As a port community, there's always something happening to make Port Moody's harbour waters a star attraction for boating excursions, kayaking and wildlife viewing.
The inlet is a good starting point to explore Indian Arm, a fjord that stretches 30km/18mi from Burrard Inlet north into the rugged Coast Mountain range. Scenery here includes pristine waterfalls, old growth forest and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for boaters and kayakers.
Swimmers and sunbathers love White Pine Beach at Sasamat Lake in Belcarra Regional Park and nearby Buntzen Lake. With little water movement and lots of sand, they're perfect for youngsters. Get there before 10am to secure a parking space though, because both places get crowded, fast. The overflow lots are a couple of kilometers away which can be a bit of a trek with toddlers, coolers and beach mats in tow.
Fishing
Fish for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden and Kokanee from the edge of Buntzen Lake or rent a canoe. Sasamat Lake is also a good trout fishing spot but it does not provide boat rentals.
Rocky Point Kayak
Operating out of Rocky Point Park from March through early October, here's where to rent canoes and kayaks for guided and self-guided tours. Short trips paddle around the inlet and include an historical narrative of Port Moody's shoreline as well as an up-close-and-personal encounter with the resident sea lions.
Expect to see wading blue herons, eagles and even osprey. Longer sojourns head up picturesque Indian Arm. The Plod & Paddle is a circuit that combines kayaking the inlet and jogging the shoreline; the Full Moon Paddle speaks for itself.
Paddleboarding
The protected waters are perfect for stand up paddleboards which is easy – and fun, to learn.
Indian Arm Recreational Services
Ride aboard a canopied, 12m/40ft 50-passenger, motorized vessel to explore the Port Moody inlet or jet the full fjordic stretch of Indian Arm, stopping at the spectacular Granite and Silver falls, the castle-like Buntzen Lake Power Stations and Belcarra Park on the way.
Boat Tours & Water Taxis
Full day tours also include a ride down Burrard Inlet into Vancouver's Inner Harbour and Stanley Park with a lunch stop at Deep Cove village. These folks also provide water taxi services for people, kayaks and more to places such as Twin Islands Marine Park, Granite Falls Campsite and Camp Jubilee.
Takaya Tours
With base camps in Belcarra Regional Park and North Vancouver, guided kayaking trips with Takaya Tours explore the legends, history and mythology of Indian Arm with a First Nations perspective. Participants have a choice of paddling a sea kayak or being part of a team in a replica of a Coast Salish ocean-going canoe.
Beachside BBQ
Learn about sacred rocky outcrops, identify indigenous healing plants and experience traditional songs and drumming. Some tours include rainforest walks and a beachside grilled salmon BBQ with bannock, an Aboriginal bread.
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