In Indian Arm, recreational opportunities are endless. On any given day people can be found boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, SCUBA diving and recreational fishing.
For kayakers and canoeists, the Arm is a popular area because of its relatively calm waters. While the steep cliffs around the arm are beautiful, there are only a handful of landing places for kayakers to stop, stretch their legs and explore the wilderness.
Of the few accessible waterfront beaches most are privately owned, presenting yet another problem for travellers; trespassing charges. The only existing public rest areas are either at the far end or close to the mouth of the Arm.
TLC, The Land Conservancy of B.C., has come up with a solution to the problem of inaccessibility all the way up Indian Arm for weary paddlers… buy the last remaining private oceanfront property left in Indian Arm.
TLC is working to purchase and protect a 130-acre waterfront property in Indian Arm known as Thwaytes Landing. Situated halfway into the Arm on the west side, Thwaytes Landing is wedged between two provincial parks, Indian Arm and Mount Seymour, providing the only access by water to these two parks.
One quarter of Thwaytes Landing waterfront is an accessible rocky beach, perfect for landing with canoes and kayaks. The remainder of the property is made up of spectacular cliffs, moss-covered outcrops, mature coniferous forest, three year-round streams, and beautiful waterfalls.
Not only are these spectacular features found on the property, but also hikers can experience them firsthand through the network of trails found at Thwaytes Landing. Four unique trails exist on the property, most of which start at the old home of Captain Thwaytes, built in 1927. Caroline’s View is short and sweet; Greg’s Lane takes hikers to a beautiful waterfall; Paula’s Way ends at a viewpoint atop the property offering spectacular views; and Mearnie’s Trail meanders through the forest around an old Bear Hollow ending at yet another breathtaking viewpoint.
The threat of losing Thwaytes Landing to a private developer was a strong possibility. However a partnership between the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), District of North Vancouver, the Pacific Parklands Foundation (PPF) and TLC has put a stop to that. Because of this partnership, $1 million of the $1.5 million purchase price has been raised. However, TLC and the PPF must raise the remaining $500,000 over the next two years. Please join us to make this wonderful waterfront site a regional park for paddlers of all ages to enjoy.
To make a tax-deductible donation to protect Thwaytes Landing, please send it to The Land Conservancy of BC, 2150 Maple Street, Vancouver, B.C. For more information about Thwaytes Landing, call TLC’s Vancouver office at 604-733-2313 or visit their website at www.conservancy.bc.ca .
