I consider Vancouver and the Lower Mainland to be one of the best SUP destinations in the world, due to the wide variety of stunning scenery on offer. You can paddle in nearly any direction and spot glorious mountains in the background.
It’s also an ideal sport for proper physical distancing. Here are just a few of my favorite SUP spots in and around the Lower Mainland.
[Jericho Beach; photo by Dominique Labrosse on Flickr]
Jericho Beach
There aren’t too many locations in the Lower Mainland that can beat the view at Jericho Beach. The fact that the beach goes for about a mile gives you the opportunity to see everything from volleyball games to boats at the Royal Yacht Club. If you don’t own a paddle board, no worries: rent one at Windsure Adventure Sports or Jericho Beach Kayak Centre.
[Deep Cove; photo by Deep Cove Kayak]
Deep Cove
Deep Cove is one of Vancouver’s paddling hot spots and is also considered by many to be one of the best places in BC to kayak. This quaint little harbour town nestled in the mouth of the Indian Arm has a big SUP community.
Deep Cove Kayak frequently hosts SUP races. Here’s where you can also get lessons and choose from a wide variety of paddle boards to rent.
[Kitsilano; photo by Vancouver Water Adventures]
Kitsilano Beach
Kits is a popular beach destination for many Vancouverites for sun, picnics, volleyball, a fabulous outdoor saltwater pool — and paddle boarding.
Depending on your launch point, you can make a day of it, working towards False Creek with a stop at Granville Island for some delicious local grub. If you’re feeling adventurous, paddle over to English Bay and view beautiful Vancouver up close from the water.
Looking for paddle boards to rent? Vancouver Water Adventures has got you covered.
Crescent Beach/Nicomekl River
Crescent Beach is a hidden gem. I make it a point to paddle here several times throughout the summer. I like to launch off at Crescent Beach next to the pier and paddle all the way down the Nicomekl River to the bridge.
Sometimes you’ll even spot the odd inquisitive seal and various other wildlife along the way. Another highlight is paddling by a cluster of floating boats of varying ages.
[White Pine Beach; photo by White Pine Wilderness]
White Pine Beach
For the fresh water enthusiasts out there, White Pine Beach (Sasamat Lake) is a great spot to get some paddle boarding in during the summer. It may very well be the best Lower Mainland location to learn paddle boarding as the water in this small lake is usually pretty calm and you don’t have to deal with tides and currents.
You can either rent a paddle board from Belcarra or (preferably) bring your own and enjoy a tour of the lake. A word of warning: there’s been a bear caught rummaging the area on the hunt for picnic baskets.
Your First SUP
I recommend first renting a paddle board before purchasing one, and if you’re buying, start off with an inflatable SUP. They’re both less expensive and more portable than hard boards with the added benefit of being able to deflate and roll up to the size of a suitcase.
Go ahead and give paddle boarding a try; it might even become your new favourite hobby!
This guest post was produced by Derek Lance and edited by Vancouverscape. Top image of Deep Cove by Michelle Lee.
