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Enjoy the water by boat in the Tri-Cities
Friday, June 19th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
By Sarah Payne
The Tri-City News
Looking for a fun way to cool off in the dog days of summer? Checking out the Tri-Cities’ beautiful natural surroundings from the water is a great way to spend time with friends and family, whether it’s paddling a lake in the middle of the city or hoisting the sails to explore Burrard Inlet and beyond.
All you need is some sunscreen, a picnic, a sense of adventure – and this guide to help you navigate the many ways you can boat or float in Tri-City waters.
READY, SET, LAUNCH
There are several spots throughout the Tri-Cities where boaters can get their craft from the car to the water – it just depends on where you’d like to go, what you’d like to see and see and how you’d like to do it.
In Port Moody boaters of all kinds can launch at the Rocky Point Park docks.
From that point there’s plenty to see in the inlet and beyond, from herds of seals sunning themselves on the log boom near Pacific Coast Terminals to bird nests of all kinds closer to the PoMo shores.
For those with a larger craft, boat trailer parking is available at the launch lot, along Esplanade Street and at the West Coast Express station in the spaces west of Hugh Street (evenings and weekends only). Fees for launching and parking are $18 (daily) or $133 (annual residents’ pass; non-residents pay $234). Go to www.cityofportmoody.com (click on “Parks) for further information.
Don’t have your own watercraft? No problem. Kayak and canoe rentals, as well as tours, lessons and camps, are available at Rocky Point Kayak. Check www.rockypointkayak.com or call 604-619-2837 for prices and details.
Head a little further north and check out the hidden beaches of Indian Arm, reachable only by boat. Places like Boulder and Jug Islands are just a short distance away and, for the more determined paddlers, there are the Twin Islands, which also offers camping.
For rentals check out Takaya Tours in Belcarra Regional Park. This first nations business is run by the Tsleil-Waututh, known as the “people of the inlet.” In addition to canoe and kayak rentals Takaya also offers tours that incorporate the band’s songs and stories, as well as a motorized eco-cultural exploration to see pictographs, islands and waterfalls.
Belcarra’s launch is for car-top carry-in boats at high tide (no power boat launching). Visit www.takayatours.com, or call 604-936-0236 for more information.
Another option in Belcarra Regional Park is the Sasamat Outdoor Centre on the shores of Sasamat Lake. The whole family can enjoy a camping and canoeing getaway – without the hassles of a long drive – at this scenic spot. There are loads of courses and camping options here, and instructors can also tailor a session for your needs.
The launch is open to car-top carry-ins (non-motorized craft only). Check www.sasamat.org or call 604-939-2268 for details.
Buntzen Lake, located in the Village of Anmore, sits between the mountains of the Buntzen and Eagle ridges and offers fantastic scenery.
Paddle straight up the lake to North Beach and spot the entrance to the 4.5-kilometre tunnel that connects Buntzen with the slightly higher Coquitlam Lake to the east. The tunnel was built at the turn of the century underneath Eagle Ridge; BC Hydro uses water from Coquitalm to raise or lower the level at Buntzen, which then drains 400 feet down into the Buntzen powerhouses on Indian Arm.
Bring a lunch in the boat, and hop out at North Beach. Trek over the suspension bridge to the trail that surrounds the lake and discover your own sunny picnic spot.
Like fishing? Buntzen Lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout from the Abbotsford fish hatchery, so don’t forget the rod and reel.
The launch is open to canoes, kayaks and small battery-powered motorboats. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the Anmore store on Sunnyside Road, just before the entrance to the park. Reservations, and an early arrival, are recommended. Call 604-469-9928.
If a river cruise is more your speed, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam are your best bets.
In PoCo, boats can be launched at the eastern end of Lincoln Avenue, where the DeBoville Slough runs into the Pitt River, and at the base of the Pitt River Bridge. Go west to Coquitlam for a trip on the mighty Fraser River; start from the Maquabeak Park boat launch ($6.95), located just under the Port Mann Bridge off of Burbidge Street.
Maquabeak, which is popular with the sea-doo set, offers several spots to fish or just take a walk down the beach. Quieter options include launching at the mouth of Pitt Lake and heading up Widgeon Creek or, a little further up the valley, to Pinecone-Burke Provincial Park. Keep your eyes open for wildlife in this area. Goose Island, at the mouth of DeBoville Slough, attracts groups for barbecues on the large sandy beach.
For more info on the Maquabeak launch call 604-933-6000; call 604-942-7371 to reach the Pitt River Boat Club.
LESSONS AND CLUBS
Learn all about things like halyards, jibing, mainsheets and rigging – and how they turn a boat into a swift sailing machine – with the Rocky Point Sailing Association.
The group has a variety of lessons and programs for all ages, abilities and interests, but be prepared to commit some time to this sport; it’s a steeper learning curve than other boating options, but sailing enthusiasts promise it’s well worth the effort.
The RPSA has summer camps for youth working towards a Canadian Yachting Association certification, and adults can also look into private lessons. Visit www.rpsa.ca for program and membership details.
Members in the Port Moody Canoe and Kayak Club (like the sailing association, it’s based in the Old Mill Boathouse) have access to a couple dozen canoes and kayaks, but you’ll need your own paddles and life jackets.
The club is open to all ages and abilities, and offers guided monthly outings in spring, summer and fall. See www.pmck.org for more information.
The Barnet Sailing Cooperative offers members a fleet of Catalina 27s and a 22-foot O’Day, as well as social events and cruises throughout B.C.’s coastline and in sun-filled destinations around the world.
Members are experienced sailors, and contribute boat maintenance or other skills in exchange for boat usage. Visit www.barnetsailing.bc.ca for more on this group.
PLAY SAFE
Every year millions of Canadians hit the water, but for more than 200 people it’s not a return trip.
Under federal law all operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes in Canada must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
The final deadline to get the card is Sept. 15 but boaters with a craft under four metres (13.1 feet), a sea-doo or jet ski and those aged 16 or under must have one immediately. There is no grandfather clause.
Boaters can take the exam online at www.boaterexam.com, where there are links to online study guides and options for classroom learning.
Looking for more information on boating safety and courses on things like marine radios? Check out the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron site at www.cps-epc.ca.