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Indian Arm Paddle to Thwaytes Landing Regional Park
Thwaytes Landing is a water-access-only, 130-acre property midway up Indian Arm, directly across from the famous Buntzen Powerhouses. The Land Conservancy (TLC), who purchased and transferred the property to GVRD to turn it into a regional park, has a fantastic write-up on its history and features. In summary, the lot was named after Captain Tom…
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Icy Winter Paddle on North Alouette River
To extend my paddling season all year round, I bit the bullet and invested in a full dry suit last summer. Before this, I used a wet suit to paddle in the shoulder seasons, but a dry suit works better in serious cold because you can layer as much as you want underneath. I got…
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Hayward Lake Paddle
Hayward Lake in Mission is not quite as busy as Buntzen Lake, but it’s similar in several regards. They are both managed by BC Hydro as reservoirs, both prohibit motorized boats, and both have a wealth of facilities and walking trails for people who don’t want to paddle. They are both medium sized lakes, with…
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Still Creek Paddle
Parking and Launching: Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion Launching type: low profile dock Difficulty – very slow, barely noticeable moving water Boat traffic – no motorized boats on Burnaby Lake View – marshy channels and abundant birding opportunities, but definitely an urban paddle with visibly poor water quality Facilities – free parking Overall score – 4/10…
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Paddle in Smuggler Cove, Sunshine Coast
After a previous hike to Smuggler Cove, the idea of paddling here stuck. The cove looked so serene and quiet, and the surrounding areas looked like a fantastic rocky maze to explore. When the chance arrived, I jumped on it and put together a float plan. I would get up bright and early, and do…
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Elk/Beaver Lake Paddle
Elk/Beaver Lake is a Regional Park in the Capital Regional District, located halfway between Sidney (and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal) and Victoria. The lake derived its funny name when the two once-separate lakes became dammed and the water level rose to flood the marsh land between them. Instead of renaming the newly formed lake, they…
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Paddling Alouette River
Quick Facts Alouette River is a popular paddling destination for some of the best and easiest river conditions around Vancouver. There’s something magical about paddling a meandering river that constantly reveals something new with every turn, be it a new composition of the views, new wildlife to greet, a new navigation decision, a sudden change…
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Ladner Marsh and Harbour Paddle
Quick Facts I originally grouped this post with Deas Slough Paddle, but the two sections of Fraser River, although connected, are quite distinct. Unlike the blind channel in Deas Slough, the water flow in this side branch of Fraser South Arm is heavily affected by tidal current, which is strong enough to reverse the river…
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Deas Slough Paddle
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Deas Island Regional Park (49°07’34.5″N 123°03’18.2″W) Launching type: dock and muddy beach Difficulty – easy, but with occasional boat wakes Boat traffic – usually infrequent View – muddy Fraser River slough and marshes, distant views of North Shore mountains Facilities: picnic tables, a regional park with trails, toilet about 100m…
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Stearman to Dundarave Paddle – a humbling experience
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Stearman Beach Launching type: pebbly beach Difficulty – weather dependent, very difficult on windy days Boat traffic – no boats close to shore View – fancy houses on the shoreline, nice views across Burrard Inlet towards Vancouver, Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and Point Atkinson Lighthouse Facilities – no washrooms…