We are looking forward to having your group join us on the water.
So you can better plan and prepare for your program we have collected a few of the most common questions we get asked about our group programs.
You can also refer to our General FAQ for answers to other topics, or please never hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.
We offer a number of different programs and are also happy to create a custom program for your group.
Some of our most popular options are:
Team Building & Fun Paddle: A fantastic opportunity for participants to get introduced to kayaking, have fun together and enjoy quality time in the outdoors. We will combine going for a paddle with playing some games on the water, which are sure to bring laughter, teamwork, and a shared sense of adventure! No experience is needed—our guides provide instruction and ensure everyone feels comfortable on the water. It’s the perfect way to bond, boost morale, and enjoy Vancouver’s beautiful coastline together.
Coastal Exploration Guided Kayak Tour: A great way to discover Vancouver from a unique perspective. While paddling along the shoreline and enjoying stunning views of the city skyline and coastal mountains, you will learn about our local Indigenous history, marine biology and the ever-changing marine environment.
Sunset Explorer Tour: We get the best sunsets at Jericho Beach. This tour is a wonderful way to enjoy an unforgettable experience, paddling on the ocean during the sunset. This tour is a truly unique experience for groups who want a relaxed, evening paddle, disconnect from daily life and share a great experience in nature together.
Paddle Canada Lessons & Certification: A great program for those who want to commit to a longer program and learn to kayak. Over one full day or three 3-hour or four 2-hour sessions you will get an in-depth kayaking experience and learn basic boat handling skills, as well as safety and re-entry skills. Participants have the opportunity to complete a Paddle Canada Basic Skills Certification, if all skill requirements are fulfilled.
Most groups book 2-hour tours, but we are also happy to provide 3, 4, 5 hour or even longer tours. We can also combine any of the programs above, or create something specific to your needs. Don't hesitate to reach out and we can discuss how we can create a great experience for your group!
We have no minimum group size and are happy to provide custom and exclusive tours for even just 1 person.
For groups of 11 or more participants, we offer group pricing, which is cheaper than our regular rates.
We typically can accommodate groups of up to 40 participants.
If your group is larger, an option would be to split the group up into two smaller groups and make it a day at the beach. So one group goes out for their paddle while the other group enjoys the beach, then they swap.
When making your booking please let us know what your expected number of participants are.
You will be able to adjust your group numbers until up to 48h before your event.
Please note that depending on your group size we might not always be able to accommodate an increase in group size, so if you expect your group to get bigger please always let us know rather sooner than later.
You will be charged for the number of participants that you confirm with us 48h before your event.
Please refer to our Group Booking Policies for our full booking and cancellation policies.
On the water, we maintain a strict ratio of at least 1 Instructor/Guide per 6 kayaks if they are in single kayaks, or 1 Instructor/Guide per 4 kayaks (8 paddlers) if they are in double kayaks.
All our instructors are either Paddle Canada certified Kayaking Instructors or certified Guides by the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC.
They all hold a minimum of Standard First Aid with CPR-C and every instructor/guide carries a First Aid Kit with them.
Additionally, we have access to the Jericho Rescue Team which operates right outside the Jericho Sailing Centre where we are located.
All participants will wear Transport Canada approved PFDs.
The participant kayaks will carry all safety gear as outlined by Transport Canada.
The Instructor/Guides will -in addition to the required safety gear- also carry First Aid kits, spare clothing, tow lines, and communication devices and they are trained in the use of the equipment.
Yes, teachers and chaperones are absolutely welcome to join the group on the water. Please ensure that you let us know the total number of paddlers (including teachers and chaperones) when booking.
For youth groups we are able to accommodate 1 free teacher/chaperone per 12 paying participants.
That being said, if you prefer to stay on the beach while we take your group on the water you are absolutely welcome to do so. All our instructors and guides are Paddle Canada or SKGABC certified, have First Aid Training and have experience working with kids and youth on the water.
We have online waivers as well as paper waivers available for you that you can print.
Upon booking your program you will receive a confirmation email. That email has links to our online waiver that you are welcome to share with the participants. The email also includes our pdf waivers (and informed consent forms for minors) which you can print and share with participants to fill out before the program.
You are welcome to bring the paper forms on the day of your program. Please ensure that everybody has filled out a waiver/consent form as participants without one cannot come on the water.
All our programs include the use of our kayaks with safety gear (Paddle, Pump, PFD with Whistle, Buoyant Heaving Line, and Light (if applicable)). All our instructors and guides also carry a First Aid kit.
We also rent Wetsuits and Paddle Jackets at an additional charge (they are included in Paddle Canada Lessons).
We ask participants to wear weather-appropriate Quick-dry clothing and shoes that can get wet (sport sandals, neoprene booties or old running shoes work best).
We recommend participants bring: a Change of Clothes, Water Bottle, Sun hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses (with strap) and if they choose to a Drybag (if they want to bring items on the water with them).
Your confirmation email will include a packing list. But if you have to boil it down to three things we highly recommend that everybody brings a change of clothing, extra shoes that can get wet and a sun hat.
Our programs run rain or shine. We only cancel if it is too windy or if there are other safety concerns.
If we need to cancel a program we will be in touch with you as early as we can to give you as much warning as possible and to discuss alternative options for your group.
We are located at 1300 Discovery Street within the Jericho Sailing Centre. There is a large pay parking lot right at our location which also works well for bus drop-off. You can find a detailed map of our location as well as options for free parking here.
Once you arrive head to the east side of the parking lot (near the tennis courts) and follow the path around the fence to the ocean.
If you are early you can spend time on the beach or set up on the grassy hill just beside our location.
When our guides are ready to welcome your group we typically start with a short introduction right at our gate.
Most groups book a 2h program with us, but we are also happy to take groups out for longer paddles.
Start Times: We recommend you arrive about 5-10 minutes before the start of your program. This gives participants the chance to use the washroom.
Typically our guides are busy setting up the equipment for your group before the start of your program, so if you arrive earlier they will not yet be ready to welcome you. If you do arrive earlier we are right at the beach and in the park, so please feel free to take your group to the beach or a grassy area and have them relax or have a snack before the program starts.
Program Time:
When your program starts our guides will welcome you, show participants where to store their belongings and ensure all waivers are signed.
Participants will then be set up with PFDs and we do a safety briefing as well as a short instruction on how to paddle. We will then set up participants with their kayaks and ensure they are a good fit for them.
When everybody is ready we will launch the group and head out for our paddle.
Return Time:
We typically aim to reach the beach roughly 5 minutes before the end of your program so participants are able to get themselves organized and maybe take one last group photo.
Participants can then retrieve their gear and change and use the washroom if needed. If you need to book a bus to pick your group up we find that typically booking it for 15 minutes after the end of your program tends to work for most groups.
We are also located right at the beach and in the park, so some groups enjoy to stay at the beach a little longer for snacks or lunch and take a bus home later.
If you are looking to take your group out for lunch or dinner The Galley is located right in our compound and provides good burgers and salads and can also do catering for groups.
We are more than happy to set up the program around your needs, so we can definitely plan to have a snack or lunch break on land.
Typically our 2h programs do not include a break (but we are happy to incorporate one).
If you choose to book a 3 or 4h program it is really nice to plan for a break. We really enjoy taking groups for a longer paddle and we have plenty of gorgeous beaches where we can land for a snack or land break.