Kayak Friendly Lodging suggestions on the BC coast - plus bonus discounts for paddlers, see below
What is Kayak Friendly?
Kayak Friendly is the way to go kayaking in comfort and style. Our main goal is to make kayaking on multi-day trips more accessible to those who prefer not to camp. A team of like-minded paddlers have identified around 100 Kayak Friendly lodgings in various lodges, hotels, cabins, houses and B&Bs throughout southern coastal BC. Paddlers can pick these places knowing there will be a roof, beds, showers and a place to eat at the end of their paddling day. Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge in Quatsino Sound, pictured above, is a great example. We’re currently checking our listings and several of our hosts have offered discounts to kayakers:
Special discounts for kayakers
Bamfield Adventure Center (previously listed as Ethan’s Landing) has become a mecca for paddlers. It has added several new rental kayaks for use by guests. Now the Center is offering generous discounts for Kayakers - 10% the first year; 20% the second year: 30% the third year and every year after that.
Salt Spring Harbour House offers 10% discount for kayakers. As well as being a great base for exploring nearby gulf islands, the location has easy access to the bustling town of Ganges - and the renowned Salt Spring Island Saturday market.
Kayaking in northern waters? Try the Sea Otter Lodge in Kyuquot, that has a 10% discount for kayakers.
Discover The Dacha - with a 10% discount for kayakers. It’s a cosy tucked away artistic treasure of a cabin, great for couples, right beside the beach at Bowser on Vancouver Island.
For larger paddling groups Westview Marina in Tahsis will give 10-20% discounts. It has a various types of accommodation and works for exploring Nootka Sound, Nuchatlitz and Friendly Cove.
In Ucluelet Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites has a 10% discount for kayakers. As well as a base for exploring those West Coast beaches and paddling in the inlet, Water’s Edge is in the heart of Ucluelet that has great restaurants, an Aquarium and access to great hiking on the Wild Pacific Trail.
How to use this website
Find an area that you’d like to explore on the map below then click on the kayak friendly places to stay that we’ve flagged for you. The link will take you to an information page designed for paddlers. From there you can contact the lodging directly to make your booking. Some people may choose a route going from one lodging to another. Others may prefer to base at one place for day paddles. Please note that we have researched locations for their kayak friendliness and done our best to provide accurate information. Beyond that you’re on your own. We take no responsibility for what you might experience at the various locations.
Note: We expect kayakers, also long distance paddle boarders and canoeists to be responsible for their own safety. Trip planners need to be aware of local tides, currents and weather conditions. Some areas may only be suitable for experienced and skilled paddlers. If you don’t know, don’t go.
Over to you - please help us to improve this website
We always want to hear from you. This Kayak Friendly website is a free resource and a work in progress. If your property could be included or your information needs updating please contact website coordinators: Norm Smyth nrasmyth@gmail.com ; Jim Lamb jamesslamb@gmail.com or Beth Haysom bethhaysom77@gmail.com
Paddlers, we need your help. Did you try one of our lodgings or find another great place to stay that we could add to our listings? If so, please email one of the coordinators listed above with short descriptions of your lodging and trip experiences and we’ll post those as short blogs. Our aim over the next couple of years is to have a paddlers review of each of the places in our listings.