WHITEWATER SPORTS AROUND VICTORIA, BC

Whitewater Sports Around Victoria and Vancouver Island

Cowichan River

Whitewater paddling around Victoria and Vancouver Island, including kayaking, canoeing and rafting, is primarily a winter sport. While the rest of the country is prepping for snow sports, here on the island we are grabbing our paddles and hitting the rivers and ocean surf. There are few large lake fed rivers on the island, so the best paddling begins with the start of the winter rains, usually in late October and the season is generally finished my March or April. The same is true for the best ocean surfing, as the winter storms create the largest swell for surf kayaking.

Warning:  Whitewater paddling and rafting is a high risk activity, requiring proper knowledge, skills and equipment. Whitewater should not be attempted without some prior training which should begin on flatwater and with a certified instructor. If you are going on a rafting expedition make sure the company is BC Rafting Outfitters certified. So you can be confident your river guides are certified and trained in river safety and river rescue.

Vancouver Island Rivers

Most of the rivers and streams on Vancouver Island are what we call flash rivers, and are only suitable for paddling when the water volume is high after heavy rains. Near Victoria, the Cowichan and Nanaimo are lake fed and maintain relatively consistent flows throughout the winter.

For more information and a good guide to the rivers on Vancouver Island, check out the British Columbia Whitewater  website by clicking this link:   BC-WW

 

Vancouver Island Ocean Surfing

Kayak Surfing at Jordan River

There is year-round surfing on Vancouver Island, ranging from beginner friendly sandy beach breaks to more remote reef breaks sought after by experts. The best summer surfing will be found by venturing up the West Coast to Tofino, but the overall best surfing conditions are found during the winter months from October through April when winter storms can bring large swells to coast.

Favorite Surf Spots

Jordan River is only a 90 minutes drive from Victoria, is the local favorite surf spot southern Vancouver Island. It’s point break is favored by board surfers, but the waves breaking in the river mouth offer the best opportunity for whitewater paddlers, sea kayakers and standup paddle boarders looking for long  surf rides and a great spot to hone their rough water skills. If it is too crowded, head west another 20 minutes to Sombrio Beach, which is found a little further down the road towards Port Renfrew. There is a bit more of a hike to get to the water, however.

Tofino is Vancouver Island’s most popular surfing destination and was voted “Best Surf Town in North America” in 2010 by Outside Magazine. Tofino has also received accolades from Surfer Magazine and SBC Surf, and has hosted the O’Neill Cold Water Classic professional surfing competition.

Ocean Rapids

There are a number of sites around Vancouver Island where the inflow and outflow of the ocean currents create some incredible rapids, including famous places like Skookumchuk Rapids and Surge Narrows. For more information on these sites, check BC-WW.

Vancouver Island Inner Tubing

On a hot summer day there’s great family fun to be had by tubing down the Cowichan River, near Duncan BC on Vancouver Island. The beautifully clear water and stunning scenery add to the adventure.  The trip down the river takes a couple of leisurely hours.  Some of the operators offer a shuttle service to take you back to your car.

Warning:  Moving water is inherently dangerous, slow moving water can pin and trap objects and persons against things and under objects.  If you go on our own please educate yourself to the dangers of moving water, please don’t consume alcohol as this just adds to the dangers already posed, and wear a PFD.

Cowichan River Tubing