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Hayward Lake Paddle
Hayward Lake in Mission is not quite as busy as Buntzen Lake, but it’s similar a several regards. They are both managed by BC Hydro, 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 Hayward Lake…
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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 Parking and Launching: Trail Pavilion, off Harris Road near the bridge Launching type: muddy/pebbly beach Difficulty – easy, calm river with slow current but variable wind conditions Boat traffic – no motor boats east of Harris Road bridge View – magnificent views of the snow peaks in Golden Ears and Pinecone Burke Provincial…
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Ladner Marsh and Harbour Paddle
Quick Facts Parking and Launching: Ferry Road Boat Launch Ladner Wharf Wellington Point Park Launching type: Ferry Road: dock and boat ramp Ladner Wharf: dock Wellington Point: boat ramp Difficulty – intermediate due to boat wakes and river current Boat traffic – many motor boats especially on a weekend afternoon View – muddy Fraser 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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Rolley Lake Camping
Rolley Lake Provincial Park features a sizable frontcountry campground close (but not immediately adjacent) to the small and paddler-friendly Rolley Lake, with luxurious amenities including hot shower, flush toilet, and a playground. We put this campground high on our to-visit list, and at the first sight of warmish weather this spring (14 degrees to 21…
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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…
Outdoor Family 