About Ocean River Sports
Ocean River Sports is Victoria's longest-running paddling outfitter, in business since 1981 and now based at 450 Swift Street on the Upper Harbor, where its dock sits steps from the shop. The company combines a full paddlesports retail store with an adventure center offering rentals, lessons and guided trips on the protected waters of the Gorge waterway and Victoria harbor.
Sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes are available for hourly and multi-day rental, launched directly from the shop's own dock. The instruction program runs from first-time paddler lessons through Paddle Canada skills certifications, while guided options include harbor tours, sunset paddles and multi-day sea kayak expeditions to destinations like the Gulf Islands and the west coast of Vancouver Island. Trips run year-round on the sheltered Gorge, with expedition season peaking in summer.
Four decades of operation have made Ocean River an institution in BC paddling: its guides and instructors are certified professionals, its pro shop is one of the best-stocked on Vancouver Island, and its urban launch point means visitors can be on calm, wildlife-rich water within minutes of downtown without needing a car.
