Deep Cove is one of my favourite little nooks in Vancouver. Located in North Vancouver, about a 30 minute drive from the downtown core, at the foot of Mount Seymour, is this small community. Well known by locals for its great outdoor activities, delicious food (more about that later), and beautiful views, Deep Cove is a great place to escape the city within the city.
Note: Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I would not recommend something if I did not enjoy it. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
For a friend’s birthday, we hit the waters of Deep Cove and the Indian arm, a branch of the Burrard Inlet which leads to the Port of Vancouver. I’ve kayaked plenty of times and when my friend asked if I would be interested in trying out a surf ski, I was eager to do something different.
Surf skis are lighter and thinner than its kayak counterpart. Instead of having the boat cover your legs, your legs are out in the open and your ankle gets strapped onto boat. Your foot sits on pedals which control which way your boat turns. The upper part is open which means you can potentially quite wet. Even more so if you have splashing contests with your kayaking buddies.
We rented our kayaks from Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak which is located right on the water in Deep Cove. The staff got us suited up in PFDs and got us into our rentals. For the first time in years it seems like, I was told what to do in case I capsize, and what to do with the ankle brace I was now sporting that attached me to the surf ski. They also showed us how to get water out of the surf ski – something I’ve never been too concerned about before. Knowing how much lighter the surf ski was and given the pretrip chat, I was definitely worried about the possibility of capsizing!
Me in my surf ski
At first it was confusing using the rudder to figure out which way to turn. Especially when you have to back up in front of everyone to get out of the beach area.
As I got the hang of it (going the right direction of course), it was a lot easier. The surf ski glided smoothly in the water. It responded instantly to any pressure I put on the pedals making it much easier to navigate compared to a kayak. It was rocker though. If I turned my head a little too far or my weight wasn’t quite centred, the surf ski would tilt. I don’t know how much it would take to capsize it, but I definitely wasn’t about to find out! I tried to minimize movement of my body as much as possible so there was no risk of me taking a cold swim.
It was a gloriously beautiful day for a paddle in the water. The sun was out, it was warm, but not hot. The skies were clear and the water cool. Perfection. The Indian Arm is beautiful. The waters are calm, save for the boats that run up and down the inlet.
The staff who gave us our orientation had warned us of a strong northward wind and told us to head south first so that we’d have the wind to our back on the way home. We came out of the cove and turned south. We spotted a tiny island, which I later learned is called Boulder Island, and headed there.
The island we were headed towards.
All too soon, it was time to head back towards the cove. One way, the distance between Boulder Island and Deep Cove is about 2.5 km. Not bad for a morning paddle! Other than the occasional splash I was dry and didn’t take any unintentional dunks into the water. Success!
Would I use a surf ski again? Yes definitely! I have such poor upper arm strength and the lighter surf ski meant I could keep on going with relative ease. I was sore the next day, but definitely not as much as I would have been if I had a regular kayak.
After all that hard work propelling yourself around in the water the best way to reward yourself is with a delicious doughnut from Honey Doughnuts & Goodies. Of course I had to do it after all that effort!
Doesn’t look like much but it’s heaven in a doughnut – original honey on the left and maple on the right.
Faced with choosing between the original honey doughnut, a chocolate doughnut and a maple doughnut, I opted for the classic. Why try to mess with something that is so good. This doughnut is like no other doughnut. It’s not airy or cake-like. It’s significantly denser. Slightly sweet from the honey, but oh so satisfying. Their sandwiches ain’t bad either if you’re looking for actual food. I picked up their corned beef sandwich which hit the spot.
Ahh, I can almost convince myself I’m on vacation!
Deep Cove is small and quaint, but when I’m there, I feel like I’m on vacation. Yes, it’s so close to Vancouver, but it’s a community all to its own. There are plenty of other outdoor activities and hikes in the area. Walking up Quarry Rock for a view of all of Deep Cove is a popular activity as well, and one I’ve yet to do. I’m already looking forward to the doughnut I’ll get at the end of that hike.
Do you like kayaking? Have you tried a surf ski?
Good to Know
Go early especially on a weekend. Our appointment was booked for 10:30 and we arrived in the area shortly after 10. We went around and around looking for parking and there was none to be found. We eventually found a 2 hour parking spot which isn’t ideal. My friend spent the whole time on the water worried about her car and whether or not she would get a ticket. We moved her care in the afternoon to an all day spot which was much better.
Keep your valuables in the car. There are no lockers in the area. You can leave car keys and wallets with the staff behind the desk, but if you don’t have to, you probably shouldn’t.
Rentals are really affordable. I rented the surf ski which was $30 for a 2 hour rental. A single kayak or canoe is $39, $50 for a double kayak and $30 for a paddle board all for 2 hours. You can also add extra hours or rent for a day or two. A rental includes the boat, paddle, PFD, whistle, spray pump and a 15 m heaving line.
If you’re new to Pack Me To, welcome! Stay on top of my adventures on Facebook and follow me on Twitter & Instagram.
Amazing! I would love to try surf skis, I have only tried kayaking once and it was dreadful, because I had no strength in my arms. Maybe the surf skis would help? Also, I’m dying to have one of the doughnuts, or maybe one of each flavour?
Yes! The surf ski would definitely help. It’s so light and you don’t get as tired.
It looks great! I haven’t been to Vancouver yet but it’s definitely on my list. Luckily I have a couch surfing gig set up for when I do go. Well, knowing my friend in Vancouver, it will probably be a king size bed, but we won’t go into that much detail 🙂
A big thanks to Frank for hosting the previous ST parties. Hope he’ll still be linking up. 🙂
Awesome! Good you already have accommodation options. Vancouver can be pricy! I hope you get to visit soon.
