Daybreak in the wilderness and a canoe: a magical combo!

 The time I went canoeing at daybreak at the Virelles Aquascope

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Teddy Verneuil

Member for 4 years 6 months

Explorer of new horizons

Outdoor activities and photographer

Sitting in our canoe, caught between shadow and light, we enjoy a feeling of sheer awe…

THE TiME I WENT CANOEING AT DAYBREAK AT THE VIRELLES Aquascope 

                     

4 minutes of pure wonder

Up with the larks

I’ve always considered canoeing as a source of wellbeing and relaxation and a great way to get away from it all. But an early morning canoe trip, in the soft glow of the rising sun, really is something special, a truly unique experience! We enjoyed this early bird (pun intended) adventure in the Virelles Aquascope, an essential destination for nature lovers and bird watchers as it is home to more than 70 different bird species. Moreover, the Virelles Aquascope offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy what they call a “Wild Dawn”. This lovely activity is aptly named; because if you want to take part in this  unique adventure, you'll have to get up early…I mean, really very early…

 

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Setting off on the lake at twilight - T. Verneuil

We got up at the crack of dawn...but it was definitely worth it!

Gently setting up for the day

Our alarm clock goes off at 5 in the morning, and it is time to set off and enjoy an experience that will deliver its fair share of delightful surprises.  We are expected at the Aquascope, so our party of five heads for the small footbridge over the lake where we discover a Rabaska, an enormous canoe for 11, that is very stable, safe and also very congenial. Even though it is early, the staff is very welcoming, and manages to get us in the right frame of mind to really enjoy this experience in the heart of nature. It’s still dark, and we can hardly distinguish the expanse of the lake we are about to explore. The blue hour (that special time of day when the sun takes on a unique blue light) brings a unique and beautiful atmosphere to the lake.

 

Gently waking up the water

 

No need to over-exert yourself to move the canoe forward, anyway it’s not a race! We take our time, paddling gently along, listening to the relaxing sounds of nature and getting our fill of fresh air. The lake is still cloaked in semi-darkness, so we let our instructor guide us on the placid and tranquil lake. We enjoy a magical and enchanting moment and the silence is only broken by the sound of our paddles hitting the water surface. The place exudes an unusual and surprising atmosphere, perfect for fully enjoying a moment of peace surrounded by lush nature.

The Rabaska, an Algonquian canoe - T. Verneuil

Watching the sun rise above the lake is a rare privilege

Time flies by and the blue hour gently makes way for the warm colours of the sun slowly rising above the lake. Everything warms up and to our delight we realize how idyllic the setting really is: a gorgeous shimmering lake lined by lush vegetation. We continue our peaceful crossing while wordlessly admiring the sky changing colour.

 

"The colours of the sky reflecting on the water lend an indescribable touch of magic to the lake"

 

Slowly, just before the sun rises, the sky dons a beautiful orange hue that reflects on the calm waters of the lake. It is at that precise moment that the place works its magic, and we let ourselves fall under the spell of its enchanting atmosphere.  We find ourselves somewhere between shadow and light and experience a feeling of pure bliss and sheer awe aboard our canoe. The perfect setting and time of day for taking beautiful pictures while we feast our eyes on even the tiniest detail. Behind us, it is still dark and we advance facing the rising sun and admiring the first rays of sun lighting up the lake.

The rising sun slowly paints the sky in warm hues - T. Verneuil

It is at that precise moment that the mist makes its appearance making the experience even more spectacular. A light blanket of mist covers the water and – combined with the first dazzling rays of sunlight - creates a unique atmosphere on the lake.

And still, the beauty of the morning light - T. Verneuil

Discovering the lakeside fauna and flora

Surrounded by this unique and indescribable atmosphere we continue our journey; our guide takes  us close to the lakeside vegetation so we can discover the many species that nest and thrive in this protected ecosystem. When we arrive we see numerous bird species take flight and we catch a glimpse of others peacefully waking up on the shores of the lake, starting their day surrounded by legendary calm. It is a very stimulating experience; we are perpetually on the lookout, trying to catch a glimpse of different species. We even caught a fleeting glimpse of a family of wild boars quenching their thirst on the shores and it proves a delightful (if brief) moment of joy. We go deeper into the inlet of the lake, surrounded by lush and verdant vegetation. We are enthralled by the mystical atmosphere of the lake at sunrise, while on the lookout for beavers in a quite unexpected location: a mangrove.

 

Discovering a wide variety of species at the crack of dawn is an enthralling and stimulating experience!

A relaxing moment on the lake

Even though looking for birds is quite a thrilling experience, our outing is above else a moment of relaxation. It is not hard work at all and we have ample time to enjoy the setting, the peace and the atmosphere in order to recharge. We let ourselves drift along surrounded by the mysterious mist while admiring the surrounding landscapes. We make the most of this quiet time to drink a well-deserved cup of hot steaming coffee aboard our immense canoe. Then we get back to our starting point, having enjoyed magical moments with a great gang. I must admit I find it hard to leave this magnificent lake …We are not turning our back to congeniality as we have decided to all have breakfast together in order to bring this day to close on a joyful note. We were lucky to enjoy a rewarding experience, filled with exciting discoveries and colourful memories, so do not hesitate to set you alarm, you won’t regret it!

The last paddle strokes in the mist, a truly out of the ordinary experience - T. Verneuil

Enjoy this experience

 

Aquascope de Virelles - Aube Sauvage (Wild Dawn)
Rue du Lac 42, 6461 Virelles (Belgium)
Tel.: +32 60 21 13 63
www.aquascope.be

 

Timetable:
The Virelles Aquascope is open from 10:00 to 18:00, 7 days a week. If you want to enjoy the canoeing experience, please note that the opening times depend on the time of year.  You will be informed of your departure time when you book. The experience lasts 4h.  All year round, you can enjoy a wide range of other activities at the Aquoscope.

Rates:
Enjoying the "Wild Dawn" experience costs around € 30 per person.  Online bookings only, your booking will be final after payment.

 

I book
my canoe trip

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