Paddleboarding Vancouver Island: A journey from sea to summit

Looking for inspiration as to where to go for your next paddling trip? When planning our photoshoots we always seek out real adventures. Nothing staged or photoshopped - just real people doing real things in epic surroundings. There is no better place to realise this dream than Vancouver Island, the most recent destination for the 2025 photoshoot. A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, it is renowned for its diverse and ever-changing scenery. Never-ending beaches, far reaching inlets and mountain top lakes made it the perfect place to put the latest Red Equipment gear through it’s paces. 

Vancouver Island is a paradise for paddleboarders, with its stunning mix of rugged coastline, serene inlets, and crystal-clear lakes. Our journey took us from the bustling ferry docks of Nanaimo to the surf break of the west coast, weaving through some of the island’s most breathtaking paddle destinations. 

The adventure started with a ferry ride from the mainland to Nanaimo, the gateway to Vancouver Island. As the ferry cut through the Salish Sea, we watched the mountains rise in the distance, hinting at the wild beauty that lay ahead. Once we disembarked, we packed up the truck and headed west toward Ucluelet, eager to explore the island’s pristine waters.  

Ucluelet welcomed us with its laid-back charm and rugged coastline. While the Pacific swells make this area a haven for surfers, we found plenty of calmer spots for paddleboarding and freediving. Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay were the ultimate spots to catch the waves. We got up before dawn to make the most of the early morning sets, catching wave after wave as the sun slowly burned off the mist revealing rocky islands and tree lined bays. Once the surf session was over everyone donned their Pro Change Robes to warm up and set up a barbecue on the sand, enjoying the waterfront long into the afternoon.  

The next morning we headed to the more protected waters around Clayoquot Sound. Launching from the marina right in downtown Tofino, we were able to paddle along the quaint wooden buildings of the shorefront and out into the sound, maneuvering along the rainforest-lined shores of the tiny islands. And wanting to make the most of the all the different opportunities of the ocean, we met up with freediver Luca Malaguti who jumped right into the rugged waves of Ucluelet and caught fish which we later prepared for dinner.  

Leaving the coast behind, we drove inland to Kennedy Lake, where we set up camp for the night. The lake’s still waters reflected the surrounding mountains like a mirror, making for an unforgettable sunset paddle. The next morning, we set out for Kennedy Falls, hiking through the lush forest before reaching the cascading waters—a perfect place to cool off in the calm pools or get more extreme in the whitewater runs just above.  

On the way back inland, we made a quick stop at the Taylor River Rest Area, a hidden gem that surprised us with the clearest water we had ever seen. Just beyond the parking area, the river’s vibrant blue pools looked almost unreal, tempting us in for an icy but refreshing swim. 

Our next stop was Stamp Falls, where campsites line the rushing river, creating a peaceful, immersive nature experience. We set up camp right along the water’s edge, the sound of the river providing the perfect natural soundtrack for the night. In the morning, we walked down for a cold plunge before hiking along the river to the falls, where the cascading water tumbles over jagged rocks.  

Continuing east, we reached Sproat Lake, a vast stretch of water with endless places to launch a board. The best access came at Taylor Arm Park, where the calm, warm waters were perfect for a long afternoon paddle. The lake was once home to a Coulson Aviation water bomber, an impressive firefighting aircraft that could scoop thousands of gallons of water directly from the surface. Since the plane was still in residence while we were there, we were able to paddle right up to it. Easily one of the most unique water features any of us had ever seen.   

We spent the night in Port Alberni aboard the Swept Away Inn, a 100-foot tugboat docked in the marina. Waking up on the water was a dream, and from here, we had the perfect launch point for exploring Stamp River’s calm waters or venturing south into the fjord-like inlet. The stillness of the morning made for a breathtaking paddle, with mist hovering above the water and bald eagles gliding by overhead.  

Looking for more land based adventures we hiked out to Hole in the Wall, a magical spot where water flows through a perfectly round opening in the shale, left behind by an abandoned pipeline project. The creek cascades into a cool, clear pool, creating an oasis deep in the forest. Following the trail a little further, we discovered a deeper, icy swimming hole below a waterfall—an unexpected and exhilarating find. A short drive beyond Hole in the Wall led us to Loon Lake, a quiet, tucked-away gem with glassy waters perfect for a final, peaceful paddle. The lake’s small size made it an ideal place to slow down and reflect on the incredible journey we had just taken. 

On our final day, as we began the journey back east across Vancouver Island, we couldn’t resist making one last stop at the stunning Cameron Lake. Nestled beneath the rugged cliffs of Mount Arrowsmith and surrounded by dense forest, the lake’s serene beauty was impossible to pass by. We pulled into the day-use area on the eastern shore, where a gentle, sloping beach invited us in. The water, crystal-clear and shimmering under the afternoon sun, was too tempting to ignore. Without hesitation, we all plunged into the refreshing waters. 

Eventually, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, reminding us that it was time to move on. We packed up reluctantly, savoring every last glimpse of the lake’s tranquil beauty. The drive back to Nanaimo was quiet and reflective, the perfect ending to a journey filled with unforgettable landscapes and moments of pure connection with nature. Soon, we found ourselves boarding the ferry, watching the island fade into the horizon as we crossed back to the mainland—grateful for every paddle stroke, plunge, and memory made along the way. 

From ocean swells to mirror-like lakes, Vancouver Island is a dream destination for paddleboarders. Each stop on our journey revealed a different side of the island—wild surf beaches, serene inlets, rushing rivers, and hidden swimming holes. Whether you’re looking for adventure or tranquility, there’s no better way to explore the island than by board.