You had me at maple doughnut. I dream of Vancouver. Living in Florida is like living in another country sometimes ha! I’m averaging 12 trips a year, one can’t complain. I’ve book marked this for when I finally get there!
Florida is so far away it might as well be on the other side of the world. The maple doughnut is calling your name 🙂
…I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again–Vancouver looks like a truly magnificent region, and I would love to visit someday!!…
Glad you enjoyed yourself, :-)!!…
Thanks Betty! Hope you get to visit one day!
So I’m a pretty big fan of kayaking, but an even bigger fan of doughnuts… that honey doughnut looks amazing!! 🙂
Sounds like the perfect day for you then. The honey doughnut is so worth it after being on the water!
OMG, I want one of those donuts, especially the glazed on the right. Do they pack well? 😉
BTW, I like the new #SundayTraveler badge
Awesome! Love that you like the badge 🙂 The doughnuts are best eating fresh. When you leave it for a couple hours they get soggy and then all the oil seeps out. It gets gross and then you wonder why you even ate it in the first place. Something you don’t want to be wondering because it’s too good!
I’ve gone kayaking but never with these lighter boats, I hate capsizing so think I’ll stick to the heavier boats! Donuts are ALWAYS a great reward!
Sad to see Frank leave as a host but welcome to Christa. BTW, I keep the badge on my sidebar, I don’t include badges in my posts as I don’t write specific ones for any of the linkup, hope this is OK. Look forward to the updated badge codes!
I have thankfully never capsized while kayaking. I think I would really freak out. It’s definitely a worry of mine every time I get in a boat.
I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver. The landscapes alone must be worth a visit and kayaking in those surroundings sounds just awesome!
Vancouver is gorgeous. From beaches to mountains and at a good temperature (at least during the summer). If only it would stop raining so much…
Oh my god, Adelina – I almost bit into my computer screen when I saw that shot of the donuts! Definitely the perfect reward after a workout on the water. And yet another couple of reasons to visit Vancouver soon.
I can assure you they were scrumptious. I think they tasted even better because of all that paddling!
If I had a donut like that to look forward to, I think I would pretty much kayak anything! Sounds like a great day! 🙂
The donuts are definitely worth the effort I think! I’m like you – I also don’t mess with the classics! After I’ve tried it a few times, sure, but until then I’ll trust the original 🙂 OH, and the kayaking looks good too. I got a little carried away talking about food haha!
Food is what unites us all! Mmm yummy in my tummy 🙂
Looks like a great place for adventure! Bron
I love kayaking. It is always so peaceful and calming. Parking is a bane everywhere; good tip.
Aaaand, now I want a donut. Haha. I love Vancouver & I love kayaking, so I will definitely check this out next time I make it up your way! 🙂
Interesting! I’ve never even heard of surf skis, but I’m up for trying anything on the water (except for actual surfing, lol)! That looks so fun. It’s the perfect way to spend a day. The honey doughnut actually looks really good, even though I don’t like donuts at all… I know, it’s strange!
What! No doughnuts? I don’t know if we can be friends 😛 Actually I don’t really like most doughnuts either. I’ll have a bite or two and it’s too sweet or oily. This one is good though – it’s oily, but not very sweet which I really enjoy.
Lucky the doughnuts were reward enough for the fear of capsizing 🙂
Pretty sure I would tip that thing over within five minutes! Beautiful views though for being so close to downtown Vancouver. Ahhh Canada…
Looks like you had a really fun day!
And oh my goodness, a maple doughnut! I.WANT.THAT
Also, I love the new badge!
I might have to go kayaking when we go to Vancouver. We’ll be there in three weeks.
Make sure you do! The views from the water are so worth it. If you want to see the city, there are places on Granville island that rent out kayaks.
Those doughnuts looks awesome Adelina!
We love kayaking, it’s a big deal here in the interior too. This looks like a great place for a paddle
Thanks for hosting 🙂
I went kayaking around Lake Okanagan last year which was a lot of fun. It was a lot hotter so the cool water was so refreshing. A lot calmer too than the water here.
I’ve only been kayaking a few times, and this is the first I’ve heard of surf skis. I think I would like that it’s easy to guide, but the precarious tilting and threat of capsizing would definitely have me worried, too. You’re so lucky to have a place like Deep Cove so close to where you live. It definitely makes a Staycation much more appealing. I like the new badge. A big welcome to Fairytale Traveler.
Before this most recent kayaking trip I had never heard of surf skis either. It was quite fun after awhile and I liked going faster 🙂
Great day, great time of year, and a great time for any kind of boating in Burrard Inlet! 🙂 You know, Adelina, I’m waiting for you to say a few words about the glacial origins to Indian Arm, and how Howe Sound isn’t a sound, but a fjord. 😉
Hmm, next time next time 🙂 Maybe I’ll put together a things you didn’t know about Vancouver post!
Those donuts looks AMAZING!! I’ve only been to Vancouver as a child, passing through on our way to a family cruise vacation to Alaska. I’ve been hearing so much about it lately though. Need to get back up there and explore more!
Yes! Come back to Vancouver 🙂 Lots to see and do.
I love kayaking so I would really like to try this! I’ve actually never heard of it before but it looks really fun. And you get a yummy donut at the end, that’s a plus! 🙂
Yes! It’s a great reward (but I don’t think they’re vegan though 🙁 ) The kayaking is a lot of fun.
Wow what a beautiful place. Canada is on our list and for sure this is a great day – and of course the donuts wow – I can for sure bribe the kids and hubby with those! thank you for sharing!
Thanks Stacey! The doughnuts make the perfect bribe. Even for myself!