I am going to be in Vancouver in February and wondered what kayaking is like that time of year. If I read my little tour guide book correctly, there is someone who rents kayaks yearround. Won’t have time for anything committing, just thought I’d paddle for a couple of hours – if suitable – just to keep my paddling streak alive.
Ecomarine
I think Ecomarine is on Granville Island so you can putz around the harbour. Sounds like fun.
A few choices
There are a couple of places to rent kayaks that are located on the water:
Ecomarine (as mentioned)
http://www.ecomarine.com
Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak
http://www.deepcovekayak.com/rental-and-lessons/
If you want an urban experience, Ecomarine is your best bet as they are located within walking distance of downtown Vancouver (close to False Creek and English Bay). If you want a bit more of a wilderness experience (as much as you can expect near the city) then Deep Cove in Indian Arm is where you should go – Deep Cove is about 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. My preference would be Indian Arm – if you have access to a car with roof racks, you can choose from several locations.
If you’re looking for ideas of where to go paddling in the Vancouver Area, check out the Lower Mainland section here:
http://www.westcoastpaddler.com/html/locations.htm
Hope this helps.
Dan
http://www.westcoastpaddler.com
you covering the Olympics?
be sure to check out the latest winter-games sport:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogEvLpdFlCM
(he almost takes out a skier at :50!)
Attending … not covering
Not competing either. 
… unless you count competing for pin collecting or whatever … or getting the best standing-room spot at cross-country skiing.
Yup, check out Deep Cove
I second the suggestions above. I visited Vancouver back in September and paddled around Granville Island one morning – I visited the Feathercraft Kayak factory there right by the jetty and they lent me a demo for a couple of hours because I was looking to buy that model eventually (this could be an option for you if Ecomarine isn’t renting). Later I did one of the day trips in Deep Cove with the outfitter there in the harbor. Both were great! If you just have time to do one, do the Deep Cove trip. I can send you photos of both areas if you’re interested in a preview.
Thanks for Info
Good information. Thanks to all, especially Westcoastpaddler. I plan to check out the Web sites and send a few emails to see what my options are. A lot will also depend on what my non-kayaking traveling partner wishes to do. But I thought it would be worth looking into, even if it winds up being for some future trip.
ecomarine
Ecomarine rents year round, provided at this time of year if you are a solo paddler that you have appropriate attire (synthetic, wool, fleece etc etc), they also rent wet suits if you feel like you will need one.
You also have to have a solo capsize recovery if you are solo.
if you feel more comfortable they will be offering daily guided paddles during the games.
I am pretty sure Deep Cove Outdoors is closed for rentals at this time of year, but i could be mistaken.
non-paddler options
Your non-paddling companion will find plenty to occupy themselves with on Granville Island while you paddle if you go through Ecomarine. Lots of interesting shops, outdoor cafes and even a theater with live performances. And, if the weather is nice, pleasant grassy banks to relax on and read a book along the waterfront.
Contacted EcoMarine
I’ve been in contact with EcoMarine and it looks like we may take their Granville Island Tour. Thanks again for the response and … if we do follow through … I promise to report on the tour when I get back.
We Did It - Great Experience
As promised, here’s my brief report. My friend Sue and I and a visitor from Ireland did a tour with Faroe as our guide from Eco-Marine. Sue had never been in a kayak before, but she eventually got the hang of making the boat go where she (and we) wanted it to go. The tour wasn’t able to go as far up False Creek as usual because it was blocked off for security reason. Nonetheless, it was an excellent expereince. My first time paddling in such an urban setting. Incredible to view the high rise buildings (most sporting Canada flags from their windows or balconies) with snow-capped peaks behind them in the distance. We even had a harbor (or as the Canadians spell it "harbour) seal pop up its head and look at us on our way out and back. Bought a souvenir fleece hat (touque). I highly recommend the tour to anyone in the Vancouver area. Thanks for the suggestions, fellow P-netters.
I Usually Hate Cities
Vancouver is the exception. Stanley Park is really nice and walking downtown you can sample any kind of cuisine you could imagine. People are friendly and I never felt uncomfortable. Good “Walking” city and the RCMP are very helpful when you get lost (LOL)! If you’re there in summer or fall I highly recommend a trip on the Squamish and/or Elaho rivers. WW
http://www.pbase.com/ozarkpaddler/image/122199213
http://www.pbase.com/ozarkpaddler/image/56052282
http://www.pbase.com/ozarkpaddler/image/122199216
if you see Sean White
say hello!
http://sports.espn.go.com/olympics/winter/2010/snowboarding/columns/story?id=4923853 (ignore the video, read the article below)
“So, instead of logging a few more hours practicing a run he already knew he could land, White and nine of his friends, including U.S. snowboarding coach Bud Keene, rented sea kayaks at Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Instead of worrying over his run, White and his friends spent the evening before the biggest contest of his life not talking and not thinking about snowboarding.”
“He felt like he’d nailed his run the night before, and he doesn’t like to ride four days in a row,” Keene said. “It gave his legs the day off. We sat in kayaks, watched the sunset and had a great night. It was a completely un-halfpipe thing to do, and it was the perfect call.”
2nd the Deep Cove recommendation
If you are still here and have time, it’s just a short jaunt across town to Dep Cove and to have something like that so close to Downtoown is remarkable. WHen people come to visit me in Bellingham, Deep Cove is on my list of places to show them.