Deep Cove Kayaking
Family of 4
$120-180 CAD (~$85-130 USD) for double kayak rentals for 2-3 hours
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Ages
5+ years
About
Deep Cove is where Vancouver families go for a genuine outdoor adventure that's accessible enough for kids and stunning enough for everyone. This small village on the North Shore sits at the entrance to Indian Arm, a dramatic fjord carved by glaciers and surrounded by forested mountains.
Deep Cove Kayak Centre, the largest kayaking school in Canada, offers rentals and guided tours suited to families. The water in the cove is protected and calm — unlike the open ocean, there are no big waves or strong currents, making it safe for family paddling. Double kayaks are the way to go for families with younger kids: a parent paddles while the child sits in front, enjoying the views and splashing.
Kids as young as 5 can join in a tandem kayak.
Older kids and teens can rent single kayaks or try stand-up paddleboarding, which the calm waters are perfect for. Guided tours run 3-5 hours and take you deeper into Indian Arm, with naturalist guides pointing out harbour seals, bald eagles, and the fjord's geology. Introductory lessons are available for complete beginners.
The paddling is the main event, but Deep Cove village is part of the experience. Honey Doughnuts & Goodies is a legendary doughnut shop where the post-kayak treat has become a family tradition. The line can be long on summer weekends, but the honey doughnuts — warm, fresh, and not too sweet — are universally beloved.
The village also has a small beach, ice cream shops, and a few casual restaurants.
For families who want to add hiking, the Quarry Rock trail starts right in the village. It's about 30 minutes each way, mostly flat with some stairs, and ends at a rocky viewpoint overlooking Indian Arm. It's manageable for kids 5+ and rewards you with a genuinely beautiful vista.
Practical notes: summer weekends are busy — book kayak rentals online in advance. Morning slots have calmer water and better wildlife viewing. Bring clothes you don't mind getting wet, water shoes, and sunscreen. The drive from downtown Vancouver is about 30 minutes via the Second Narrows Bridge.
Deep Cove delivers the kind of outdoor family experience that creates lasting memories — paddling through a fjord with mountains rising on all sides, spotting a seal, and then eating doughnuts together in the village. It's a Vancouver essential.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer mornings for calmest water and best weather. July and August are peak season — book rentals in advance. Weekdays are less crowded.
Wait Times
10-20 minutes for rental check-in on summer weekends; book guided tours in advance
Nearby Food
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies is a Deep Cove institution — expect a line but the doughnuts are worth it. Arms Reach Bistro serves family-friendly meals on the waterfront. Deep Cove Pizza is casual and kid-approved.
Why Kids Love It
Deep Cove is one of those places that makes kids feel like real explorers. Paddling a kayak through the calm, protected waters of Indian Arm fjord, surrounded by towering forested mountains, with seals occasionally popping their heads up nearby — it's an adventure story come to life. The cove is sheltered from ocean waves, making it safe for family paddling even with younger kids in a tandem kayak with a parent.
Double kayaks are stable and forgiving for beginners. Older kids and teens can handle single kayaks or try stand-up paddleboarding. Guided tours are available for families who want an instructor along, including wildlife-focused tours where you might spot seals, eagles, and even the occasional otter.
After paddling, the tiny village of Deep Cove has an iconic doughnut shop (Honey Doughnuts & Goodies) where the post-kayak treat has become a Vancouver family tradition.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Book rentals online in advance during summer — they sell out on sunny weekends
- Double kayaks fit one adult and one child comfortably — the parent paddles, the kid enjoys the ride
- Honey Doughnuts in the village is a mandatory post-kayak treat — the line is worth it
- Morning is best for calm water and wildlife sightings
- The Quarry Rock hike (30 minutes each way) is an easy family trail from the village with great views
What to Bring
- Clothes you don't mind getting wet (you will get splashed)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap
- Water bottles and snacks
- Water shoes or sandals with straps (flip-flops fall off in kayaks)
- A dry bag for phones and valuables (or a waterproof phone case)
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$120-180 CAD (~$85-130 USD) for double kayak rentals for 2-3 hours
Tips to Save
- Rent double kayaks (tandem) to fit a parent and child together — more affordable than individual kayaks.
- Book online in advance for guaranteed availability.
- Pack your own picnic instead of eating at the (pricey) village restaurants.