Granville Island [1] is the center of action for paddlers, and the calm waters of adjacent False Creek [2] make the perfect place to practice your skills. For the widest choice of equipment, head to Adventure Fitness (1510 Duranleau St., 604/687-1528) or Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre (1668 Duranleau St., 604/689-7575). Both rent single sea kayaks from $36 for two hours or $58 for 24 hours, and double sea kayaks and canoes from $48 for two hours or $72 for 24 hours. Both companies also teach kayaking.
The Indian Arm of Burrard Inlet allows for a real wilderness experience, right on the city’s back doorstep. This 22-kilometer (13.7-mile) long fjord cuts deeply into the North Shore Range; the only development is at its southern end, where the suburb of Deep Cove provides a takeoff point for the waterway.
Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre (2156 Banbury Rd., Deep Cove, 604/929-2268) rents canoes and kayaks for $38 for two hours for a single kayak.
If you’d prefer to take a tour, contact Lotus Land Tours (604/684-4922 or 800/528-3531), which charges $180 per person for a full-day tour, including downtown hotel pickups, a salmon barbecue on an uninhabited island, and instruction.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver/sights/false-creek/granville-island
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver/sights/false-creek