February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Kayaking & Canoeing
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I always tell visitors to head to Deep Cove. A quick 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver to Deep Cove gets you into a small treasure trove of coastal life. Deep Cove is a small waterfront community in North Vancouver on Indian Arm, a remote-like fjord off Burrard Inlet.
Things to do include licking ice-cream, hiking the Baden-Powell trail, throwing the frisbee or tossing the hacky-sack in Cates Park, sitting on the wharf, and going on a treasure hunt in the many local shops.
But the Great Find of Deep Cove is the kayaking. I rent a kayak from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and head out to explore the area on my own. I love paddling past the architecturally inspiring waterfront homes on my way to Raccoon Island, where I stop for a picnic lunch or dinner and a bit of exploring... and sometimes skinny dipping (as long as no one is around, which is usually the case).
While I haven't done it, you can continue down Indian Arm and turn an evening paddle into an overnight adventure. Perhaps this summer.