Up a Creek with a Paddle – Canoeing Widgeon Creek, Pitt Meadows

Looking for an outdoor adventure close to home? Interested in a day trip that combines paddling and a scenic hike to a waterfall? Widgeon Creek is the destination you have been looking for! Dial in your compass heading for Pitt Lake and set course for Widgeon Creek and the incomparable Widgeon Falls.

This family friendly and popular paddle is a must do for those wanting a wilderness experience close to home. The trek begins at the boat launch in Grant Narrows Regional Park on the southern end of Pitt Lake. A short paddle across Grant Narrows and voila – you find yourself at the mouth of Widgeon Creek. I fondly remember my first visit to the Widgeon Valley and slough. Within a few paddle strokes the sound of boat motors was behind me and I was marvelling at the natural beauty of the marshland, a unique waterfowl habitat and protected bird sanctuary. Snow-capped mountains seemed to welcome me and mark the way. I began to lose all sense of time as I meandered along the twisting and turning creek.

When the water levels are high you can easily paddle quite a distance up the creek towards the falls. On busy summer days it can be quite entertaining watching novice paddlers attempting to navigate their “ships” around the gravel beds and sandbars. The campsite, and start of the hike is a short paddle away. Pull up and begin your quest to Widgeon Falls. Happy hiking!

Getting There:

60 kilometres east of Vancouver in Pitt Meadows. Follow Highway 7 east of the Pitt River Bridge or west of the Golden Ears Bridge to Harris Road, where signs point north to Pitt Lake and Grant Narrows.

Canoe Rentals:

Rentals are available at the Grant Narrows boat launch.

Trail Updates:

Check the Pine Cone Burke Provincial Park website for updates on trail conditions. The old Widgeon Falls Trail is currently not recommended, but hikers can access Widgeon Falls via the old roadway.

Camping:

Interested in extending your stay? Tent pads, outhouses and a food cache are located at the Widgeon Creek Campsite. There are also four marine access campsites located on Pitt Lake. Remember to bring your own water and pack out your garbage. Be warned – check your tides! Pitt Lake is the second largest lake in the lower mainland and is also one of the world’s largest fresh water tidal lakes. There is nothing worse than crawling out of your tent in the morning to discover the tide has played havoc with your boat.

Bear Aware:

This adventure will take you to Bear Country. Be Bear Aware and remember a fed bear is a dead bear, so pack out all of your garbage.