To the west, Howe Sound is a classic coastal paddling experience, with soaring mountains on one side and seal colonies relaxing among the islands on the other. From West Vancouver, in calm weather, you can paddle across Howe Sound to Bowen Island , where you'll find Crippen Regional Park , a medium-sized preserve with good day hikes and beautiful Killarney Lake. Other recommended excursions are routes along Gambier Island and Anvil Island in the northern half of the Sound. Launches for these trips are at Porteau Cove and Port Mellon . To get the most out of any Howe Sound experience, plan on an overnight trip.
Many campsites are available on the larger and smaller islands here.
Generally, Howe Sound paddles are easy and okay for beginners. Further from the city, the inlets of Vancouver Island await to the west. The hundreds of Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia are also great for getting lost in. The Capilano River is known for its suspension bridge, spawning salmon, and temperate rainforest scenery. During the winter, it also rages for expert whitewater paddlers, while in the summer it's a perfect introduction for novices.