With its spectacular natural scenery, diverse landscape and wealth of green spaces, Surrey is a haven for outdoor adventurers. A fun way to stay active while maintaining social distance is to take to one of the City’s many waterways. No matter how you decide to spend your time on the water in Surrey, whether it be by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, you’re guaranteed an amazing experience and a boatload of beautiful memories.
Surrey’s Blueways Master Plan encourages non-motorized recreational boating on waterways, to facilitate family enjoyment and public education in a way that supports the fish, wildlife and agricultural communities.
The two routes best suited for beginners, or those who just want to go for a leisurely float, are:
NICOMEKL RIVER FLOATING NATURE TRAIL
Scenic and tranquil, the Nicomekl River Floating Nature Trail, is perfect for all paddling abilities. The river takes you past farmers fields, waterfront homes, mountain viewscapes, Historic Stewart Farm and past the birding area of Blackie Spit and Crescent Beach. A popular launch spot is Ward’s Marina in Elgin Heritage Park, and highlights include navigating past the moored yachts and under the Burlington North Santa Fe railway wooden trestle bridge. If you time it right, you may find yourself paddling under the Amtrak train as it rolls overhead.
THE SERPENTINE PADDLING CIRCUIT
The Serpentine Paddling Circuit is a loop located in the central Serpentine Valley, and was developed with the novice or exercise-oriented paddler in mind. The loop will take 2 – 3 hours depending on your pace and as the route is entirely enclosed between drainage dykes, paddlers are placed in a quiet and still-water area, where the city feels like it is a million miles away, when in reality it’s just minutes away!