Each island posted on this Gulf Islands tourism website provides a long list of kayaking destinations, paddle routes, beach landings and launch points for you to discover. Each kayaking destination includes a detailed description, the services available onsite and in most cases pictures.

There is a large selection of kayaking destinations and paddle routes available for exploring Gulf Islands. There are day paddles exploring island coves, bays and nearby islets. And there are multi day kayak paddles exploring ocean channels, remote wilderness forests and navigating through island mazes.

Experienced kayakers explore the Gulf Islands on a self guided kayak tour. Each Gulf Island has numerous launch sites and beach landing sites. Self guided kayakers should be experienced in open water survival techniques and well prepared with proper maps, tidal charts and gps.

Visitors to the Gulf Islands unfamiliar with the ocean tides, weather conditions and paddle routes should book with a local kayak tour company. A kayak tour company provides an experienced guide, equipment and lessons. Overnight multi-day kayak tours may or may not include accommodations and meals.

Some Gulf Island kayaking destinations and paddle routes provide an opportunity for beachcombing, wilderness camping, sightseeing, wildlife watching and birdwatching. Here are a few notable Gulf Island kayak destinations and paddle routes with great reviews.

North Gulf Islands

• Desolation Sound Kayak Route is a popular paddle route exploring near the Copeland Islands, West Redonda Island and East Redonda Island while paddling the currents of Waddington Channel, Homfray Channel, Lewis Channel, Pryce Channel and Toba Inlet.
• Discovery Islands Kayak Route is a popular paddle route exploring Cortes, Quadra, East Thurlow, Sonora, Maurelle, Read, West and East Redonda and Stuart Islands.
• Octopus Islands Marine Park is a 360 hectare remote marine park located at the entrance of Waiatt Bay off the coast of Quadra Island.

Central Gulf Islands

• Shelter Point Bay Park located on Texada Island is a 900 acre park on the southern part of the island consisting of rocky cliffs, a pebbled beach and a private cove. Launch and beach landing site.
• Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park near Denman Island , also known as Tree Island, is a refuge for birdwatchers and kayakers. The park protects over 140 species of wildflowers and includes some beautiful sandy beaches

Southern Gulf Islands

• Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a marine park protecting the sensitive eco systems in the southern Gulf Islands Archipelago. The archipelago covers 35 square kilometres of land including 15 islands and 30 islets plus 26 square kilometres of ocean. It is a very popular destination for kayaking.
• Dionisio Provincial Marine Park on Galiano Island includes a couple private coves and sandy beaches. Walk in campsites accessed from the ocean for kayakers and boaters only .

Paddle hard EH!

The EH TEAM