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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…
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Burnaby Lake Paddle
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion Launching type: dock Difficulty – very easy, beginner friendly Boat traffic – no recreational motor boats allowed View – wetlands, wildlife, North Shore mountains, and crops of high rise buildings Facilities – no public washrooms Overall score – 7/10 Located in the center of Burnaby Lake…
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Locarno to Stanley Park Paddle
This isn’t really a new paddle, since I’ve done the whole route in sections before. What made it blog-worthy is the length (nearly 17km), which is a new record for an impromptu day paddle for me. These days, I’m on daycare pickup and drop off duties, so my time window for a paddle is restricted…
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Dundarave Paddle
Difficulty – choppy waters even with low wind conditions Boat traffic – no boats near the coast View – nice views of suburban coast line, Lions Gate Bridge, and Lighthouse Park Facilities – public washrooms available Launch – Beach launch Overall score – 7/10 The southern coast of West Vancouver from Ambleside Park to Lighthouse…
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Locarno Beach to Wreck Beach Paddle
Quick Facts This is a great paddling route that takes you from the hubbub of Spanish Banks with views of downtown Vancouver to the surprisingly remote cliffs of Pacific Spirit Park and Wreck Beach with Vancouver Island and Bowen Island in view. It is quite exposed. Early morning starts are generally met with calmer conditions.…
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Paddling Victoria Harbour and the Gorge Waterway
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Banfield Park Dock Launching type: dock Difficulty – very busy working harbour Boat traffic – heavy in the inner harbour View – great forest-lined rocky shores north of Selkirk Trestle, industrial activities in the upper harbour, and glances at the Parliament Building in the inner harbour Facilities: no toilets near…