Both placid, urban False Creek and the incredibly beautiful 30km (19-mile) North Vancouver fjord known as Indian Arm have launching points that can be reached by car or bus. Prices range from about C$40 (US$34/£18) per 2-hour minimum rental to C$70 (US$59/£32) per 5-hour day for single kayaks and about C$60 (US$51/£27) for canoe rentals. Customized tours range from C$75 to C$150 (US$64-US$127/£34-£67) per person.
Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre, 1668 Duranleau St., Granville Island (tel. 888/425-2925 or 604/689-7575; www.ecomarine.com), has 2-hour, daily and weekly kayak rentals, as well as courses and organized tours. The company also has an office at the Jericho Sailing Centre, 1300 Discovery St., at Jericho Beach (tel. 604/222-3565; www.jsca.bc.ca). In North Vancouver, Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Rentals, 2156 Banbury Rd. (at the foot of Gallant St.), Deep Cove (tel. 604/929-2268; www.deepcovekayak.com), is an easy starting point for anyone planning an Indian Arm run. It offers hourly and daily rentals of canoes and kayaks, as well as lessons and customized tours.
Lotus Land Tours, 2005-1251 Cardero St. (tel. 800/528-3531 or 604/684-4922; www.lotuslandtours.com), runs guided kayak tours on Indian Arm that come with hotel pickup, a barbecue salmon lunch, and incredible scenery. The wide, stable kayaks are perfect for first-time paddlers. One-day tours cost C$155 (US$132/£70) for adults, C$114 (US$97/£51) for children.
See also Takaya Tours, an excellent First Nations eco-outfitter.
