Stanley Park
This park occupies a very important place in the hearts of Vancouver residents and is also a place enormously visited by tourists. It will allow you to enjoy a SUP excursion without going far from the city, but still having access to breathtaking landscapes.
Photo credit: inlovewithbc.com
2. Deep Cove
Located north of Vancouver, this small village is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny and hot day in the city. The water access point is very close to the city center, but the place will make you feel like you are miles away. It is also possible to rent boards nearby.
Photo credit: thatadventurer.co.uk
3. Alouette Lake
Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, this lake is just 45 minutes from the city. The lake water is translucent and clean, but relatively cold throughout the year. The best time to venture there is in the morning, since the afternoons are particularly windy. Motorboats are allowed on the lake, so although its size allows both types of boats, it is preferable to paddle along the shore.
Photo credit: alpinefeeling.com
4. Alice Lake
This lake is located in the village of Squamish, 1 hour by car from Vancouver. There is a campsite on site as well as several accessible hiking trails for all fitness levels. The lake is a very touristy place and also very frequented by locals, especially on hot summer days, since it is one of the only places where the water is warm enough to experience comfortable swimming. We therefore advise you to arrive early in the morning if you are not camping there. It's definitely a favorite place for us, and the easy access to water has a lot to do with it.
Photo credit: seatoskyparks.com
5. Brohm Lake
Also located in Squamish, this lake is also a popular spot. People particularly go there to jump into the water from the cliff or to jump from the Tarzan rope which are on site. You can therefore take advantage of the lake for a SUP experience but also to have fun jumping into the water if you feel like it.
Photo credit: Grind Tv
6. Garibaldi Lake
This lake is breathtakingly beautiful! It is approximately 1.5 hours from Vancouver, but the trip is worth it. The lake is in the mountains, so to paddle board there, you will have to exercise for a long time! The hike to get there is 9 km, but the trail is super well maintained and the level is intermediate. You can camp around the lake by reserving a campsite in advance. We highly recommend it since the place is simply magnificent and the experience will be more pleasant if you cover the round trip distance over 2 days. Note that you must bring your own inflatable SUP, which requires a little more organization to experience the adventure. Find some partners and bring a single board that you can share. From the lake, you can leave your heavier gear and continue on the trail leading to "Panorama Ridge", if you want the full experience. The photo in the article was taken from there. Note that the level of the hike will go from intermediate to advanced, and that the best months to access it are from July to September, since there is snow all year round.
Photo: Maria Michaud
7. Langford Lake
Located in Victoria on Vancouver Island, this lake is the largest in the area. You will therefore have to take a ferry to get to the island, but you will quickly understand that the trip is worth it. What makes this lake a great place for SUP is that it is sheltered from the wind. So from dawn to dusk you can enjoy a pleasant and relaxing experience.
Photo credit: gilisports.com
8. Gonzales Beach
Also located in Victoria on Vancouver Island, this beach is perfect for pairing SUP with swimming and beach activities. It is the ideal place for a moment with family, friends or even alone. It is a place frequented by both locals and tourists, because it is perfect for experiencing the "Island vibe".
Photo credit: gilisports.com
9. Gorge Waterway
Also located in Victoria, this waterway is a must for paddle boarding while in Victoria. This is a 6 km stretch of sea, which will take you from industrial neighborhoods to nature in no time. You will also pass some magnificent bridges.
Photo credit: gilisports.com
10. Squamish Estuary
Paddle from the Squamish Estuary, beneath the towering cliffs of Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls, and travel a memorable nine kilometers to Brittania Beach. Do you like SUP, coffee and meeting new people? We suggest you take part in the coffee-SUP circuit with "Norm Hann expeditions" to live the total experience.
Photo credit: Norm Hann via tourism squamish
As you have probably noticed while reading, British Columbia is a true paradise for both SUP and incredible landscapes. Whether on the island, in town or further afield towards Squamish and Whistler, you will find places to create unforgettable moments. Pack your suitcase, rent a car and set off on an adventure. Don't forget to share your adventures with us with our boards, it always makes us happy to discover you!
