ESSENTIALS - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 754

The province's long coastline is great for sea kayaking, and rentals are available in most
coastal communities. The Southern Gulf Islands are ideal for kayakers of all experien-
ce levels, while destinations such as Desolation Sound, the Broken Group Islands, and
Gwaii Haanas National Park are the domain of experienced paddlers. Most companies
offering kayak rentals also provide stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons and often tours.
One such Vancouver operation is the Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre (604/689-7575,
www.ecomarine.com ) based on Granville Island. Tofino, on Vancouver Island's west coast,
is another hub for sea kayakers. Tofino Sea Kayaking Company (250/725-4222 or 800/
863-4664, www.tofino-kayaking.com ) rents kayaks and leads tours through local water-
ways. Northern Lights Expeditions (360/734-6334 or 800/754-7402,
www.seakayaking.com ) specializes in overnight kayaking expeditions along the BC coast.
White-Water Rafting
The best and easiest way to experience a white-water rafting trip is on a half- or full-day trip
with a qualified guide. Close to Vancouver, the Green, Fraser, Nahatlatch, and Thompson
Rivers are run commercially. In the Canadian Rockies, the Kicking Horse River provides
the thrills. Expect to pay $110-155 for a full day's excitement, land transfers, and lunch.
Boating
British Columbia's 25,000 kilometers (15,500 miles) of coastline, in particular the
sheltered, island-dotted Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland, is a
boater's paradise. Along it are sheltered coves, sandy beaches, beautiful marine parks, and
facilities specifically designed for boaters—many accessible only by water. One of the most
beautiful marine parks is Desolation Sound, north of Powell River; locals claim it's one of
the world's best cruising grounds. Many of the enormous freshwater lakes inland are also
excellent places for boating.
Yachties and yachties-to-be should head for Cooper Boating (1620 Duranleau St.,
Granville Island, 604/687-4110 or 888/999-6419, www.cooperboating.com ) , which boasts
Canada's largest sailing school and also holds the country's biggest fleet for charters. For
those with experience, Cooper's rents yachts (from $410 per day for a Catalina 32) for a
day's local sailing, or take to the waters of the Strait of Georgia on a bareboat charter (from
$2,100 per week for a Catalina 27).
Scuba Diving
Some of the world's most varied and spectacular cold-water diving lies off the coast of Brit-
ish Columbia. Diving is best in winter, when you can expect up to 40 meters of visibility.