Ocean River

10/23/2026

04/22/2026

Check out our new page, Ocean River Adventures!

We will not be posting here for much longer, but we don't want you to miss out on these awesome upcoming opportunities!

01/15/2026

We're so excited to be bringing James Raffan's storytelling to the West Coast this spring. Thanks to Western Canoeing and Kayaking and Adventure Canada for the support and collaboration on this special event!

Get your Victoria show tickets today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1975670325126?aff=oddtdtcreator

Also, make sure to like our new FB Page, Ocean River Adventures!

12/16/2025

This is a great Christmas Gift. Give the gift of adventure this year. Remember to follow our new Page!

The Accidental Canadian: An Evening of Stories, Songs & Northern Wonder with James Raffan

Prepare to be transported deep into the heart of Canada’s wilderness as renowned explorer, author, and storyteller James Raffan takes the stage for The Accidental Canadian — a unique live event blending narrative, music, humour, and breathtaking northern journeys.

For over five decades, Raffan has travelled the rivers, tundra, ice, and coastlines of the Canadian North, building close relationships with communities, documenting remote landscapes, and collecting stories that reveal the soul of the country. In this intimate two-hour show, he shares some of his most memorable experiences — from Arctic circumnavigation to remote canoe expeditions, encounters with wildlife, and the cultural teachings he’s gathered across the North.

With warmth and wit, Raffan reflects on what it truly means to be “Canadian,” weaving personal discovery with national identity. Audiences can expect stunning visuals, original songs, and deeply moving reflections on belonging, adventure, and the land that shapes us.

🗓️ Event Details

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (doors at 6:45)
Location: Glenlyon Norfolk School — Denford Hall, Victoria BC
Tickets: Available now on Eventbrite

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a lover of great storytelling, or simply seeking an uplifting night out, The Accidental Canadian promises to be a heartfelt and unforgettable journey through Canada’s wild spaces — guided by one of the country’s most beloved explorers.

12/01/2025

Remember to go like and follow our new page so you don’t miss out on any adventures!

The Accidental Canadian: An Evening of Stories, Songs & Northern Wonder with James Raffan

Prepare to be transported deep into the heart of Canada’s wilderness as renowned explorer, author, and storyteller James Raffan takes the stage for The Accidental Canadian — a unique live event blending narrative, music, humour, and breathtaking northern journeys.

For over five decades, Raffan has travelled the rivers, tundra, ice, and coastlines of the Canadian North, building close relationships with communities, documenting remote landscapes, and collecting stories that reveal the soul of the country. In this intimate two-hour show, he shares some of his most memorable experiences — from Arctic circumnavigation to remote canoe expeditions, encounters with wildlife, and the cultural teachings he’s gathered across the North.

With warmth and wit, Raffan reflects on what it truly means to be “Canadian,” weaving personal discovery with national identity. Audiences can expect stunning visuals, original songs, and deeply moving reflections on belonging, adventure, and the land that shapes us.

🗓️ Event Details

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (doors at 6:45)
Location: Glenlyon Norfolk School — Denford Hall, Victoria BC
Tickets: Available now on Eventbrite

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a lover of great storytelling, or simply seeking an uplifting night out, The Accidental Canadian promises to be a heartfelt and unforgettable journey through Canada’s wild spaces — guided by one of the country’s most beloved explorers.

08/01/2025

🌊 Exciting News from Ocean River! 🌊

We’ve moved to a new page! 🎉 Join us at Ocean River Adventures to stay updated on everything OR.

From tours, rentals, to our courses and camps, we’ve got it all! Plus, we’re introducing some fun new and growing social outings:

✨ Tuesday Paddle and Pint
✨ Thursday Pride Paddles
✨ Friday Social Paddles

And don’t forget to check out our awesome little Paddlers Pro Shop! 🛶

Pop over, hit follow, and be part of our adventure community! We can’t wait to see you there!

Throwback to 1991! Here's a shot of the crew outside 1824 Store Street, Ocean River’s second home in Victoria, where we spent 10 great years.

This location, right next to the iconic Capital Iron building, was steps from the docks where we launched countless tours, rentals, and demos. Being right on the water made it easy to do what we loved most: getting people paddling.

So many good memories in this spot and with this crew. Recognize any familiar faces?

04/14/2025

Kickoff the Season with a favourite from last year!

Trade weekday stress for tranquility and fun. Join us and make Tuesdays your favourite day of the week! Take advantage of a beautiful evening paddle and pint with our friends Swift Brewery. Enjoy a 1.5hr Kayak Rental and a Pint at Swift for just $35!

Starting tomorrow April 15th at 6pm, and every Tuesday all summer! Find the listing on our Downtown Rentals page near the bottom:

https://shop.oceanriver.com/pages/downtown-rentals

04/02/2025

Explore the Waters: Join our 55+ Kayaking programs!

Are you ready to embrace the beauty of nature while enhancing your well-being? Join us for our April 55+ kayaking program, where adventure awaits on the water!

In partnership with Victoria Rec Centre.

Our programs are designed to get everyone out on the water, teaching safety, technique and environmental stewardship. Our Kids Kayak and Paddleboarding programs fill up fast! For Seniors 55+ we offer a comprehensive kayak paddle program with boat safety education, ocean navigation and paddle skills.

04/16/2024

Get ready to dive into the fun! The Coastal Kids Program, tailor-made for little ocean ambassadors aged 8-13, is about to splash onto the Oak Bay Recreation website this Thursday morning. From thrilling watersports to mind-blowing Ocean Education, your little ones will be all set to ride the waves of excitement and knowledge, setting course for a lifetime of ocean adventures! 🌊🐠

03/30/2024

Switching off the lights for an hour every year - “How’s that meant to help fight climate change?” you might be wondering.
Earth Hour is about more than just switching off for sixty minutes. Millions of people around the world in over 190 countries and territories take part in Earth Hour as a pledge to help fight for our planet and demand stronger climate action.
A large portion of those who take part in Earth Hour believe that it’s a great symbol that inspires more action on climate change and helps protect the planet - not just for one hour but all year and always.

03/30/2024

Switching off the lights for an hour every year - “How’s that meant to help fight climate change?” you might be wondering.

Earth Hour is about more than just switching off for sixty minutes. Millions of people around the world in over 190 countries and territories take part in Earth Hour as a pledge to help fight for our planet and demand stronger climate action.

A large portion of those who take part in Earth Hour believe that it’s a great symbol that inspires more action on climate change and helps protect the planet - not just for one hour but all year and always.