Indian Arm

A fjord with waterfalls, 30 minutes from Vancouver.

An 18 km fjord running north from Deep Cove into the Coast Mountains, protected as Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park and co-managed with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Day paddlers rent in Deep Cove and explore the cove and islands nearby; strong paddlers ride the tide up the arm in four to six hours to camp near 50 m Granite Falls. It is the closest wilderness-feeling paddle to downtown Vancouver.

At a glance

Fjord

18 km north from Burrard Inlet

Paddle to camp

4–6 hr to Granite Falls or Bishop Creek

Camping

Granite Falls, Bishop Creek, North Twin Island; no fires

Granite Falls

50 m waterfall

Salmon

Big pink runs in odd years, July–October

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Sea kayaking
• Paddle-in camping
• Boat rentals
• Guided tours
• Paddleboarding
• Wildlife
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• Deep Cove Kayak

  Kayak, paddleboard and surfski rentals, lessons, guided and full-moon tours, and overnight rentals for Indian Arm trips.

• Takaya Tours

  Tsleil-Waututh-run cultural tours in 35-foot ocean-going canoes from Cates Park and Belcarra Park.

Where to stay

• hotelCoast Lonsdale Quay Hotel

  Hotel above the Lonsdale Quay market, beside the SeaBus to downtown.

  20 min drive
• hotelPinnacle Hotel at the Pier

  Waterfront hotel at the Shipyards in North Vancouver.

  20 min drive

Nearby

• Quarry Rock · In Deep Cove

  Short, busy hike from Deep Cove on the Baden-Powell Trail to a granite lookout over Indian Arm.

• Honey Doughnuts & Goodies · In Deep Cove

  Deep Cove café famous for its honey-glazed doughnuts.

• Mount Seymour Provincial Park · 25 min drive

  Alpine hiking above the arm in summer and fall.

• Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers · 10 min drive

  Brewery and distillery tasting room on the Dollarton Highway.

Getting there

• Vancouver International (YVR) · about 45 min drive
• Vancouver · about 0.5 hr
• Seattle · about 3 hr

Directions in Google Maps