Your go-anywhere guide to paddle rental Squamish—plus sailing, boat tours, foiling, and more ways to see the Sea to Sky from the water.
Squamish is famous for big mountains and even bigger views—but the real magic happens when you get on the water. At Squamish Watersports, we make it easy to explore Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky Corridor your way: slow and scenic, adrenaline-forward, or a perfect mix of both.
Key takeaways
- Choose your pace: calm estuary paddles, lake cruising, or longer-distance routes toward Porteau Cove.
- Rent the right craft: inflatable SUPs, kayaks (sit-on, sit-in, touring/expedition), inflatable kayaks, and canoes.
- Level up with lessons: intro kayaking, wing foiling, wake foiling, kiteboarding, and more.
- Prefer power? Explore the Sound with jetski and motor boat rentals—or join a guided boat tour.
- Make it a full itinerary: combine paddling + sailing + foiling for the ultimate Squamish water day.
Why exploring Squamish by water hits different
From shoreline viewpoints, you’ll catch glimpses. From the water, you’re inside the scenery—gliding under coastal mountains, floating past forested edges, and spotting wildlife from a comfortable, front-row seat.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you live here year-round, the best part is how flexible it can be:
- Easy morning mission: a mellow estuary paddle
- Midday adventure: explore the Sound with a kayak or boat rental
- Bucket-list finish: a sunset sail or a glassy-water foiling session
Paddle Squamish: see Howe Sound from a calm, quiet perspective
One of the best ways to explore the waters of Squamish is by kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard—you set the pace, choose your route, and soak up a rarely-seen angle of the Sea to Sky.
Choose your vibe: mellow, moderate, or “let’s go”
Mellow & scenic
- A morning estuary paddle (peaceful water + incredible views)
- A calm float on a nearby lake when you want pure relaxation
Moderate & exploratory
- Longer shoreline cruises where you can stop for photos, snacks, and “wow” moments
- Touring routes that let you cover more water without rushing
Exhilarating & challenging
- A downstream river float for a moving-water adventure
- A longer-distance mission toward Porteau Cove for that “earned it” feeling
Find your perfect rental: SUPs, kayaks, and canoes
We stock a range of paddle craft so beginners, families, and seasoned paddlers can all have a great day.
Inflatable SUP rentals: simple, sunny, and beginner-friendly
Our inflatable SUPs are a favourite because they’re straightforward and portable—easy to transport and set up for a day on the water. If you want the classic Squamish “sun on your face, mountains in the distance” experience, this is it.
Great for: first-timers, couples, friend groups, lake days, estuary cruising.
Kayak rentals: from ultra-stable to touring-ready
Not all kayaks are the same—so we offer options based on comfort, stability, and adventure goals.
Sit-on tandem kayak (stable, family-friendly)
A super approachable choice—stable, easy to launch, and ideal for beginners (including kids). It can also be used solo, making it highly versatile.
Great for: beginners, families, casual paddles, and confidence-building days.
Sit-in single & tandem kayaks (comfortable touring feel)
Our sit-in touring-style kayaks are a step up for paddlers who want a little more connection with the water and more efficient cruising. Depending on your setup, these can support longer explorations of Howe Sound for beginner-to-intermediate paddlers.
Great for: longer tours, intermediate adventures, couples who want to cover ground.
Expedition sea kayaks (single or tandem) for big Sound missions
Ready for a full-on Howe Sound experience? Our expedition sea kayaks are equipped for longer-distance paddling, with features that support control and carrying capacity—ideal for those who want to plan ambitious routes (including multi-stop days).
Great for: experienced paddlers, longer journeys, Sea to Sky Marine Trail-style exploring.
Inflatable tandem kayak: pack small, explore anywhere
Want something you can bring to a lake or stream with minimal fuss? Inflatable kayaks are comfortable, stable, and surprisingly capable—perfect when you want maximum flexibility.
Great for: exploring beyond the marina, easy transport, mixed-skill groups.
