Launch a kayak from Nanaimo and explore picturesque marine destinations, including Saysutshun – Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, Protection Island, and the breathtaking Gulf Islands. Protection Island offers a unique experience, its very own floating pub with dock space set aside especially for kayakers. With so much to explore, paddlers can coast along the ocean for a few hours or plan exciting multi-day excursions. You can even bring your camping gear with you and stay overnight on Saysutshun, using it as a base camp for your kayaking adventures. There are also a number of launch sites north or south of Nanaimo to paddle to a Gulf Island or meander along a quiet coastline. On the other side of town, you could view the popular Piper’s Lagoon, Shack Island and Neck Point Park from a completely different angle as you follow the windy coastline. Seals and sealions are often spotted off these shores, are you ready for a close encounter?
Click this link for more information about where to rent and book tours; https://tourismnanaimo.com/what-to-do/beach-boating-and-water/nanaimo-kayaking/
Maybe you’re still a beginner and the ocean is a little intimidating. The list of lakes in Nanaimo and the surrounding areas is a lengthy one. Long Lake, Brannen Lake, Mesachie Lake, Nanaimo Lakes, Quennel Lake or Westwood Lake, just to name a few. Visit https://www.canoevancouverisland.com/canoe-kayak-vancouver-island-directory/ for an extensive directory of spots to paddle. Check out one every weekend and see how long it takes you to get through the list!
If that’s not adventurous enough for you, the rest of Vancouver Island has so much more to offer!
Did you know that the waters around Vancouver Island offer some of the highest density of sea life in the World? Barkley Sound, Clayoquot Sound, Discovery Islands or the Johnstone Stait where you may come across a pod of Orcas or catch a glimpse of the Spirit Bear in the nearby Great Bear Rainforest. For more information visit https://www.discovervancouverisland.com/kayaking/ or https://kayakbc.ca
Photo courtesy of Tourism BC