I had an opportunity to get out sea kayaking this summer in Mahone Bay. We took a couple days and did an overnighter on one of the many great islands in the bay, Bella Island.

I couldn’t remember the last time I was out kayaking, thinking it had to be at least 5+ years. I must admit that the workout I got from kayaking was one I hadn’t experienced in quite some time.

We left in the early morning after renting a kayak from East Coast Outfitters, a kayaking company based in Halifax and Mahone Bay. We made a pit stop for lunch and a swim before continuing to Bella. The paddle out took around four hours. Once on Bella, we fought with the mosquitoes to pitch our tent and enjoyed the rest of the beautiful day on the beach. Many boaters came and went as it seemed to be a popular spot for an afternoon and evening dip. After the sun went down we decided to paddle out to a neighbouring island – that in hindsight with the weather might not have been the best idea. The paddle out took us about 40 minutes with a strong head wind, and when we arrived there soaking wet, we decided to quickly head back. Luckily the paddle back only took about 15.

That night, we were forced to surrender our fire pit to the mosquitoes as they forced us into our tent early. On a side note, I did grow up in the country and have become somewhat used to the disturbing amounts of black flies and mosquitoes we can get in the late spring and early summer, but this was like nothing I’ve experienced before.

Our trip finished early as we left the island after we managed to pack the kayaks up. We took a different route home through Indian point, stopping once for breakfast.

The trip was a lot of fun, and if anyone was thinking of getting in some sea kayaking before the end of the summer, I would recommend checking out East Coast Outfitters for some great kayak rentals, lessons and more.