Sea Kayaking In Canada
Sea Kayaking In Canada: A Paddler’s Guide
Sea kayaking in Canada is one of the best ways to escape into the natural wonders that we are so lucky to have in Canada. With three ocean coasts and the Great Lakes, Canada is probably the best place on Earth for sea kayaking. There are so many places to go paddling in Canada, the hardest part can be picking one.
Paddling on the East Coast of Canada is a bit more underrated and lesser known, and sea kayaking on the Great Lakes in Ontario is also surprisingly undiscovered. The West Coast is more popular and better known among the paddling community in Canada, likely a result of all the wildlife the coast is famous for.
You can do a sea kayaking day trip in Canada, or you can plan a more remote multiday sea kayaking expedition in Canada as well. Depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are in a remote wilderness setting.
In our Paddler’s Guide to sea kayaking in Canada, we help you find the best places to plan your next paddling trip, as well as connect you with some of the best paddling and outfitting companies from coast to coast.
Check out our Canada sea kayaking guide and tune in for deals on tours rentals and courses. Happy paddling!
Best Areas For Sea Kayking In Canada
Broken Group Islands
Wild west coastal waters speckled with islands and sandy beaches to camp on make for the perfect wilderness paddling venue in BC. You can spend a day or a week in the Broken Group Islands, and can camp or stay in a lodge!
Broughton Archipelago
Hundreds of islands spread through an untamed wilderness of rushing tidal waters make the Broughton Archipelago one of the best areas in the world to sea kayak, and definitely a must see area to go kayaking in BC.
Johnston Strait
Johnston Strait is not just a popular place for sea kayakers in BC, but also a haven for marine animals like orcas to hang their hats. Johnston Strait is right beside the Broughton Archipelago and could be linked in one trip.
Desolation Sound
Desolation seems to foster a Mediteranean climate, with warm dry air and exceptionally warm water for the region. Towering mountains meet deep ocean inlets for the perfect sea kayaking and wilderness camping paradise.
1000 Islands
Sea kayaking in the 1000 Islands region is loaded with tons of hidden gems and history. The 1000 Islands kayaking area lies within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, protected by the UNESCO network of heritage sites!
Georgian Bay's East Shore
Flat islands with perfect campsites, dark skies and 30,000 islands to explore and paddle through make for some of the best sea kayaking in Canada.
Nova Scotia's South Shore
Crystal clear saltwater, white sand beaches, dramatic granite shorelines and incredible sunsets all make for an unforgettable sea kayaking trip on the south shore of Nova Scotia!
East Coast Of Newfoundland
Newfoundland’s East Coast is a sea kayaking frontier with plenty of opportunity for some incredible experiences. Every year the icebergs float by here and you can paddle right up to them. There are also tons of whales of different varieties. What a perfect excuse to visit Newfoundland!
Haida Gwaii
The epitomy of West Coast sea kayaking in Canada is the Haida Gwaii Islands. Paddle through vast ocean island wilderness with distant hot springs, historical treasures and totem poles to be discovered!
Canada’s Best Sea Kayak & Paddling Companies
Explore Canada Sea Kayaking By Region
British Columbia
British Columbia is the holy land for sea kayaking in Canada. Several coastal regional offer a variety of island chains, wildlife, climates and expansive wilderness to explore.
Ontario
Ontario is not to be under estimated as place to go sea kayaking in Canada. The Great Lakes offer a lifetime’s worth of paddling and exploration, with some of the best camping in the world!
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of the best places to go sea kayaking in Canada for good reason! Much underrated and offering several amazing paddling areas, Nova Scotia is sure to surprise you with it’s endless coastline, friendly people and ease of access.
Information About Paddling and Sea Kayaking In Canada
When is the best time of year to go sea kayaking in Canada?
Canada is a land of many climates and many seasonalities within that! You can sea kayaking all year in Canada, especially on the West Coast, where the Pacific moderates the winter temperatures and weather.
We would recommend sea kayaking anytime between late May and the end of September to catch the best conditions.
Of course the crowds are also out when the summer is at it’s peak, so there is some incentive to paddling in the shoulder seasons as well. Whenever you go sea kayaking in Canada, we are sure you will have a good time!
What should I bring on a paddling trip in Canada?
Along with the regular sea kayaking expedition gear, you should have a warm layer, a rain layer, camp shoes, sun protection and sun glasses. If you are camping you will definitely need a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad, plus some camp kitchen gear and perhaps a tarp for shelter.
Here is what you need for the paddling:
- A kayak and paddle
- Lifejacket
- VHF radio, map & compass (GPS is nice too)
- Pump, sponge, paddle float
- Standard safety gear (floating line, whistle, light)
- Permits if you are camping in the parks
If you are planning on doing a sea kayaking tour in Canada, the company you book with will have a complete packing list too.
Is Sea Kayaking In Canada Family Friendly?
Yes and no. You should be aware of all the hazards involved with paddling in cold, tidal waters and know the skills needed to keep yourself and your family safe.
If you don’t know much about sea kayaking, hiring a paddling guide in Canada is highly recommended.
If you stay within the safety recommendations of knowing what you are doing or hiring someone who does, then Canada sea kayaking can be a very family friendly activity.
Is Sea Kayaking In Canada Safe?
It can be! Sea kayaking generally involves exposure to cold water, tides and unpredictable weather. If you take some time to plan your trip and you know what you are doing then sea kayaking in Canada is very safe.
Hiring a guiding company to help you plan and outfit your trip, as well as guide you on the water ensures that you do everything right, from staying out of dangerous currents, to making it to your campsite in good time.
Give it a try!
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