Kayaking Whistler: 6 Stunning Spots & Free Activities

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Whistler, just north of Vancouver in British Columbia, is best known for Whistler Blackcomb, one of the biggest ski resorts in North America. But guess what? It’s also an awesome spot to hop on your kayak or paddle board!

With five lakes offering canoe and kayak access, Whistler stands out as the best option for paddlers. The area is super easy to get to by car and has plenty of rental options. From beginners eager to paddle flatwater on easy river sections to those who want to explore challenging class 4 and 5 rapids, kayaking Whistler has got you covered!

DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a kayak location, ensure that the location still allows for kayaking and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.

6 Exhilarating Kayaking Whistler BC Destinations

If you’re looking for incredible kayaking Whistler experiences, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a closer look at 6 fantastic spots to explore.

1. Alta Lake

Alta Lake, the largest lake in Whistler, is the greatest place to go kayaking in the area. Encircled by verdant forests and majestic mountains, it's the ideal location for relaxing and taking in the scenery. You can find quiet coves and inlets that are just waiting to be discovered!

• Water Type: Calm lake waters
• Skill Levels: Beginner to experienced
• Launch Points: Rainbow Park, Wayside Park, Lakeside Park
• Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecues, washrooms, parking, docks. You can also rent kayak Whistler here.
• Unique Features: Serene inlets and hidden coves for exploration

2. River of Golden Dreams

The River of Golden Dreams should be on your bucket list when kayaking in Whistler! With breathtaking views of the mountains and wildflowers along its banks, this lovely 5-kilometer river links Alta Lake and Green Lake. Beginning kayakers seeking a calm paddle will love it, but those seeking a little adrenaline rush will find some exhilarating sections as well.

• Water Type: Gentle-moving water, some white-water sections. The river rushes high and swift in the spring, while the water level is just two or three feet in the summer.
• Skill Levels: Beginner to experienced
• Launch Points: Lakeside Park, Rainbow Park, Lorimer Road
• Amenities: None directly
• Unique Features: You’ll be soaked in beautiful scenery and occasionally spot a bear appearance from afar.

Note: During late summer, the water level may be low, so a portage is required to avoid tipping your kayak.

3. Green Lake

Only 6 kilometers from the Whistler Blackcomb Resort, Green Lake is a fantastic spot for glacier Whistler kayaking, stretching 14 km with breathtaking turquoise waters and rocky shorelines. The calm waters make it perfect for everyone, so you can enjoy the incredible scenery at your own pace.

• Water Type: Calm lake waters
• Skill Levels: Beginner to experienced
• Launch Points: Green Lake pier, Green Lake boat launch, rocky shores
• Amenities: Public boat launch, kayak storage, washrooms, picnic tables
• Unique Features: the Coast Mountains views, the ghost town of Parkhurst hidden in the woods

4. Alpha Lake

Just a quick five kilometers from Whistler Village, Alpha Lake is a charming spot with calm waters and gorgeous mountain views. It might be small, but it offers an intimate and fun experience to kayak Whistler.

• Water Type: Calm lake waters
• Skill Levels: Beginner to experienced
• Launch Points: Alpha Lake Park swimming dock
• Amenities: Washrooms, picnic tables, water fountains, dog park

5. Lost Lake

The ideal retreat to kayak Whistler if you're itching for some peaceful time is Lost Lake. Surrounded by a lovely forest with crystal-clear waters, this lake will make your kayaking a wonderful experience. It's particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage presents a vibrant background. You'll forget everything about the daily grind when you paddle through this tranquil haven!

• Water Type: Calm lake waters
• Skill Levels: Beginner to experienced
• Launch Points: Swimming dock at Lost Lake Park
• Amenities: Washrooms, picnic tables, concession stands, dog-friendly area

6. Cheakamus River

For those who love a thrill, the Cheakamus River is the ultimate Whistler kayaking challenge. Known for its exciting rapids, this river will definitely get your heart racing! With beautiful scenery and varied conditions, it’s a local favorite for experienced paddlers.

• Water Type: Class III to VI rapids
• Skill Levels: Experienced only
• Launch Points: Upper Cheak, Balls to the Walls, Daisy Lake
• Amenities: None directly
• Unique Features: Three distinct sections of whitewater for a varied experience — Upper Cheak, Balls to the Walls, and Daisy Lake

Where to Rent Kayak Whistler?

If you're ready to hit the water, great Whistler kayak rental options are available!

• Backroads Whistler is perfect for families and paddlers of all skill levels. They offer hourly kayak rentals for $35, including life jackets and paddles. They also have guided tours for groups of 5 or more than 10.
• Whistler Eco Tours rents single and double kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from their location at Alta Lake and Wayside Park. You can book rentals for half or full days. Additionally, their canoeing and kayaking tours start at about $110 per person.

While renting is super convenient, owning an inflatable kayak from iROCKER gives you more freedom and flexibility to explore and transfer from one paddling spot to another.

Are you hesitant because you only have a SUP? No worries. You just need to use iROCKER SUP Kayak Conversion Kit to transform your stand up paddle board into a kayak. Super handy!

Things in Whistler That Won’t Cost You a Dime

Searching for budget-friendly fun in Whistler? Here are some great options after your kayaking Whistler trip!

• The Train Wreck Hike: With a suspension bridge and old-growth woodland background, the Train Crash Hike is a quick and simple hike that features vintage boxcars from a 1956 train crash.

• Visit Brandywine Falls: Make sure you don't overlook this magnificent waterfall located just south of Function Junction. You can view the beauty and force of the water from a safe distance at the top or take a scramble trail to the bottom of the falls for a closer perspective.
• Frolf (Frisbee Golf) at Lost Lake: Spend a morning or day strolling around the Lost Lake area at the disc golf course with a challenging 27-hole course — perfect for some outdoor fun.
• Skate at Whistler Skate Park: This is the second largest skate park in Canada, and you can show off your skating skills at the snake run and ledges. Remember to follow proper park etiquette.

Kayaking Whistler and Making a Splash!

Whistler offers a ton of fantastic outdoor experiences. It's a playground for both kayaking Whistler thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. Don't forget to check out iROCKER's inflatable paddle board and kayak collection to boost your water fun ante. They are extremely portable and ideal for exploring the breathtaking view.

Get ready for some unforgettable adventures with iROCKER!