Victoria Day is the official start of water sports in Canada, and if you love stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), now’s the perfect time to plan your route. Here’s a guide to the best Victoria Day paddleboard routes across Canada’s east and west coasts.

If you’re on the west coast, you already know that the weather here turns earlier than in other parts of the country. As a result, Sooke Basin is a great choice for early summer. The calm, sheltered waters and beautiful surroundings make it ideal for paddleboarders of all abilities.

Start out in Cooper’s Cove or Sunriver and explore the bay at your own pace. Keep an eye out for seals, bald eagles and the occasional curious otter. Don’t forget to grab a hot cup of coffee in town after the activity.

Warmer than the coast and surrounded by rolling vineyards and hills, Okanagan Lake is a May gem. Most paddleboarders prefer the stretch between City Park and Gyro Beach, but there are dozens of small beaches to choose from if you want something quieter.

The water warms up faster than expected, but it’s still cool in the mornings and evenings. Funwater paddle boards are ideal for these calm waters – they’re portable, stable, and easy to launch from almost anywhere.

If you want postcard views, Lake Louise is the place to go. You’ll need to check the ice, though – some years, it doesn’t fully melt until the end of May. But when it does, the scenery is stunning.

You’ll need a dry suit for this experience. The water stays near freezing year-round. But with the right gear, gliding through the turquoise waters of a lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks is an experience you’ll never forget.

Prairie paddleboarders, look no further. Clear Lake is a hidden gem in Manitoba that comes alive during Victoria Day. The water is clear, the air is crisp, and the park is home to plenty of wildlife and forest trails.

There’s plenty of shoreline to explore, and it’s easy to find a quiet spot to launch. If you’re using an inflatable SUP board, the calm waters here are ideal. Spend the morning on a paddleboard inflatable and the afternoon hiking or grabbing a bite in Wasagamin.

Opening in May in eastern Canada, the Ottawa River is one of the best places to paddleboard near a city. Around Victoria Day, river levels remain high due to spring snowmelt, so unless you're an experienced paddler, it's best to stick to calmer stretches.

Try starting at Remick Rapids Park or Petrie Island for a scenic, flat-water route with views of the city. Paddle toward the city center or drift through tranquil marshes inhabited by birds and frogs.

If you live near the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Lake Ontario offers plenty of options. One of the best places to paddle on Victoria Day is Toronto's East Beach, where you can get out early and watch the sun rise over the lake.

You can also head to the Toronto Islands for a longer adventure. Be prepared for cooler water temperatures—it's not yet swimming season—but the views are well worth it.

From British Columbia's coastal waters to Ontario's Great Lakes, there's no shortage of beautiful paddleboard routes to explore in Canada over the Victoria Day long weekend. Whether you’re using a stand up paddle board, an inflatable SUP board, or a lightweight Funwater paddle board, the key is to wear the right swimwear, check the water conditions, and plan ahead.

Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, bring a waterproof bag with warm clothes and snacks, and most importantly, enjoy the peace and quiet that only spring paddleboarding in Canada can bring.