River Tubing

Since it was too late yesterday, we want to catch up on the river tubing today. River tubing is a very popular recreational activity in Canada

Wikipedia says: Tubing, also known as inner tubing, bumper tubing, towed tubing, biscuiting (in New Zealand), or kite tubing, is a recreational activity where an individual rides on top of an inner tube, either on water, snow, or through the air. The tubes themselves are also known as "donuts" or "biscuits" due to their shape.

We should see the donuts on the rivers a few more times during the trip. Of course, we wanted to treat ourselves to the fun.

Since we had no idea about the opening hours, we drove directly after getting up and coffee to "Lake Cowichan River Tubing". Of course, there was still time for a few pictures.

Pilz Natur

Stefanie beim Tubing Cowichan River We were lucky and were able to start directly (according to posted opening hours we would have had to wait another half an hour). Although we opt for the faster and actually more expensive tube version with a double paddle (the normal tubes needed 3-4 hours for the trip), we only had to pay the simple tariff.

It was really wonderful at this early hour. We had the river completely to ourselves, had some talks with locals and drifted or paddled down the river.
The water was relatively warm, even if a load of water in the back seemed quite fresh.. The river was not deep. At small rapids we had rather the problem that we ran aground and had to push on with our hands.
To the right and left of the Cowichan River, the owners of the properties had built small (or larger) footbridges, and the water toys piled up - including some slides directly into the cold water. Life here had to be great. River Tubing

Meanwhile, I was very happy that it had not worked out the day before. It was really crowded on the river and the sun would have shone mercilessly on our brains.

River Tubing Tubing Shuttle-Bus

In fact, we arrived at the exit point before the first bus shuttle. But we didn't have to wait long.
Funny note on the side: Really a lot of signs pointed out, that this was the exit and the next public exit would not be reached for the next 8 more hours.

When we had a small belated breakfast (hamburger) in the restaurant above the Tubing Shack, we were able to convince ourselves of the enthusiasm of the Canadians for the sport. All sorts of inflatable equipment were let into the water here. Sometimes the individual tubes were tied together, so that they floated together on the water, and many had coolers for "the journey" with them. You could also just book the shuttle and use your own tubes.

Hund am Steuer It only took us an hour to get to Nanaimo. Since we could not find a parking space near the ferry port to explore the city a bit, we immediately lined up and defined the next hour as time to rest and enjoy some coffee.
Many other strange drivers lined up next to us.

windig The crossing was a lot windier than the outward journey and it was cloudy. It takes 1.5 hours and again no whales could be seen.

Today's campground was directly opposite Shannon Falls, which of course we visited directly.

The last site on the Porteau Cove campground recommended by a friend was "booked away" under my nose. But when I noticed that the now chosen campground Klahanie Campground was only 10km away from Squamish, I was happy again.

Well, now everyone is wondering, what's so interesting about Squamish? Well, I'll tell you: Jake's Bar from Virgin River is located there! Yes, I confess, I also watch such schmaltzy series... (besides Fantasy, Thriller, Horror... )
Jake's Bar is actually called "The Watersheds Grill" and is supposed to have really good food. That was the plan. But how could it be otherwise? Filming took place that day and we didn't even have the chance to park on the side of the street to risk a little look . Immediately we were chased.