Discover the breathtaking beauty of Squamish, British Columbia.
Have you ever dreamed of gliding alongside majestic mountains and lush forests?
The best places to paddle board in Squamish are calling your name.
Embrace the adventure as we uncover the stunning landscapes of this Canadian gem. Are you in?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Squamish
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs clear 15 °C from May through October. August is the warmest month, averaging 26 °C, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
- Rules and licences: Transport Canada counts a paddleboard as a human-powered vessel once you use it to take a trip or a crossing. A Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD of the right size is then required by law for every person, along with a sound-signalling device. No operator card is needed as long as there is no motor.
Where to Paddle Board in Squamish
#1 Howe Sound
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍️ Access Point: Porteau Cove Provincial Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate, can be windy, ocean currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, porpoises, sea birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Stawamus Chief, Sea to Sky Gondola, Anvil Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, watch for boat traffic
Howe Sound offers a breathtaking backdrop for paddleboarding, with the majestic Stawamus Chief and surrounding mountains as its centerpiece.
Paddlers can explore the calm waters of Porteau Cove or venture further out into the sound for stunning views and wildlife encounters.
#2 Squamish Spit
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍️ Access Point: Squamish Spit (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate winds, river meets ocean currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea birds, occasional dolphins
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Stawamus Chief, Squamish Valley
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for wind surfers and kiteboarders, respect wildlife
Squamish Spit, located at the mouth of the Squamish River, is a popular spot for wind sports and also provides a unique paddleboarding experience.
The area has stunning views of the surrounding mountains and offers an exciting challenge as river currents meet ocean waves.
#3 Alice Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍️ Access Point: Alice Lake Provincial Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal mountain forest
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect park rules
Alice Lake, nestled in the picturesque coastal mountain forest, offers calm, protected waters for paddleboarding.
The serene environment is perfect for beginner paddle boarders as well as those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
#4 Brohm Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍️ Access Point: Brohm Lake Day Use Recreational Site (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, pristine waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Mountain views, dense forest
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of swimmers, respect park rules
Brohm Lake, situated amidst dense forests and offering striking mountain views, presents paddleboarders with calm, pristine waters.
This serene location is perfect for those seeking a tranquil, nature-filled escapade and offers opportunities for wildlife encounters.
#5 Levette Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍️ Access Point: Levette Lake Recreation Site (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Picturesque mountain scenery
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be courteous to campers, respect swimming boundaries
Levette Lake offers a tranquil setting for paddleboarding, with calm, clear waters and beautiful mountain scenery.
Ideal for making a weekend of it, the Levette Lake Recreation Site provides camping opportunities, making it possible to enjoy multiple days exploring this picturesque location.
Squamish means wind: great if you are on a wing, a problem if you are not. Calgary, Canmore and Elk Island are the calmer inland alternatives.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Squamish?
In Squamish, paddle boarding is popular at locations like Alice Lake, Howe Sound, and the Squamish River.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Squamish?
No, there is no requirement to register paddle boards in Squamish.
When is the best time to paddle board in Squamish?
The ideal time to paddle board in Squamish is summer, when the weather is warm and water conditions are favorable.
Paddle Boarding Near Squamish
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Squamish.
- Alta Lake (39 km north)
- Granville Island (56 km south)
- Pitt Lake (62 km southeast)
- Kamloops (243 km northeast)
