Sun Peaks Kayak Rentals on McGillivray Lake

Sun Peaks Kayak RentalsSun Peaks Kayak Rentals on beautiful McGillivray Lake (photo Sam Egan/Sun Peaks)

Sun Peaks Kayak Rentals from our friends at Discover Sun Peaks Adventures will provide you and your family with a great time kayaking around beautiful McGillivray Lake  – another one of many favorite Sun Peaks Summer activities.

Experienced kayak users can rent kayaks or canoes and tour this picturesque lake for either a half day or full day, and each kayak comes equipped with all the safety gear you require. For safety reasons, previous experience is required and users know the benefits of this fun, family activity, including being a low impact, aerobic, strength and flexibility increasing way to tour the beautiful lakes of the Sun Peaks Resort area.

McGillivray Lake is about 6 km away from the village (10-15 minutes along a gravel logging road) and is home to a small forestry services Sun Peaks camping site, the winter Nordic skiing and snowshoeing warming hut, a small dock for launching car-top boats for fishers in search of rainbow trout, guided Voyageur Canoe Tours, Sun Peaks canoe rentals, and is also a great spot to bring your stand up paddleboard for a beautiful and serene paddle around the lake.

The trail to McGillivray Lake also makes for a nice walk or fairly flat Sun Peaks mountain bike ride.

       Sun Peaks Kayak Rentals - What To Watch For

Mt. Tod from McGillivray LakeView of Tod Mountain while kayaking on McGillivray Lake

Watch and listen for the soulful cry of loons who frequent McGillivray Lake, watch along the shoreline for deer (we spotted two mule deer swimming across to one of the little islands), moose, fox, beavers, and perhaps even a black bear or two, or look up to see Bald Eagles and Osprey soar effortlessly overhead in search of a trout for their dinner!

The area is home to lots of Sun Peaks wildlife so keep on the lookout and be safe!

The lake is surrounded by forests, provides beautiful views of Tod Mountain and the neighboring area, and is around 2 km long and quite shallow, with water lilies floating throughout. 

Bring your camera, some water, bug spray and sunscreen, even though the temperatures are moderated by the high elevation.



McGillivray Lake near Sun PeaksMcGillivray Lake near Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks kayak rentals are available from 9 am til 5 pm, and will only cost you around $65 for a 6 hour day, plus taxes. Everything you need is included, including life jackets

It’s best to reserve ahead of time. The kayak rentals operate daily in summer.  Guest Services in the main village day lodge (Open 9:30- 5:00 pm) is the best location to book, pick up the equipment (paddles, life jackets etc) and sign waivers.

Once you've checked in it's a 10-15 min drive out to McGillivray Lake where the kayaks are located.

Advance booking is recommended (Guest Services (250) 578-5474.  Prior kayaking experience is required. If there are any minors under 19 they have to be in a boat with an adult.  They have canoes and kayaks.  

Check-in ahead of time at the Adventure Centre in the village and then drive to McGillivray Lake (click for directions) where your kayak will be waiting for you.

Discover Sun Peaks Adventures operates both the canoe and kayak rentals, and due to covid-related changes, it is best to contact them in advance at (250) 319-6064 or call the Sun Peaks Guest Services people at (250) 578-5474.

Play safe on the water and have fun!

        Health Benefits of Sun Peaks Kayak and Canoe Rentals

  • ability to enjoy the fresh mountain air and beautiful outdoors
  • increased cardiovascular fitness levels
  • increased muscle strength from paddling, including the back, arms, shoulders and chest, torso and legs
  • low impact and low wear and tear on the joints which is great for gracefully aging people like us!
  • peaceful and serene way to get in touch with nature




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