fischersd
Meh
- Joined
- May 24, 2021
- Posts
- 2,550
@DT was mentioning getting out on more lakes - so thought it only appropriate to kick off a thread providing some feedback on the best places to go paddling or boating. 
My experiences here in BC:
- Squamish (think it was Brohm Lake) - first time I went paddleboarding - a friend and I rented a couple of paddle boards and we were hooked. We both bought paddle boards after that and went out about a dozen times that summer.
- Sasamat and Buntzen are super-close to Vancouver - as such they are INSANELY busy during the summer - to control occupancy Sasamat has paid parking and Buntzen has a daily pass (they go on sale the day before at 7am - be FAST with your mouse if you want to get one!). Sasamat has a concession stand with hot food and two beaches. Buntzen is much larger and more majestic. No motor boats, but on Buntzen small trolling motors are allowed.
- The Indian Arm is an inlet (salt water) - it's very long (22km from Deep Cove Kayak Club to the tip). You can camp at Granite Falls at the end. Careful though - people have died falling from those falls - if you're adventurous enough to climb them! As it's an inlet of the ocean, there's a fair amount of personal watercraft traversing the waterway.
- Alouette is breathtaking in its majestic views. Truly massive lake. There are lots of campgrounds around if you want to make a night or weekend of it. Can spend all day on the water here. Motor boats are allowed.
- Whytecliff I will never do again. The wakes are absolutely insane because of all of the ferries. It makes the waves highly unpredictable. If you want a challenge, have at it.
The Indian Arm trek:
Alouette:
My experiences here in BC:
- Squamish (think it was Brohm Lake) - first time I went paddleboarding - a friend and I rented a couple of paddle boards and we were hooked.
We both bought paddle boards after that and went out about a dozen times that summer. - Sasamat and Buntzen are super-close to Vancouver - as such they are INSANELY busy during the summer - to control occupancy Sasamat has paid parking and Buntzen has a daily pass (they go on sale the day before at 7am - be FAST with your mouse if you want to get one!). Sasamat has a concession stand with hot food and two beaches. Buntzen is much larger and more majestic. No motor boats, but on Buntzen small trolling motors are allowed.
- The Indian Arm is an inlet (salt water) - it's very long (22km from Deep Cove Kayak Club to the tip). You can camp at Granite Falls at the end. Careful though - people have died falling from those falls - if you're adventurous enough to climb them! As it's an inlet of the ocean, there's a fair amount of personal watercraft traversing the waterway.
- Alouette is breathtaking in its majestic views. Truly massive lake. There are lots of campgrounds around if you want to make a night or weekend of it. Can spend all day on the water here. Motor boats are allowed.
- Whytecliff I will never do again. The wakes are absolutely insane because of all of the ferries. It makes the waves highly unpredictable. If you want a challenge, have at it.
The Indian Arm trek:
Alouette: