Inside Vancouver

Ultimate Urban Kayak Escape – Spanish Banks to False Creek

by Jane Weiss in Outside, Uncategorized on September 21, 2016

View of Science World Photo: Rob Weiss

Sitting in our kayaks, with bows pointed towards the North Shore Mountains, we were faced with a difficult decision. To our left, open ocean, the call of Wreck Beach and the natural splendour of Pacific Spirit Regional Park and to the right the urban oasis known as Vancouver. This is the thrill of launching from the expansive beaches of Spanish Banks. After much discussion, we decided to head to town. The glistening towers lining English Bay and Yaletown were like beacons guiding us towards the protected waters of False Creek.

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Ultimate Urban Kayak Escape – Spanish Banks to False Creek

Kayaking the West Vancouver Shoreline

by Jane Weiss in Uncategorized on September 6, 2016

The Welcome Figure by Stan Joseph Photo: Flickr Ikan1711

With the magnificent North Shore Mountains towering overhead and spectacular shoreline, West Vancouver is well known for its luxurious oceanfront homes. Viewing these architectural estates from the water is a unique and thrilling. Paddling affords you an intimate, exploratory experience. Think of it as type of “British Columbia Outdoor Home Tour of the Stars”.

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Kayaking the West Vancouver Shoreline

Dipping at Deas

by Jane Weiss in Uncategorized on July 31, 2016

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?

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Dipping at Deas

In the Mood? Kayak to Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park

by Jane Weiss in Uncategorized on July 8, 2016

Inside Vancouver Barnet Marine Park Flickr DTB

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

Paddling in Paradise – Deep Cove, North Vancouver

by Jane Weiss in Uncategorized on April 30, 2016

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

Kayaker in English Bay Gets a Little Too Close to a Whale

by Inside Vancouver in Uncategorized on April 12, 2016

whale

Check out the video below posted on Instagram by user @johnnyvanuck who got really close to nature while out kayaking on English Bay.

We set out to see if we could find the whale that has been feeding in the area for the last few days. This was between Jericho and Kits beach. My heart started racing when I saw small fish swimming to the surface in a frenzy, I knew it was close. ? #whale #whalewatching #kayaking #kayakingadventures #adventure #vancouver #explorebc #explorecanada #explore #playhard #wildlife #modernoutdoors #oceanencounters #awesome #vancitybuzz #cbcvancouver

A video posted by Johnny O (@johnnyvanuck) on Apr 10, 2016 at 7:49pm PDT

Spring has Sprung – Kayak the Nicomekl River

by Jane Weiss in Uncategorized on March 16, 2016

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