This has been my best summer yet in Vancouver. I feel bad because it is very unfortunate that the drought resulted in so many forest fires, but it also allowed for an increase in outdoor activities. This weekend felt like a final goodbye to days spent in the sunshine. Especially because the weather forecast calls for rain all week. A friend of mine told me about Widgeon Falls. It is located in Maple ridge. It took me about 45 minutes to drive there from Vancouver.
This trip was the perfect way to conclude summer. I rented a canoe and paddled up the creek to a hiking trail to get to the falls. It took us roughly five hours. It is weird to think that this is just a short drive from Vancouver. It really does feel like you are in the middle of no where. It is a very tranquil spot and the setting is so beautiful.
A few things I had to find out the hard way:
- Try to get to the base of the lake early, because the canoes go quickly. I called ahead before to make sure there were still canoes available.
- I would also recommend going in a group of four. It is fine going as a twosome, it is just more work to paddle.
- To rent a canoe, it is cash only and the closest cash machine is about 15 minutes away at the golf course.
- Leave early because it is a tidal lake. On the way back around 1:00 PM, we got beached quite a few times.
- Pack running shoes for the hike and water shoes for canoeing
- Pack a lunch or snacks. When we got to the area where the waterfall is, there is still a 2.5 KM hike. It was nice to sit down and have a snack before continuing our journey.
It is hard to ease the pain of saying goodbye to summer, but I am ready for the changing of the seasons. September to me has always represented new beginnings, and a new routine. I am ready for sweater weather and falling leaves. Glad I got to experience this wonderful place before the rain came rolling in.
