In this post, we were up at Cultus Lake for my partner’s family reunion. A full day’s worth of eating and festivities, surrounding quality time with family and loved ones…. And then there was me..
Seeing as we were already at the lake, we thought to indulge in a few water sports at the wildly, popular Cultus Lake Marina. We have visited a few years back, but this year they’ve added parasailing to their list of rentable water activities. I have always wanted to try parasailing, and today was that day!
The drive to is pretty speedy, although we left early enough to avoid a lot of the traffic from out-of-towners and locals trying to get their spot on the beach. Thankfully the marina has its own parking lot for their customers to use.
Renting from them is easy, prices are listed on the wall by equipment type and time of usage. You approach the office counter to sign contracts and initial waivers, plus provide payment. Recreational options include jet skiing, wakeboarding, speed, boat rentals, pontoon boat rentals, the Jetovator experience; and as I mentioned earlier, now parasailing.
After we signed in, we got geared up, equipped in our hip and waist harness, as well as life jackets. We were not left to our own devices as the experience includes the guidance of a boat manager, and captain, both of which come highly recommended with a no-accident record. As a precaution the Marina also completes weather checks for every flight, and have rescue vessels at the ready; all to ensures a most safe experience.
Here, we were able to talk to Steve, the owner of Cultus Lake Marina. Who spoke to his own experience parasailing, and putting his own children up in the air to build up our confidence before our turn, and it worked.
Our group of four was then lead down the boardwalk, to climb into the specialize boat at the end of the dock. Within the vessel, we were given safety instructions, including what would happen if our parachute were to detach or should we find ourselves landing in the water.
Then we were off. The captain brought us to the centre of the lake, and then two by two we were invited to climb up to the platform at the back of the boat, to get ourselves hooked in and prepared to take sail. Each duo was given a GoPro mounted helmet to wear, so that we would be able to document the entire experience from a bird’s eye view. Being able to do it ourselves, then see it being done to others, gives you the full experience.
We were up first. Secured in place, we were asked to be fully seated with bottoms and feet flat on the ground and knees up. With the speed of the boat, the wind catches the parachute and sweeps you up into the air. I was worried about being dragged off the platform, but it is more like levitation. You will never felt this light and dainty.
When it comes to getting comfortable, the trick is to seat yourself firmly on the harness, balancing as if you were seated on a chair. With your weight evenly distributed here, your hands are free to dangle and your legs free to kick. This is the best way to get an entire view of the lake, and its surroundings.
Between doing it for the sensation and doing it for the view, this experience is well worth travelling down to Cultus Lake for. Not to mention a safe activity for the family, and a great start to a full day of fun in the water and sun. My words and photos cannot do it justice, I just highly recommend you trying for yourself.
Seeing as we were already at the marina we decided to take on jet skiing as well. For every water vehicle you rent, there is a new waiver to sign. This experience comes with a license check and the inspection of the JetSki before you board. I recalled doing this a couple of years ago and was terrified, I held the same feeling today.
This fear stems from my first experience on a JetSki in Mexico, where I turned in too narrowly, and found myself flying off. Luckily, I had on a lifejacket and could swim, plus the JetSki did not capsize. So sadly, ever since I’ve held on to that same fear when riding on any JetSki.
However, the staff at Cultus Lake Marina were really supportive and encouraging. Early on in our rental hour, I tried coming back to the dock giving into my nerves. However, they sent me back to the water, stating that the lake was still and this is the best time to ski on it. Giving me the tip that the safest way to do this is if you speed up and go fast. The faster you are, the more stable the JetSki is. So I took on the challenge and floored it as much as I could. I ended up going my fastest at 41km/hr. The hiccup was I found myself instinctively turning the handles, beginning to turn, when hitting any wave face on, then releasing the handles and the gas out of fear. Thankfully with hands free the JetSki slows to a stop. Similarly, if I was to be hurled from the vehicle, a safety cord attached to my lifejacket and the JetSki would be pulled free thus cutting the engine.
