Kayaking at Dow's Lake

On Victoria Day, Jason and I decided to go kayaking on Dow's Lake! This idea was suggested to us by a friend so we decided to add it to our list :)

We arrived around 10:30am (the rentals open at 10am on Victoria Day) and the Dow's Lake parking was already full!!! We didn't expect this. We ended up getting street parking pretty close to the rental shack. It was still very busy around the lake. This is probably because it was a holiday and the tulip festival was still going on.

It was around 10:45am when we arrived to rent the kayak. It was not busy at the renal shack, there was only one family in front of us. They have plenty of paddle boats and kayaks to be rented so don't worry if you can't get there super early. It costed us $33 for one of to rent a two-person kayak. We were given life jackets and two paddles and we were off. The staff did ask if we knew what we were doing but we were a bit concerned because they didn't really instruct us at all. Also, we were not given the orange safety kit which includes rope, a whistle etc. which you are normally given when renting kayaks,

We had a great paddle around Dow's Lake! The weather was perfect. Here are some photos.

Once we came back, it was quite disorganized. The staff seemed confused and out of place since the start but the issue was that there are two lines - one to rent and one to pay ( you pay when you come back ). The lines were not well marked which caused lots of confusion. for customers and the staff Also, we weren't aware but they told us it was cash only. There might have just been an issue with their credit/debit machine but if you plan on renting, be sure to have cash just in case.

Other than that, we both had a really great time! If we go again, I'd like to try the paddle boats!

-Jason & Caitlyn