Squamish Canoe Rental Publishes Free Cold-Water Safety Guide as Paddlers Head Out for Fall

SQUAMISH, British Columbia, October 19, 2026 —

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to paddle in Squamish and Whistler: quiet lakes, autumn colour and fresh snow on the peaks. It is also when the water turns dangerously cold.

Squamish & Whistler Canoe Rental today published a free guide to fall paddling in the Sea to Sky corridor, aimed at helping canoeists and paddleboarders enjoy the season safely.

What the guide covers

• The 1-10-1 rule taught in paddling safety courses: about one minute of cold shock, ten minutes of useful movement, and roughly an hour before hypothermia leads to unconsciousness
• Why a PFD has to be worn, done up, the whole time
• Dressing for the water, not the air: no cotton, a dry bag with a change of clothes, and a wetsuit for paddleboarders
• Shorter days, and planning trips to finish well before dusk
• Sheltered lakes where shore is never far, including Alice Lake, Brohm Lake, Browning Lake and Whistler's Alta and Lost lakes
• Wildlife awareness during salmon season, when bears are feeding hard before winter

Free to read

The guide is free at squamishcanoerental.com, alongside a new guide to the best lakes for canoeing and paddleboarding near Squamish.

About Squamish & Whistler Canoe Rental

Squamish & Whistler Canoe Rental delivers canoes and paddleboards, with paddles, PFDs and safety gear included, to lakes, rivers and launches across Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.

*Disclosure: Squamish Canoe Rental and Happy News Company share an owner.*