Western Canoe Kayak is celebrating more than 40 years in business. Western first started out as an importer of canoe paddles, distributing them into the Vancouver market. In the late 70s, the Company started a manufacturing facility in Abbotsford to begin building Clipper Canoes. The owners, Marlin and Mary Bayes, gave up their teaching careers and went into business full time.

In 1989, a new facility and retail store were built along the freeway in a prime location, and it has since grown to be the largest paddle sports store in Western North America. Since then, other lines of products like kayaks, stand-up boards, sailboats and rafts have been added. Their son, Ryan, eventually joined them in the family business. The staff has grown to include sales people who specialize in stand-up-paddling, whitewater kayaking, canoeing, touring and sailing. Western has gained a reputation as the place to go for kayaks and canoes for sale, and if you have questions you need answered.