49.01 | -123.04
Boundary Bay is the main kitesurfing spot for the Vancouver area, located in the Tsawwassen neighbourhood south of the city. It's a vast, shallow bay with tidal flats stretching for kilometres. The spot works year-round and serves as the go-to alternative when Squamish is closed (fall, winter, spring).
The defining characteristic of Boundary Bay is its extreme tide dependency: at low tide, water recedes very far and you may need a long walk to reach it. The spot only works well at high tide (12+ feet / 3.7m+). Spectacular views of the San Juan Islands and Mount Baker.
No local school on site. Vancouver and Squamish schools (Squamish Watersports, Aerial Kiteboarding) occasionally offer sessions at Boundary Bay. Several kite shops in the Vancouver area.
The spot is entirely tide-dependent. You need a tide of 12 feet (3.7m) or more to ride comfortably. Check Tsawwassen/Boundary Bay tide tables before every session. Best sessions are during rising or high tide, with SE to S wind. The spot dries out completely at low tide.
Open all year round
Open year-round, no seasonal restrictions. The spot works mainly from October to May (storm season) and occasionally in summer with NW wind. It's the fallback spot for Vancouver kiters when Squamish (May-Sept) is closed.
Intermediate
Very shallow water over tidal flats — you can stand up over a vast area at high tide. Sandy and muddy bottom. Moderate chop in SE/S winds. Water is a mix of Fraser River freshwater and Pacific saltwater. Cool temperature: 4/3 wetsuit recommended in summer, 5/4 in winter.
Two main access points: at the end of 72nd Street (most popular) or on Highway 17 before the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Free parking. Short walk to the water — but long walk across the flats at low tide.
Boundary Bay works with SE and S winds, mainly generated by Pacific weather systems. Unlike Squamish (summer thermal), Boundary Bay is often better in fall, winter, and spring when Pacific storms push strong winds through the Strait of Georgia. Typical strength: 15-25 knots during frontal passages. The spot can also work with NW in summer.
Tides are the main hazard: on a dropping tide, the spot dries out quickly and you can find yourself far from shore in very little water. Always check tide tables before your session. Soft mud in some areas. Tidal currents possible. The spot is near Vancouver Airport — low-altitude air traffic. Shared area with walkers and dogs.
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