Canoe rentals: classic adventure + big capacity
Canoeing is a timeless way to experience Squamish—roomy, durable, and perfect for pairing paddling with exploration (including secluded spots and “bring-a-picnic” energy).
Great for: pairs, mellow exploring, gear-hauling days, “quiet adventure” seekers.
Learn the basics: introduction to kayaking lessons
If you’re brand new to kayaking (or want a confidence boost), our Introduction to Kayaking lesson is designed to set you up for success—from equipment setup and water safety to your first paddle strokes and practical techniques on calm water.
Why it’s worth it: you’ll leave feeling more capable, safer, and ready to explore Howe Sound with a lot more ease.
Prefer power? Go farther with jet ski & boat rentals
If your dream day includes covering more coastline, discovering coves, or simply feeling the thrill of open water, our jet ski and motor boat rentals put you in control of the itinerary.
Jet skis: fast, fun, and unforgettable
A jet ski is one of the quickest ways to turn “a day in Squamish” into “the best day of the trip.” Zip across the Sound, take in massive views, and feel the pure joy of speed—without needing to plan a complex route.
Motor boats: bring your people, bring your snacks, tour the Sound
Our motor boat rentals are ideal for small groups and families who want a comfortable, flexible day on the water—perfect for sightseeing, relaxing, and exploring Howe Sound at your own pace.
Make it iconic: guided boat tours in Howe Sound
Want the views without worrying about route planning? Our boat tours are a fun, easy way to experience the Sound—great for visitors, photographers, and anyone who just wants to enjoy the ride while taking in waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife-rich shoreline scenery.
Try something totally different: foiling in Squamish
Foiling is one of the most exciting ways to experience the water in Squamish—fast progression, unique sensation, and a whole lot of “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
Wing foiling + wake foiling: learn faster with boat-assisted instruction
Our foiling programs focus on quality instruction and an exceptional on-water learning experience—helping you build skills efficiently and safely while making the most of prime Howe Sound conditions.
Don’t miss Squamish’s windsport legend: kiteboarding!
Squamish is known across North America for kiteboarding—consistent winds, stunning scenery, and an incredible community vibe. If you’re ready for a true Sea to Sky signature experience, kiteboarding belongs on your list.
Add a whole new perspective: sailing in Squamish
If you want an adventure that feels both peaceful and epic, sailing Howe Sound is hard to beat. From hands-on learning to pure relaxation, sailing gives you a panoramic, cinematic experience—ideal for couples, friend groups, and “we want something special” days.
Build your perfect “Explore at Your Own Pace” itinerary
Not sure where to start? Here are a few easy combos:
SUP or mellow kayak paddle + guided boat tour (best of both worlds)
The Choose-Your-Own Adventure Day
Morning estuary paddle + afternoon jet ski or boat rental
Kayak the Sound + sunset sailing tour (chef’s kiss)
FAQs We Get About Exploring Howe Sound
What’s the best option if I’ve never paddled before?
An inflatable SUP or a stable sit-on tandem kayak are great beginner-friendly choices, and lessons are a fantastic confidence booster.
Can we explore at our own pace without a guide?
Yes—our rentals are designed for self-directed exploring, whether you’re staying close to shore or planning a bigger day on the water.
Is there a good option for families with kids?
Absolutely. The sit-on tandem kayak is especially family-friendly, and canoeing is also a great “roomy and relaxed” option.
I want something more thrilling than paddling—what should I book?
Jet skis, boat rentals, foiling, and kiteboarding all deliver a bigger adrenaline hit while still showcasing the beauty of Howe Sound.
Can I do multiple activities in one day?
Definitely—many guests combine a paddle rental with a boat tour, foiling session, or sailing experience for the ultimate Squamish day.
Ready to explore Squamish by water?
Whether you’re after a calm morning paddle, a self-guided sightseeing mission, or a full-throttle day across Howe Sound, we’ll help you choose the right craft and the right adventure.
Let’s start planning your Squamish water experience today—and discover Howe Sound the way it’s meant to be seen: from the water.