Get up close and personal with Vancouver’s great outdoors by hiring a kayak and exploring those places you just can’t get to on foot or by car.

Deep Cove, tucked into the eastern corner of North Vancouver, is the launching point for kayak and canoe trips out into the beautiful Indian Arm fjord. Indian Arm stretches northwards from Burrard Inlet for 20km and is home to seals, bald eagles and starfish.

Rentals from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak are available right on the waterfront and from First Nation Takaya Tours in Cates Park just west of Deep Cove. Takaya offers sightseeing trips combined with storytelling and songs from Coast Salish culture and tours in 25-foot ocean-going canoes during weekends throughout the summer.

For a real Canadian wilderness experience, book an overnight kayak and camp out at one of the free campgrounds in Indian Arm. North Twin Island is a 45-minute paddle from Deep Cove, Bishop Creek is 3 1/2 hours away and Granite Falls is a four-hour trip. The camping is rustic but you’ll feel a million miles away from Vancouver.

Kayak rentals are also available in the heart of Vancouver from Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre on Granville Island. You won’t get away from it all but you’ll get a different perspective of the city.

Deep Cove BC


Tips: Book your kayak in advance as it gets busy during the summer. To avoid the crowds and noisy speedboats on the water, visit during the week for a more laid back experience.