With sheer cliffs carved by glaciers, dozens of waterfalls and creeks, and thick, old-growth forests, this fjord is one of southern British Columbia’s wildest back-to-nature escapes. Though it’s only about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Vancouver, its limited road access keeps it remote and unspoiled.
The Basics
There are several ways to explore Indian Arm, whose shores are part of the protected Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park—Indian Arm Park, as it’s also known. Launch a kayak or canoe from Deep Cove in North Vancouver or from Belcarra Regional Park on the eastern edge of Indian Arm and paddle north into the fjord. Boat tours also venture into the fjord, allowing passengers to admire the scenery and look for local wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and black bears.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Indian Arm is a must for wilderness enthusiasts.
- Although the fjord is sheltered, conditions can change quickly, with winds often arriving in the afternoon. Be sure to check forecasts before embarking on a paddling trip.
- The further north you go, the steeper the cliff walls become, meaning there are fewer places to come ashore.
- There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Indian Arm.
How to Get There
Indian Arm fjord extends north from the Burrard Inlet. Paved road access is limited, so the best way to get to the fjord is by boat. Some sightseeing boats depart from downtown Vancouver, while kayaks and canoes can be launched from Deep Cove in North Vancouver, about a 30-minute drive from downtown.
When to Get There
Arrange paddling trips for between April and October, when conditions are calmest. This is also the best time for wildlife-viewing, with bald eagles and bears occasionally visible.
Waterfalls of Indian Arm
Among the scenic highlights of Indian Arm are the two waterfalls that crash down from the cliffs on either side of the fjord. On the eastern shore of the waterway, about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Deep Cove, is the impressive Granite Falls, which tumbles down from a height of 150 feet (46 meters). Silver Falls, meanwhile, is hidden away in a steep-sided recess on the west shore, about a 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) paddle from Deep Cove.
