Best Places to Stand Up Paddle Board in British Columbia

We've come up with a list of our top easy access locations in British Columbia to Stand Up Paddle Board. All locations on this list are perfect for beginners to experienced paddlers. We would love to hear what you think and see your favorite pictures from around British Columbia. Use the hashtag #SolsticeAdventures and share with us!

Joffre Lakes

This is one of the most popular lakes in BC and for good reason. Joffre lakes has panoramic picturesque views and gorgeous water colour. That is why we made it the namesake to our 11' all-around board. The lakes are a 2.5 hour drive north from Vancouver on the breathtaking sea to sky highway just past Whistler and Pemberton. The moderate well trafficked 10km round trip hike takes you to three amazing turquoise coloured lakes surrounded by glacier covered peaks. Its short and easy hiking distance makes it an excellent place for a day trip with your board. If you’re like us and feel one day just isn’t enough to take in all of its beauty, there is also camping options in the area. 

Kalamalka Lake

Kalamalka Lake is in Vernon, BC and one of the most beautiful lakes in the area. It’s known for its turquoise color and beautiful beaches. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a 16km gravel path right above the lake, you can walk or bike down it to find a nice piece of shoreline with lots of space to paddle around. It is such a great spot for stand up paddle boarding that a stand up paddle board festival is hosted at Kalamalka Lake every summer. 

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park right on the border between Alberta and BC. It's the largest lake in Yoho and one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. Its emerald colour makes it a true gem of the Rockies and an excellent place to spend a day on the water. Emerald Lake Lodge is the only property by Emerald Lake and has a full service restaurant so you don’t have to worry about packing a lunch.

Deep Cove

In Vancouver's own backyard this popular hiking spot is also a great place for paddle boarding. The water is usually nice and calm so you don’t have to worry about fighting with the rough ocean waters so much. Its breathtaking views, proximity to Vancouver, and calm waters makes it a great place to spend the day paddle boarding or even just a few hours cooling off after a hike.

Alta Lake

Dodge the crowds and head up to Whistler for some summer fun. Alta lake is the largest lake in Whistler and has three separate beaches to relax and hang out in between paddles. With gorgeous surrounding scenery and a town like Whistler for some apres paddle, Alta lake is a great destination to plan a paddle boarding trip.

Boya Lake

Located in the far northern BC this lake is easily the most remote on this list. If you are adventurous enough to make the trip, we promise it wont disappoint. Boya boasts incredible water clarity and colour due to the reflection of sunlight off the white bottom that is composed of marl (a mixture of silt and shell fragments). Don’t worry if you haven't quite figured out balancing on the board yet, the water does get warm enough to comfortably swim in during the summer despite it being so far north.

Johnson Lake

Often referred to as the carribean of the north, its crystal clear water can make you feel as though you are hanging out at your favorite sun destination. It’s like no other lake in Canada and quickly growing in popularity. An absolutely stunning lake to paddle out and watch as the fish swim around under you.

Loon Lake

Just north of Cache Creek, Loon lake is a popular fishing destination and is also home to a fishing resort. Needless to say we’ve included this one on the list for the paddle boarding anglers out there. That being said, even if fishing isn’t your thing. This beautiful remote lake is still one we highly recommend for getting out on the water.

Haida Gwaii

Loaded with diverse plants and wildlife, totem pole and longhouse remains, as well as more than 500 archeological sites; Haida Gwaii is a truly incredible destination. What better way to navigate the area than to load your paddle board with gear and set off to explore its wonders. The islands are a seasonal home to some truly incredible species of marine life including: grey whales, humpback whales, and orcas. Skidegate Inlet provides a fantastic vantage point or for even more of an adventure you can plan a multi day paddle to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.

Murtle Lake

Last but not least, this list would not be complete without Murtle Lake. It is the largest paddle only lake in North America making it a fantastic destination for paddle boarding adventures. No need to worry about noisy motors or boat wakes interrupting your day. The scenery is stunning and the shoreline even includes a Sandy point. Appropriately named for its large swath of white sand beach that stretches out into the lake. There are countless camping locations along the shoreline only accessible by paddle. If you are looking for a world class destination to plan an overnight paddle boarding expedition, Murtle Lake is just that. You can even load up and paddle out to Canada’s very own Murtle Beach.