7 Remote Fjords in Canada That Are Perfect for Kayaking

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5 min

In the far reaches of Canada, where mountains plunge into the sea and glaciers feed narrow inlets with icy runoff, the fjords stretch like long, secret arms into the wilderness. These waters are calm but powerful, flanked by towering cliffs, rain-soaked forests, and ancient rock faces streaked with waterfalls. They’re wild, quiet, and often accessible only by paddle. For those who seek true solitude and a front-row seat to the raw, unfiltered Canadian wilderness, these seven remote fjords are the kind of places you don’t just visit—you disappear into.

1. Kynoch Inlet – British Columbia

Often called the “Yosemite of the North,” Kynoch Inlet is a glacier-carved fjord in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Sheer granite cliffs rise thousands of feet straight from the sea, waterfalls tumble down moss-covered walls, and grizzly bears often patrol the shores. It’s only accessible by boat or floatplane, making it ideal for multi-day kayaking expeditions. Paddle here in the early morning, when mist curls off the water and the silence feels ancient.

2. Saglek Fjord – Torngat Mountains, Labrador

Tucked deep within the Torngat Mountains National Park, Saglek Fjord is one of the most dramatic and remote kayaking destinations in eastern Canada. Jagged peaks tower overhead, and ancient Inuit archaeological sites dot the shoreline. This is polar bear country, so you’ll need a guide—but the rewards are immense: crystal-clear water, absolute silence, and a sense that you’re paddling through a place few humans have ever seen.

3. Princess Louisa Inlet – British Columbia

Though it’s one of the more accessible fjords on this list, Princess Louisa Inlet feels completely cut off from the world. After paddling through a narrow, steep-walled channel called Malibu Rapids, kayakers are rewarded with calm waters, towering cliffs, and Chatterbox Falls—a 120-foot waterfall that thunders down into the inlet. The walls of the fjord catch the light in golden hues, and at night, bioluminescence sometimes dances in your wake.

4. Nachvak Fjord – Torngat Mountains, Labrador

A sister to Saglek Fjord and no less wild, Nachvak cuts deep into the mountainous coast of northern Labrador. Glaciers creep close to the shoreline, and the water is so cold and clear it feels otherworldly. Paddle past steep cliffs, tundra valleys, and hanging glaciers. Wildlife sightings include seals, Arctic foxes, and the occasional caribou crossing high ridges. With virtually no infrastructure, this is a place where the wild still calls the shots.

5. Indian Arm – British Columbia

Just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Indian Arm is a steep-sided glacial fjord that feels a world away. Towering forests and cliffs surround the water, and waterfalls like Granite Falls crash dramatically into the fjord. It’s a great overnight trip with calm conditions ideal for intermediate paddlers. Despite its proximity to the city, Indian Arm offers wild beauty, with seals often popping up alongside your boat and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead.

6. Knight Inlet – British Columbia

Remote and massive, Knight Inlet stretches over 100 kilometers into the mainland from Queen Charlotte Strait. It’s famous for its grizzly bear population and surreal scenery: cloud-draped mountains, emerald water, and waterfalls that seem to pour straight from the sky. The further in you go, the quieter it gets—until the only sounds are your paddle and the distant splash of salmon. Kayak tours here often include wildlife viewing, but solo adventurers will find true isolation if they’re well-prepared.

These fjords aren’t just destinations—they’re invitations to lose yourself in Canada’s rawest, most remote landscapes. With every paddle stroke, the modern world falls further behind, and the rhythm of tide, wind, and rock takes over. Just you, your boat, and a wild, watery silence that stretches for miles.