Ten Stunning Locations to Launch Your Paddle Board
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, has seen a huge spike in popularity in the last few years. Some reports estimate as much as a 120% increase in participation! This is especially true as more and more people opt outside in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is stand-up paddleboarding an excellent full-body workout, it’s also the perfect way to stay physically distanced while having fun outdoors!
With several types of SUPs available, including inflatable versions, it's easy to head for your favorite paddle board destinations at any time. And you're not limited to just the popular launch spots — between inflatable boards and numerous options for onsite rentals, you can hike into lesser-known areas the next time you're wondering where to go paddle boarding.
Whether you're looking to find some solo zen or you're in search of a more social outdoors adventure with the members of your "bubble," paddleboarding is an excellent way to fill up your proverbial cup. It's also a great excuse to explore! As you build your summer road trip, keep these stunning paddle board destinations in mind.
British Columbia Paddle Boarding
Osoyoos
In a country known for winter sports and snow-capped mountains, Osoyoos is a glaring exception. It's home to Canada's only desert and the country's warmest freshwater lake, making it one of the best places to paddleboard. For the best experience, rent paddle boards or take lessons with ATB Watersports.
Where to stay in Osoyoos
Paddleboard vacations easily become weekend getaways at the Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel. The pet-friendly hotel is on the lake near mountains and wineries, offers free daily breakfast, and has an indoor pool and waterslide.
Vancouver
Vancouver is an outdoor lover's paradise with plenty of excellent paddle board destinations. In fact, many of the best places to paddleboard are in the heart of the city! Head to English Bay downtown for excellent views of Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and Vanier Park. The Vancouver Water Adventures beach kiosk is your go-to for paddleboard rentals. Looking for something a bit more removed from city life? Head to Deep Cove on Vancouver’s North Shore. You’re best to opt for an early morning SUP in Deep Cove, as available parking is tight. Deep Cove Kayak offers rentals right on the waterfront.
Where to stay in Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA puts you in the midst of the buzz downtown. Enjoy a fitness centre and spa, then cap your night off in Prestons Restaurant + Lounge.
Williams Lake and Prince George
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, home to Williams Lake and Prince George, is well-known for its abundance of lakes — all 8,000 of them! Whether you prefer small or huge lakes, easily-accessible, or remote, you'll find where to paddleboard in the Cariboo. Rent from Cariboo Canoe and Kayak Rentals, then hop into a nearby chain of several lakes!
Where to stay in Central BC
Both the Coast Fraser Inn and Coast Prince George Hotel by APA provide top-notch accommodations while being convenient to some of the best places to paddleboard in BC.
Revelstoke
Revelstoke is a quintessential mountain town, surrounded by towering peaks, rushing rivers and mountain-fed lakes. It’s also an ideal place to launch your paddleboard, to gain a unique perspective on this stunning landscape. Lake Revelstoke is an ideal paddle location – with loads of different experience options. Looking for waterfalls to explore? Check. Want to paddle in serenity surrounded by just the landscape? Check. Whether you want to explore on your own, or would appreciate a local tour guide, our friends at Fine Line SUP and Fly can hook you up with rentals, tours and more.
Where to stay in Revelstoke
The Coast Hillcrest Hotel is a mountain retreat in Revelstoke, with hearty, locally-inspired dishes at its on-site restaurant, and a relaxing hot tub to soothe any muscle strain from a day out on the water.
Kamloops
Interior BC is often overlooked (to be fair, there's a ton of spectacular scenery in this province!), but it's well worth a visit. Notably, it has thousands of rivers and lakes. Some of the best paddle board destinations in this area center around Kamloops and the Sun Peaks Resort. Paul Lake offers serene paddling, but note you must bring your own board. Kamloops Lake is a desert oasis, and remote Johnson Lake has some of the clearest, bluest water you've ever seen.
Where to stay in the Kamloops area
You have many choices for where to paddleboard within minutes of the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre.
Chilliwack
Just an hour outside Vancouver, Chilliwack is a major destination for adventure seekers. Fishing and watersports are huge pastimes, so it's no surprise that it's also one of the best places to paddleboard. Vedder River is extremely calm, while Cultus Lake is considered the jewel of the Fraser Valley. Rent or partake in SUP yoga with Main Beach Boats.
Where to stay in Chilliwack
You won't have to worry about where to paddleboard near me staying at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA, because the lake and river are just minutes away.
Anchorage, Alaska
Paddleboard vacations don't get much more adventurous than Alaska! Anchorage has many lakes, all of them stunningly beautiful. Alaska Paddleboard Guru rents boards and offers lessons, both one-on-one and group-style. Once you're up and paddling, check out Eklutna and Jewel Lakes.
Where to stay in Anchorage
The Coast Inn at Lake Hood has a unique location next to the Lake Hood Seaplane Base and gives you easy access to Anchorage's best paddle board destinations.
Canmore, Alberta
Alberta's Bow Valley contains some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire world. Highlights include Banff and Lake Louise, but there are countless other pristine lakes and rivers. "Where to go paddle boarding near me" becomes an intriguing question in this part of Canada, and Bow Valley SUP knows all the best launch spots. We’re partial to the Canmore Reservoir.
Where to stay in Canmore
Some of the world's best paddleboard vacations are within minutes of the pet-friendly Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. Plus, enjoy an indoor pool, newly-renovated gym with Peloton bikes and onsite restaurant Table Food + Drink.
Santa Barbara, California
Water activities of all sorts are more than a pastime in Santa Barbara; they're a way of life. This postcard-worthy central California region has sweeping mountain backdrops and calm waters with many options in terms of where to paddleboard. Santa Barbara Surf School offers affordable rentals and lessons, while the Paddle Sports Center is a unique fitness-focused program.
Where to stay in Santa Barbara
The Mediterranean-inspired West Beach Inn connects guests with all of Santa Barbara's best outdoor activities. Aside from paddleboarding, take advantage of free bicycle and kayak rentals.