Review: Casa Blanca by the Sea

August-September 2000

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Alan Wilson

Paddle from the front yard of Casa Blanca by the Sea, then return to the hot tub and a cosy bed

Casa Blanca by the Sea Gabriola is blessed by an abundance of Bed & Breakfast lodgings, from basic to luxurious, but none has the connection to paddling to be found at Casa Blanca by the Sea.

Located on False Narrows, near some of the best paddling in the Gulf Islands, Casa Blanca is run by Bill and Marilyn Beaubien who offer beachfront launching, a dozen kayaks (singles and doubles, and a canoe), a full private suite or single room, large hot tub on the sundeck, and a hearty breakfast-suitable for individuals, couples or groups, in both summer or winter.

Bill is a former IBM mainframe computer technician turned host and kayak guide. A member of the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC, Bill is also a volunteer firefighter, trained in first aid. He offers kayak rentals, instruction and guiding services to paddlers who want to explore the DeCourcy Chain.

Bill will pick you up at the plane or ferry, and he has a boat trailer if you're bringing your own kayaks. He also offers guided day paddles, sunset paddles and full moon paddles, and can advise on local routes and hazards.

Experienced paddlers can rent boats to explore the surrounding waters on their own, including the challenges of the dynamic currents in nearby Dodds Narrows or Gabriola Pass. Novices will be guided to the fascinating eroded sandstone cliffs of Link and DeCourcy, or to watch the sunset from the water. Instruction is also available.

For those looking to start or end a trip at Casa Blanca, it's well situated only a couple of hours paddle north of Blackberry Point campsite on Valdez Island. Bill can also arrange B&B tours for paddlers who might like to travel through the islands but still have a comfy bed every night.

Bill, like so many others, learned his kayaking from Peter Marcus of Gabriola Cycle & Kayak, and still guides for Peter's company when needed. With a lifetime of experience in the area, Bill is one of the best resources on the island.

Casa Blanca by the Sea: www.island.net/~casablan Email: casablan@island.netPh: 250-247-9824 Mail: PO Box 77, 1707 El Verano Drive, Gabriola, BC V0R 1X0.