After all my time put in to going back-and-forth across the lake, I can confidently say a bit of my fear has been reduced, but I think I would prefer being passenger than driving solo in the future.
When we’ve had our fill of water play, we came back to the dock, and with help from the Marina team, were guided to an easy park and stop. Just like how you push the green button start, you pushed the red one to stop.
Looking for some rest in the shade, we then proceeded to Cultus Lake Marina’s new and improved, renovated, covered patio. All decked out in wood (excuse the pun), the space includes an air conditioning unit so strong that it keeps the desired temperature in this arena, regardless of how scorching hot it gets on the dock.
Here you are able to order and enjoy their concession-style food options at Props. But can also rent the space for weddings, private events, work meetings, and basically any smaller scale gathering. The owner even let slip that a popular concert band would be performing here in the near future.
Your food options are best described as homestyle, backyard barbeque favorites, but elevated. Comfort eats like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts. All of which is prepared by Steve’s wife, Hailey, making this very much so a family affair. In fact they live on the dock, in their home, adjacent to the marina office.
Their restaurant sees zero waste and no additional cost, after expanding from more than just drinks and ice cream the year before. They plan to continue to grow this aspect of their business with more burger options, a breakfast menu, and juices and smoothies.
They will also be making their food available through delivery apps, for the local community. As well as opening a dock drive through. Where lake neighbours can either call ahead and drive down to pick up, or dock their boats for a quick meal on shore. A clever idea, and the first I have heard of.
Currently on the menu and the one to get is the Maui-Waui, a Boneless Maui rib steak sandwich on a bun. Like with all their ingredients, everything is sourced locally, working with artisan bakers for the buns, and local farms for the meat and vegetables.
I was impressed by how much sliced beef there was folded into the sandwich. Topped with the sweetness of a juicy pineapple ring and the pepperiness of red onions. Saucy mouthfuls with a quality bun at its base.
By comparison, the Boneless chicken thigh on a bun was simple and comforting. Your choice of chicken in teriyaki, spicy BBQ, or tandoori. We got the latter, and found it hardly spicy. Just a thick piece of chicken grilled over the barbecue for crispy edges and a nice char, then topped with a thick slice of cheese.
I suggest making all of your burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs a combo with one of their salad sides. In truth I liked them more than the mains, having them to nibble on as a change of texture and taste.
The Greek salad was bright and refreshing with sweet peppers, cucumber, and feta.
The macaroni salad was heavy with cream, and nice for added moisture.
And the surprise hit was the broccoli salad, a refreshing mix of florets, red grapes, and shredded cheese.
And for dessert we had the Frozen mocha cake. Chocolate cream with crushed Oreos in a cup, frozen for a gritty texture to spoon through. I appreciated that it wasn’t too sweet, but icy instead.
And they also make a classic New York style cheese cake, made using a 100 year old family recipe. Dressed in either a strawberry or blueberry syrupy topping. I liked how all desserts were made in cups for easy eating and transport.
Overall, a very loving meal at a great price, bringing nostalgic childhood memories through each bite. And at a great price, when compared to other beach side concession options of prepared from frozen bulk patties, hotdogs, and fries.
But if that isn’t enough you can also get 20% off by being a member. Cultus Lake Marina offers this members discount to anyone who purchases any of their branded merchandise. You don’t need to wear it to get the discount, they just make a note of your purchase and eligibility so that you get 20% off all food and equipment rentals.
In short, with their new cafe option, Cultus Marina has made themselves a great one stop shop for a fun filled, full day at the lake. All the water sports you can play with, and food to snack on when you get hungry. We didn’t get a chance to go on their boats, but if you are looking for a family option they have a pontoon that seats 16 people and it includes a built-in barbecue for use.
Cultus Lake Marina
50 Sunnyside Blvd, Cultus Lake, BC V2R 4Z5
(604) 858-9990
cultuslakemarina.com
