Discover the Best Paddle Boarding Spots in Vancouver

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Aisha Aslam

If you’re a fan of paddle boarding and live in Vancouver, you’re in luck! This beautiful city offers a variety of spots to enjoy this popular water sport. From calm lakes to scenic ocean views, this guide will help you find the perfect paddle-boarding spots in Vancouver.

Should You Rent or Buy a Paddleboard?

Buying your own paddleboard is a great investment as we are surrounded by lakes and oceans here in BC. Therefore, I highly recommend this affordable paddleboard, as it is bigger than most and very sturdy. This one comes with everything you need that fits into one portable bag for your adventures! So if you plan to be out on the water quite a bit then it’s better to invest in one than rent. On the other hand, there are also some places that let you rent paddle boards around Vancouver. 

The Best Paddle Boarding Spots in Vancouver

Summer has arrived and you just got a new paddle board or are planning to rent one in Vancouver. Do you need some assistance on where to go paddle boarding for the most scenic paddles around Vancouver? Well, you have come to the right place. These top places for paddle boarding around Vancouver are the best picturesque places you can get to:

English Bay Beach

English Bay is a popular spot for paddle boarding in Vancouver. With stunning views of the city skyline and the North Shore mountains, it’s easy to see why. The bay is sheltered from strong winds and currents, making it a great spot for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed paddle. There are also several rental shops nearby, making it easy to get out on the water even if you don’t have your own board.

Jericho Beach

Jericho Beach is a popular spot for paddle boarding in Vancouver. Located in the Kitsilano neighborhood, it offers stunning views of the city skyline and the North Shore mountains. The beach is easily accessible by public transit and has several rental shops nearby. The water can be a bit choppy at times, so it’s best for more experienced paddlers. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, making it a great spot to spend the day.

Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano Beach is a must-visit spot for paddle-boarding enthusiasts in Vancouver. With its stunning views of the city skyline and the North Shore mountains, it’s no wonder why it’s a popular destination. The beach is easily accessible by public transit and has several rental shops nearby. However, the water can be a bit choppy at times, so it’s best for more experienced paddlers. After a day on the water, there are several restaurants and cafes in the area to grab a bite to eat and relax.

Porteau Cove

Located near Squamish, Porteau Cove is an amazing place to paddle out from the beach or boat launch. You can really escape the crowds and enjoy the mountains while on your paddleboard. I would recommend wearing a life jacket as the ocean water here can be wavy especially with wind and boats going by. This is an amazing area to paddle for sunset though and you should definitely check it out!

Alouette Lake

Alouette Lake, located in Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge, is one of the best lakes for paddleboarding around Vancouver. 

There is no hiking required to reach this lake. You can drive to the parking area for the beach and get your paddle board ready for the water. Here, the water is calm with a restricted area for boats passing, so you don’t need to worry about big waves. This makes it the perfect place to practice paddle boarding as a beginner. Leisurely paddle here or paddle across to the marina access campsite and enjoy the beach there before you paddle back. This park has some stunning mountain views and you can enjoy them right from your paddleboard.

North Beach Trail

Also located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, in Maple Ridge. You would need to park at the Gold Creek parking lot. The trail is located across the parking lot in the beginning, near the first washrooms.

Paddleboarding at North Beach Trail requires a bit of hiking into the trail to go paddleboarding. There is also a beach located at the end of the trail. The trail has plenty of stops along the river for both swimming and paddleboarding. On a bright sunny day, the water looks crystal clear and green. This makes it picturesque for paddle boarding and taking a refreshing dip! 

Widgeon Falls

Located in Pitt Lake, in Pitt Meadows, this paddle is worth the day trip as you paddle to reach Widgeon Falls.

Paddling Widgeon Falls is an adventure in itself. To get to the trailhead, you must paddle, canoe, or use a kayak to access it. The trailhead is located by the campsite. You may choose to spend a night there where you can also hike to Widgeon Lake. Widgeon lake a longer hike than the falls. I recommend starting your trip early as the parking lot fills up by 9 am on a nice sunny day. 

Starting at Grant Narrows Access, you start to paddle towards Widgeon Slough, crossing the lake on your way. You may encounter some boats passing by on occasion. Once you pass this portion, it is a calm paddle into Widgeon Slough. As the Slough becomes narrower, the water may become shallow in some parts. There will be signs along the way to help guide you. It took us an hour to paddle each way. 

You can see some wildlife on the journey as well as the peaks of Golden Ears in front of you. Soon you will reach the campsite on the left. Pull up your paddle board and start the hike from the campsite.

Hiking the Trail

There are two trails to get to the falls, one being the actual trail and then the logging road. The trail is forested and quite scenic on the way. It would be best to take the logging road back to make it faster. The hike there is pretty quick and fairly easy. Once you get to the falls, you can walk up the river to find a spot to relax or look for the smaller pools to swim. 

Deep Cove

Deep Cove is a picturesque spot located on the North Shore of Vancouver. It’s a bit further from the city center, but the stunning views and calm waters make it worth the trip. The cove is surrounded by mountains and forests, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. There are several rental shops in the area, as well as a park with picnic tables and a beach. It’s a great spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Jug Island

*2023 Update* Note the trail is currently closed for construction

Jug Island is located in Belcarra Provincial Park. You can paddle from Deep Cove to Jug Island or take the trail from Belcarra Park to the beach with your paddle board.

If you choose to hike the Jug Island Trail, it is around 40 minutes one way. However, the trail has stairs with an incline so it would be quite the workout to hike with your paddleboard if you are up for the challenge. If you get to the beach, you will see that it is totally worth it! You can paddle out to the shore, take in the surrounding mountains and Deep Cove from afar as well as Jug Island right in front of you. 

If you choose to start from Deep Cove, you can cross the Indian Arm to Jug Island. Paddleboards can be rented from Deep Cove, located in North Vancouver. Here the water is calm around the cove, so it is the perfect place for beginners! 

Sasamat Lake

Sasamat Lake is a popular paddle-boarding spot located in Port Moody, just a short drive from Vancouver. This calm lake is perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxing paddle. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are also several beaches and picnic areas nearby, making it a great spot for a day trip with friends or family.

Conclusion: Best Paddle Boarding Spots in Vancouver

Vancouver is full of many spots to go and try paddleboarding. We are surrounded by lakes and the ocean in every corner. These are just a few top places for beginners and pros alike to get out on the water and explore the pretty surrounding nature.

Here’s to happy paddles and many adventures! You can read more about me here!