"kayak" Tagged Posts |
Kayak Deas Island Photo: Rob Weiss
Ask Vancouverites where Deas Island is located and you may get a puzzled look. Yet, thousands of commuters navigate the George Massey Tunnel on a daily basis, emerge on to Deas Island and cross the Deas Slough. Wetlands, marshes, protected harbours and tidal flats are there for the taking. What better way to view this secluded natural hideaway than from the cockpit of a kayak?
Photo: Flickr DTB
Exploring new, easily accessible launch sites is often a spiritual experience for paddlers. Of course, living in the Pacific Northwest we are extremely spoiled by the wide variety of paddling opportunities that surround us. However, the search for short, local evening and afternoon paddle routes always looms large and without a doubt one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets is Barnet Marine Park. Located in Burnaby, off the Barnet Highway, the area is a popular picnic and swimming area, yet often underutilized by paddlers. Directly across from Admiralty Point, the kayak launch at Barnet Marine Park provides opportunities for adventurers to either paddle up Indian Arm, or to navigate along Burrard Inlet to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.
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In the Mood? Kayak to Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park
Serenity while paddling Widgeon Creek Photo: Rob Weiss
Looking for an outdoor adventure close to home? Interested in a day trip that combines paddling and a scenic hike to a waterfall? Widgeon Creek is the destination you have been looking for! Dial in your compass heading for Pitt Lake and set course for Widgeon Creek and the incomparable Widgeon Falls.
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Up a Creek with a Paddle – Canoeing Widgeon Creek, Pitt Meadows
Sunset, Broken Island Group Photo: Rob Weiss
Is there anything more quintessentially Canadian than a boy and a girl in a little canoe? The Canadian Canoe museum suggests that “in the history of watercraft, the canoe of the Aboriginal Peoples is perhaps the ultimate expression of elegance and function. All of its parts come from nature, and when it is retired, it returns to nature.” Historically, the canoe played a huge role in almost all assets of life and certainly played a large role in British Columbia’s history. Fast forward to downtown Vancouver today. While we might not see many voyageurs or red cedar Haida canoes cruising our local waters, on June 18th, paddles of all types will be joyously dipping into the ocean off Jericho beach.
Aurora Borealis viewing at Porteau Cove Photo: Flickr, Damon West
Wild and remote, yet only thirty minutes from Vancouver, Howe Sound is a paddler’s paradise. Navigating the Sea to Sky corridor from the water is a unique and invigorating way to explore the area, world famous for breathtaking ocean views, spectacular waterfalls, snow capped mountains and Squamish Nation history and culture. My recent adventure to North America’s southern most fjord began at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. There are two paved boat launches and also plenty of beach area to begin your paddle. Prior to setting off be sure to check out the Dive Area. Porteau Cove is a very busy diving centre. Two sunken ships and a series of man-made reefs attract scuba enthusiasts to these waters. I always enjoy chatting with the divers and hearing tales of the marine live thriving below the surface.
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Paddling in Vancouver’s Backyard – Porteau Cove to Anvil Island
Granite Falls Photo: Rob Weiss
When the sun is shining and the water is calm there is no better city escape than launching your kayak from Deep Cove, in North Vancouver. Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park (aka Indian Arm Provincial Park) protects the shores of this amazing 18 kilometer fjord extending from Burrard Inlet in Vancouver. Once heavily glaciated the park now features old growth forest, rugged shoreline, numerous creeks, waterfalls and the spectacular 50-metre high Granite Falls.
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Paddling in Paradise – Deep Cove, North Vancouver
View of the North Shore Mountains from Mud Bay Photo: Rob Weiss
Spring Forward! Words synonymous with “let’s paddle!” My kayak is my “happy place” and although I paddle year round, there is something about springing forward that triggers my inner kayaker and passion for the sea. One of my favourite early season destinations is the Nickomekl River in South Surrey. This floating nature trail is scenic, protected and features a dry launch site. Ideal for beginners, families and experienced paddlers alike, the Nickomekl River offers a tranquil welcome to all.
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Spring has Sprung – Kayak the Nicomekl River
