From renting a couple of kayaks at Jericho to planning a whitewater rafting adventure in Chilliwack – BC has some of the best water sports and activities available in the country and there’s no better time to get out on the water than during a heatwave! So, suit up and make a big splash, because summer is finally calling and we’ve got no time to waste.
Without further ado, here are 10 amazing water sports & activities to check out in and around Vancouver this summer.
Big Splash Water Park
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Relaxing by the poolside with a drink in our hands is our absolute favourite way of going through summer. And if this poolside comes with a gigantic pool, a hot pool, some great slides and a whole lot of tanning space, even better! Big Splash Water Slide Park is officially open for the summer season.
When: Open for the season
Where: 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen, BC
Cost: $37 for GA
Harrison Lake Inflatable Water Park
Created by Harrison Watersports, the Harrison Lake Inflatable Water Park is a sprawling ‘funstravaganza’ on the lake. Featuring trampolines, swings, slides and a whole lot more, the waterpark will have all guests feeling like a kid again – no matter their age.
When: Open for the season
Where: Harrison Lake, BC
Cost: $39.99 for GA
Rent some kayaks & paddle boards
What better way to celebrate summer and unwind than with a couple of boards surrounded by stunning mountains and cityscapes?? From Falsecreek to Deer Lake in Burnaby, here are some great kayak and paddle board rentals available in and near Vancouver:
- Creekside Kayaks – Olympic Village
- Vancouver Water Adventures – Granville Island
- Jericho Beach Kayak Centre
- Deep Cove Kayak – North Vancouver
- Deer Lake Boat Rentals – Burnaby
- Rocky Point Kayak – Port Moody
- Sea to Sky Adventure Company – Squamish
Glacial kayaking
This one’s a bit pricey, to say the least, but it’s also one of the most unique water adventures you can go on in BC! If you want to experience glacial kayaking at its best, then consider splurging on an intro course by Compass Heli Tours.
When: 21 Days per calendar year per location, starting Friday, July 15th and ending on Friday, September 30th
Where: See the link above for available courses
Cost: $1,750+
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Glow-in-the-dark paddle
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Want to take your paddle board game to the next level this summer? Why not rent a couple of glow-in-the-dark paddle boards and get out on the water?! Vancouver Water Adventures is officially in summer mode, and they’re offering weekly Light the Night paddle tours.
When: Various dates throughout the summer
Where: 1812 Boatlift Lane
Cost: $105
Scuba Diving
Come rain or shine, scuba diving is the perfect activity in any kind of weather. In case you’re wondering, water temperatures in BC range from 9 to 15C in the summer – totally doable with a solid wetsuit.
In addition to diving activities and courses at the International Diving Centre on Arbutus and Rowand’s Reef, here are some stunning local dive spots and marine-protected sanctuaries to check out:
- Whytecliff Park and Lookout Point
- Porteau Cove and The Nakaya
- Ansel Point – Howe Sound
- Caulfield Cove – North Shore
Surfing and skimboarding
One of the best ways to experience Vancouver Island (particularly Ucluelet or Tofino) is to rent a couple of boards and catch some waves! Since the mainland rarely sees significant waves for surfing – this one’s a must-try this summer. Check out Island Surf Company for first-come first-serve rentals, including wetsuits.
Where: 3464 Brittain Boulevard, Qualicum Beach, BC
Whitewater rafting
Some of the best rafting experiences in North America are right at our proverbial doorstep. From exploring heart-pounding rapids in Chilliwack to going on a family-friendly Scenic Twilight Float or the Cheakamus Splash, there’s something for every comfort level.
Our advice? If you’re looking for something extra thrilling (and you don’t mind getting soaked), riverside rafting at Wells Gray Park down Clearwater River is a local fave.
And that’s our list, folks! We hope you get out on the water sometime this summer and make the most of all this heat.
