Discover the magic of the Pacific Northwest while gliding on water.
Have you ever dreamed of paddling amidst coastal beauty and marine life?
The best places to paddleboard in Victoria, British Columbia are waiting for you.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Victoria’s waterscape – are you ready for the adventure?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Victoria
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Cadboro Bay
- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Cadboro Gyro Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Protected Bay Waters, Can be Windy in Afternoon
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea lions, bald eagles
- Landmarks & Views: Ten Mile Point, Islands in the distance
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, watch for boat traffic
Cadboro Bay offers a great paddleboarding experience with its protected waters and scenic coastline, perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Enjoy the views of nearby islands and the variety of marine life, making it a top choice for paddleboarding in Victoria.
#2 Thetis Lake
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Thetis Lake Park Beach Access (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Freshwater Lake, Minimal Wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, turtles
- Landmarks & Views: Surrounding Forest, Distant Mountains
- Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats allowed, follow posted park rules
Tucked away within a wooded park, Thetis Lake provides a serene and peaceful environment for paddleboarding.
The calm freshwater lake is perfect for a relaxing outing, surrounded by lush forest and distant mountain views. Paddle around the shoreline and take in the natural beauty that Thetis Lake has to offer.
#3 Gorge Waterway
- Location Type: Channel
- Access Point: Gorge Park Waterway (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Mild Currents, Sheltered from Wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Herons, otters, eagles
- Landmarks & Views: Historical houses, scenic parks, and gardens
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow navigational rules, watch for boat traffic
The Gorge Waterway offers a picturesque urban paddleboarding experience, weaved between historical houses, parks, and gardens.
Glide through the calm waters past beautiful homes and parklands while enjoying the diverse wildlife encounters. Engage in a perfect mix of urban and natural environments as you paddle along the Gorge.
#4 Esquimalt Lagoon
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Esquimalt Lagoon Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Protected Lagoon Waters, Varied Wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Herons, seals, bald eagles
- Landmarks & Views: Fisgard Lighthouse, Fortress Ruins, Olympic Mountains
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, observe wildlife from a respectable distance
Esquimalt Lagoon is a popular paddleboarding spot for its calm, protected waters, and unique historical landmarks.
Paddle past the majestic Fisgard Lighthouse, Fortress Ruins, and take in the Olympic Mountains in the distance. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the marine life and natural beauty of Victoria’s coastline.
#5 Gonzales Beach
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Gonzales Beach Park Access (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Relatively calm water, mild ocean swells, variable wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea lions, various seabirds
- Landmarks & Views: Beautiful sandy beach, nearby waterfront homes
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay aware of tidal changes, watch for boat traffic
Gonzales Beach offers a paddling experience with a mix of sandy beachfront and oceanic vibes.
Its calm and gentle waters are perfect for newer paddleboarders who want to test their skills on oceanfront waters. Enjoy the beautiful beach and the rich wildlife as you paddle through Gonzales Beach.
#6 Sidney Island and Spit
- Location Type: Island
- ????Access Point: Sidney Spit Ferry (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, mild currents, variable wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea lions, sea birds, deer on island
- Landmarks & Views: Sidney Spit, scenic island views, sandy shoreline
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution while crossing open water, follow island park rules
Sidney Island boasts a unique paddling experience, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Sidney Spit and sandy shorelines.
Explore the scenic island and abundant wildlife as you paddle in the mild ocean swells and currents. Enjoy a tranquil escape, set in a stunning island backdrop.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Victoria?
Popular destinations for paddle boarding in Victoria include Port Phillip Bay, Great Ocean Road and the Yarra River.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Victoria?
No, paddle boards do not need to be registered in Victoria.
When is the best time to paddle board in Victoria?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in Victoria is during the summer months (December – February) due to warmer weather.
