To book a tour or a course call us:

250.381.4233 250.381.4233
  • The Compass blog
    The Compass blog
Ocean River Sports to Flemming Beach Kayaking Route

Ocean River Sports to Flemming Beach Kayaking Route

Kayaking Around Victoria, BC: Fleming Beach Route This route explores the north and west shores of Victoria Harbour and the more exposed shoreline of Esquimalt Municipality on the Straits of Juan De Fuca.  Due to this more exposed section, you will need to carefully check the weather forecasts before you go. Plan to stop for a picnic lunch or snack at Flemming Beach. A word…
The Victoria Waterways Loop

The Victoria Waterways Loop

The Victoria Waterways Loop The Galloping Goose trail and the more recent E&N Trail are well known to bicyclists and pedestrians as a way to make a complete circle route from downtown Victoria to the 6 Mile Pub area and back again. However, there is also a water route that also allows you to travel a complete circle from the inner harbour and back again.…
Ocean River Sports to the Gorge Tillicum Bridge Paddle Route

Ocean River Sports to the Gorge Tillicum Bridge Paddle Route

Paddling Victoria’s Upper Harbour, the Selkirk Waterway & the Gorge Waterway Paddling the Upper Harbour and along the Gorge Waterway gives you a completely different perspective than the Inner, Middle and Outer Harbour.  You will pass by the industrial area of the harbour as you move into the Selkirk Waterway and finally the Gorge Waterway itself.  Here you will begin to see the real beauty…
Paddling Victoria Harbour – Ocean River Sports to  Ogden Point

Paddling Victoria Harbour – Ocean River Sports to Ogden Point

What to See When Paddling Around Victoria’s Harbour This route explores the inner and middle harbour and, weather permitting, guides you out to the Ogden Point Breakwater with it’s beautiful First Nations murals at the harbour’s outer reaches.  You will see historic buildings like the Old Victoria Customs House, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the BC Legislature.  You will experience the bustle of a busy…
Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island

Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island

Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island Victoria is the gateway to world class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island, BC. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers an endless variety of paddle sport experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the bustle of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, to the excitement of a fast moving tidal current. Whether you’re a…
Paddling Victoria’s Beautiful Waterways

Paddling Victoria’s Beautiful Waterways

Victoria has one of the most beautiful harbours and inland waterways in the world making it a spectacular, as well as an incredibly convenient spot to go kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding for a few hours or a day.  Explore this historic working harbor from the water with its historic streets and architecture as well as it’s rich mix of ongoing activities including;  whale watching…
Victoria Circle Paddle Route

Victoria Circle Paddle Route

The Victoria Circle Paddle Route, an obvious but often overlooked route The Victoria Circle Loop is a kayaking route full of changing landscapes that can take up an entire day if planned carefully.  There is now interest in improving some access points to this route including developing a walkway under the Tillicum Bridge allowing an easy portage if the tides aren’t favourable. For more information,…
Esquimalt Lagoon to Cole Island Paddle Route

Esquimalt Lagoon to Cole Island Paddle Route

Kayaking to Esquimalt Harbor & Cole Island The Esquimalt Lagoon to Cole Island paddle is an excellent day trip which can take a couple of hours or half a day or more depending on how much you would like to explore.  When you consider that this route encompasses a migratory bird sanctuary,  beautiful natural areas, many interesting historical sites and a busy, working naval harbour,…

About Ocean River

Located in Victoria, British Columbia on beautiful Vancouver Island, Ocean River is one of the premier speciality kayak and adventure companies in North America. Brian Henry, the founder & current owner, has been running Ocean River since 1981, and Ocean River continues to be recognised as one of the most significant outdoor/paddlesports instructional & tours provider in North America.

More About Us

From the blog

Recent News

SUP Adventures on the West Coast

Wesley takes on SUP adventures on the west coast of British Columbia!

Moving back to the West Coast from the Rockies ...