Vancouver is an extremely health-conscious city. It’s one issue if you’re not vegan here (since I’m from Wisconsin becoming vegan is actually considered a sin). However, it’s an entire other issue if you’re not outdoorsy here. I’m only half kidding. Paddleboarding has become one of Vancouver’s main activities, so check out this list of the 5 Best Places to SUP in Vancouver.
The good news is paddleboarding is an outdoor activity suited for all athletic abilities! The level of difficulty depends on a variety of factors ranging from the wind, to what body of water you’re out on, to whether you choose to stay on your knees/butt or stand.
Did you know paddle boarding actually exists on my list of 14 Amazing Things to Do in Vancouver in Summer. Check out that post to get more ideas of awesome summer activities!
Table of Contents
1. Deep Cove (The BEST Place to SUP in Vancouver)
The ultimate place to SUP in Vancouver is Deep Cove. Deep Cove is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver (traffic-pending, of course). If you don’t own a paddleboard, you can rent one from Deep Cove Kayak. Honestly, nothing can beat this location in my opinion. You paddle out into the cove and are surrounded by the quaint cottages/mansions (mostly mansions) along the shore. Each time I’m here I see seals popping up nearby and have also seen jellyfish! If you are a beginner, you can stick to paddling around the cove (where the water will be the most calm), but if you are feeling more adventurous the cove opens into Indian Arm.
After you SUP, stick around Deep Cove for the 30 minute or so hike to the top of Quarry Rock overlooking the cove. Don’t forget to grab Honey’s Donuts before you leave town! There are many things in this world that are overhyped only to be huge letdowns…Honey’s Donuts is not one of those. But watch out as one of these may set you back on all of the calories you just burned paddleboarding and hiking.
2/3. Spanish Banks / Kits Beach
These are two separate beaches, but I’ll explain why I put them together. Start at Spanish Banks and make your way east to end the route on Kits Beach. The wind will completely determine 1) how easy this is and 2) how long it takes you.
Between the views of West and North Vancouver to your north, the downtown skyline to your east, and the shoreline mansions of Kitsilano to your south….you can’t go wrong with this paddle. You’ll actually paddle past Jericho Beach (Best Place to Sup in Vancouver #4) if you take this route.
4. Jericho Beach
If you want to SUP in Vancouver, but don’t own a paddleboard, Jericho Beach is another good option. You can rent them from Vancouver Water Adventures for a great price (hello, $30 for 2 hours). They also have a variety of tours if you want to SUP, but are hesitant to try it out solo. Jericho offers the same incredible views as I mentioned for Spanish Banks and Kits Beach.
5. Wreck Beach
This is arguably the most beautiful beach in Vancouver, but (and a bigggg BUTT though. Yes, that kind of butt) the beauty comes with a price as this is a nude beach. Don’t worry, you don’t have to strip down – the nudity aspect is optional. My second warning is that you will need to climb down 500 steps of stairs to get there (and then climb them back up after).
However, once you’ve made it down you’re rewarded with an unbelievably clear beach with spectacularly clear and calm water. The shoreline surrounding this beach is also gorgeous and relatively untouched, so it’s quite a peaceful paddle here. Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of this gorgeous beach; you can imagine why it’s quite frowned upon to take any pictures or videos here.
Where to Avoid: If You Want to Live a Long Life, Do Not SUP in This Vancouver Hot Spot
I personally don’t recommend paddleboarding in False Creek unless you’re on a mission to get an infection. No seriously. The water is disgusting so you better pray to God you don’t fall in if you SUP here. In addition, there tends to be heavy traffic between boats, the aqua buses, and the lost orcas.
There you have it! The 5 Best Places to SUP in Vancouver. I hope you give it a shot and love it so much that you spontaneously purchase your own paddleboard off of Amazon on Black Friday. Oh wait, that might just be me.
Check out my other guides when it comes to exploring in and around Vancouver: