Ocean River Kayaking

Discover why Victoria is not only a breathtaking coastal city but also Canada’s kayaking capital! Join us for a guided, instructional kayak tour and explore the iconic sights of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and the serene Gorge Waterway. Glide past the Provincial Parliament Buildings, the historic Empress Hotel, and watch floatplanes take off and land as you paddle through the heart of the city.  Venture into the Gorge Waterway, a scenic route teeming with wildlife, where you may encounter playful seals, curious river otters, and majestic blue herons along the way. Our stable, easy-to-use kayaks make this tour perfect for all experience levels. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned kayaker, our friendly and knowledgeable guides will provide expert instruction, ensuring a fun and safe adventure on the water.

$85 CAD – $105 CAD per person, depending on numbers.

What you need to know: Please arrive at Ocean River Sports approximately 15-20 minutes early for your tour to meet your guide(s) and other participants. The tour begins at 2 PM. Our safety-conscience guides are among the most highly trained and versatile on the coast—what is more, they really know Victoria. On the water, groups larger than 6 are led by two guides. Our tours are run in double kayaks to allow for the best experience, safety and guide ratio. Our paddling area encompasses the scenic 7 km stretch of calm protected water known locally as the Gorge, as well as the world’s most photographed harbour, Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Your tour experience: After meeting and greeting all, you will be provided with a paddling orientation, which will include the features of the kayak, personal paddling equipment, group safety protocol, and the strokes that will make paddling and maneuvering the kayak enjoyable. The tour will make several stops at fascinating landmarks, with the guide detailing the storied history of each stop.

Our dock facility is at the foot of Swift St in downtown Victoria. Just below the Craft Beer Market at 450 Swift St.  To get there, it is a 17 minute walk from the conference centre. Alternatively, Water Taxis—it’s a bit more of a touristy option, but they can travel from the Empress Dock to the Chinatown Dock, near our dock. The water taxi price is $15 per person.  

**Equipment List:** If possible, bring clothing designed for outdoor wear and made from Merino (wool), silk, or synthetic materials, such as polyester, polypropylene, or nylon.  Eyeglass retainer strap if you wear glasses Sunglasses, sunscreen, a broad-brimmed sun/rain hat. Clothing like you might wear for a short hike (dress in appropriate layers depending on the weather). Bring a light rain jacket on days when there is a chance of rain. If you don’t have one, we can provide you with a waterproof paddling jacket. Low-heeled shoes.

Water and snack (optional) A watertight plastic bag for electronics (optional) A camera (optional)