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No matter how you choose to paddle, Nanaimo has all the spots for a vacation on the waves.
In Nanaimo, you have plenty of options to choose from, whether you want to paddle on the ocean, a lake, or a river. We also have plenty of different rental stores for whatever mood you’re in: stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and row boats- we’ve got it all.
Don’t know where to start? Nanaimo is full of different paddle tours for you to check out! Don’t want to be limited to a schedule? With so many coves and islands, you can set course for your own adventure!
Weather and Warnings
TIP: Make sure you are familiar with water safety rules and have all the required safety equipment before starting any water-based activity. Remember to check the marine weather forecast and tides before setting out on any boating trip.
If you’re new to your chosen way of paddling, taking a tour can help get you started! Island Romer offers kayak courses and tours, perfect for beginners! Tours include: a 4-hour tour of Saysutshun, a 3-hour tour of Departure Bay, and a 7-hour tour of Pirates Cove. These tours will help you learn all about the marine life and history of the places you visit. A little bonus? Island Romer has won TripAdvisor's Traveller’s Choice award 3 times in a row and is in the top 10% of all listings!
Enjoy paddling to Saysutshun, taking a tour of Departure Bay, and seeing the Sunset at the Nanaimo harbour with Coastal Expressions! All tours are designed for beginners and have a more leisurely pace for first-timers! For more experienced paddlers, Coastal Expressions has also relaunched its canoe and kayak rentals for multi-day explorations! Pick up your choice of rental at MEC Nanaimo.
Visit the pristine waters of the Gulf Islands just South of Nanaimo with a kayaking day trip with Wildheart Adventures! This day trip is perfect for novice and experienced paddlers who want to explore the islands around Nanaimo!
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Master of Your Own Adventure
Got the hang of things? Here are some places to rent your paddling equipment.
Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals offers more than just kayaks and bikes; they also offer paddle boards and paddle boats! Located on Saysutshun Island, rentals here are for short-term use and are great for an afternoon out on the water!
Looking for a bit more time on the water? Located on Gabriola Island, Page’s Resort & Marina allows you to rent kayaks from half a day to multiple days. Paddle boards are also available to rent from 2 hours to all day.
Checking out some lake paddling in Nanaimo? Westwood Lake offers short-term rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and row boats. Keep in mind that these rentals are for Westwood Lake only.
Guests staying at Long Lake Inn can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore Long Lake.
Now that you have your choice of paddle in hand, it's time to choose where you want to go!
Divers Lake - a small urban lake, perfect for beginners
Westwood Lake - an artificial, calm lake that is suitable for beginners
Long Lake - a calm lake that is suitable for beginners
Departure Bay - ocean waters with a boardwalk, ideal for novices or those with some experience
Pipers Lagoon - inside the lagoon is perfect for beginners, but the open ocean is suitable for more experienced paddlers
Saysutshun and Protection Island - have quick tides and weather changes; this is best suited for experts or a tour guide.
See you on the Water!
Whatever your choice of paddle is, we can’t wait to see you on the waters! Whether you're on a lake, paddling through the ocean, or racing down the river, you’re sure to have a blast!
Remember to always check the weather and tides before you head out and bring a personal flotation device for all paddlers.
