Rental Guide
Two great ways onto the water
We deliver both canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) around Squamish and Whistler, and one of the most common questions we get is: which one should we rent? Here's an honest comparison.
The short answer
- Rent a canoe if you want to bring people, kids, a dog, a picnic or gear, or if you want the most stable option.
- Rent a paddleboard if you want a workout, love swimming off your board, or want everyone to have their own craft.
- Can't decide? Mix and match. One canoe and a couple of boards is a popular combination for groups.
Stability
Canoe: you sit low, which makes it feel steady, and it handles small waves and wind chop better. Paddleboard: stable on calm water, but standing up puts your centre of gravity high. On a breezy day, beginners often end up kneeling. That's completely fine.
Learning curve
Both are easy to start. In a canoe the challenge is steering (our beginner's guide to canoeing covers the J-stroke). On a paddleboard, the challenge is balance: start on your knees, stand up once you're moving, and look at the horizon, not your feet.
People and passengers
Canoe: up to 3 paddlers per canoe, so two adults and a child in the middle works nicely. Paddleboard: one person per board. Small kids or a dog can sometimes ride along on a calm day, but it takes balance.
Gear and picnics
A canoe wins easily. Coolers, dry bags, a camera, lunch and extra layers all fit. On a paddleboard, you're limited to what fits under the bungees at the front.
Swimming
A paddleboard is the ultimate swim platform: hop off, swim, climb back on. Getting back into a canoe from deep water is much harder, so canoe swimmers usually swim from shore.
Wind and weather
Standing on a board, your body acts like a sail, so wind affects paddleboards more. In the Sea to Sky, afternoon winds are common, especially on larger lakes and Howe Sound. Mornings are calmest for both.
Exercise
Paddleboarding works your legs, core and balance, so it's a full-body workout. Canoeing is more of an upper body and core effort, and it's easier to slow down and simply drift.
Best spots for each
- Great for canoes: Alice Lake, the Squamish River crossing to the Echo Lake trailhead, the River of Golden Dreams, and multi-day camping trips.
- Great for paddleboards: Cat Lake, Brohm Lake, Browning Lake, and the Squamish Estuary on a calm morning at the right tide.
- Great for both: Alta Lake and Lost Lake in Whistler, and the Mamquam Blind Channel behind downtown.
Every rental includes
- Canoes: paddles, PFDs, bailer and safety whistle, with seat upgrades on request.
- Paddleboards: paddle, PFD, ankle leash and safety whistle.
We deliver to your launch, and delivery is priced by location. Tell us where you want to paddle and we'll quote it.
Questions
Is a canoe or paddleboard easier for beginners?
Most beginners find a canoe easier to feel stable in, especially on breezy days. A paddleboard is easy on calm water too, and you can always paddle it kneeling until you're comfortable standing.
Which is better for kids, a canoe or a paddleboard?
A canoe is usually better for younger kids, since they can sit in the middle while adults paddle. Older kids who swim confidently often love having their own paddleboard.
Can you take a dog on a canoe or paddleboard?
Calm dogs can ride in a canoe or on a paddleboard. A canoe has more room and is more stable. Practise on shore first and consider a dog life jacket.