A special thank you goes out to Mossy Oak Properties Land and Farms Realty. They’re the go-to team for local insight, expert connections, and helping you kickstart your Smith Mountain Lake adventure.

1. Fish with Local Guide on Smith Mountain Lake

Our journey started with Chad Green from Last Cast Guide Service. Chad has over 30 years of experience fishing Smith Mountain Lake and has been guiding for the better part of a decade. While this lake may not be known for high numbers of fish, it delivers in quality—with plenty of healthy 3–5 lb bass.

Chad shared his favorite techniques, like targeting shady banks with spinnerbaits and chatterbaits, and he even hooked a giant 6 lb largemouth bass during our trip. With both largemouth and smallmouth bass in the lake—not to mention catfish—Smith Mountain Lake is truly a dream for anglers.

2. River Float on the Smith River for Trout

Just a short drive away, we also floated the Smith River in Henry County, near the town of Bassett. The Smith River is a cold-water stream is stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout and flows from the Philpott Reservoir. Guided by John and Joel from Mossy Oak Properties, we tested a variety of lures until a classic black rooster tail did the trick. The calm float and trout-filled waters made for a perfect complement to our lake adventure.

3. Stay and Play at Mariners Landing

There are plenty of accommodations right on Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a fantastic basecamp with water access and scenic trails. For a more luxurious stay, Mariners Landing offers condos, restaurants, indoor/outdoor pools, and even a golf course.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Mariners Landing has everything you need—including pontoon boat and kayak rentals—to enjoy the full Smith Mountain Lake experience. With its mix of upscale amenities and outdoor access, it’s the ideal home base for exploring the lake.

4. Eat at Alessandro's Pizzeria

After a day on the water, nothing hits the spot like a hearty meal, and Alessandro’s Pizzeria was a standout during our trip. We ate there multiple times—not just for the pizza (which was incredible), but for the full menu of Italian comfort food, including pastas and sandwiches. Whether you're craving a post-fishing feast or just grabbing something casual with friends, this local favorite is a must

5. Visit SML Tackle Shack

If you're in need of bait or snacks before you head out, stop by SML Tackle Shack for bait, snacks, fuel, and expert local advice. They also offer reel cleaning and rod repairs to keep you ready for action.

From guided fishing with Chad Green to relaxing shores and trout streams, it’s outdoor living at its best. Thinking about moving to Smith Mountain Lake? Get in touch with Mossy Oak Properties to find your favorite place.

Read my Smith Mountain Lake fishing guide—packed with tips to help you land your next big catch!

The post Top 5 Things at Smith Mountain Lake appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The Salish Sea

Just off the coast of British Colombia is a chain of islands that dot the Salish Sea. When I traveled there this spring, I knew hardly anything about them. And honestly, there’s something wonderful about going to a place without any prior knowledge, or expectations, about what it’s like to travel there.

Often times, life intertwined with the seas means a harsh, embattled way of living, where the winds and the waves are constantly at battle with life ashore. But that’s not the way of things in the Southern Gulf Islands. Yes, life here is tied directly to the sea, but because of the extensive network of islands, these waters are protected, calm, blue, and beautiful.

I first met Jackie and Brian on the dock as they prepared the boat for a trip across to Galiano Island from Mayne Island. Our plan was to e-bike the roads, hike the trails, and eat local (and legendary) food. Together we set off on the first of many small voyages to explore the islands.

E-bike rentals in the Southern Gulf Islands

We rented e-bikes to ride Galiano and, without effort, the bikes cruised up and down the large hills that make good training grounds for cyclists endeavoring to race. Jackie and I rode towards one of the trailheads to hike up to my first overlook. The trails were not long, but they meandered through lush green forests covered in moss and ferns. It was like hiking through a fairytale. Soon we were atop the island, where we took in a stunning view of the Salish Sea, and I began to understand how the islands interconnect.

Das Nest sandwiches

The hilltop on Galiano Island was also where I got my first taste of the unparalleled food that can be found on the islands. Our stomachs grumbling, Jackie pulled out two packages wrapped in brown paper and tied elegantly with strings. Inside were sandwiches prepared by Das Nest. But these were not just sandwiches, these were works of art!

Caramelized asparagus and onions, goat cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, drizzled with balsamic reduction, on perfectly panini pressed sourdough. How in the world was this the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten, four hours after it was made and enduring our journey up the mountain? I may never know what kind dark arts of sandwich-craft were used to make that so devilishly good.

Galiano Conservancy

That was just the first taste of the incredible food we would enjoy on this trip. From there we rode back across Galiano to the Galiano Conservancy. At the conservancy we walked the hillsides where native edible and medicinal plants are cared for and cultivated. It’s illuminating to see how much that natively grows on these islands is not only delicious to eat, but full of medicinal qualities as well. The Conservancy does many things; it’s a place to learn, to get your hands dirty, and it provides fresh crops to the many amazing restaurants on the small island.

Pizza at Pilgrimme Restaurant

Speaking of which, we then rode our bikes back across Galiano Island to Pilgrimme Restaurant. Pilgrimme is a world-class restaurant nestled in deep in the forest. Inside the cozy cabin the atmosphere was warm and inviting. And Jackie and I ate some of the most incredible pizza I’ve ever had.

Crab pots and prawn pots

Keeping on with the culinary adventures, the next day Jackie, Brian and I set out to catch our own dinner before hiking Pender Island. Brian, having lived on the island for many years, knows all the best crab and prawn spots. Prior to our hike, we dropped a crab pot and two prawn pots to the bottom of the sea. After hiking all day, we returned and hauled the pots 200 feet up off the bottom of the sea floor (which – let me tell you – is harder than you’d think!).

The effort was well worth it though, as we hauled up two meal-worthy crabs (two we threw back) and enough spotted prawns for a feast!

Hobbit homes in the woods

The Southern Gulf Islands are full of colorful character who made me feel welcome and at home, including local musician and local guide Chrysta Wallin. First of all, Chrysta lives in a hobbit home. Her hand-built cobb home is practically one with nature. She has no electricity and her roof is made of earth.

Saturna Island Hiking

Jackie, Chrysta, and I were dropped off on the beach at Saturna Island to hike to its highest point. The hike follows narrow goat trails along cliff edges that overlook the Salish Sea. It’s a remarkable trail to the top and hikers are rewarded with a remarkable view.

Sea Kayaking to Cabbage Island

Chrysta is also a sea kayak guide. The biggest adventure of my time on the islands was a sea-kayaking trip out to Cabbage Island, an uninhabited island that offers pristine backcountry camping for those able to arrive on their own.

The currents off Cabbage are notoriously challenging for sea kayaking. And the paddling can be dangerous depending on the tides, so if you’re headed out for a paddle be sure to take someone knowledgeable about the local conditions with you. Luckily for us, we timed the tides well and the day was calm, perfect paddling conditions.

After miles of paddling, Chysta, Jackie and I arrived ashore and set up camp. Turns out, this was Jackie’s first ever overnight camping trip! I couldn’t believe it! Jackie was a little nervous about it all, but with Chrysta to share a tent with, she was well taken care of.

Our evening on the island was pure joy. There’s nothing like being in a remote place with good friends. Throw in a bottle of wine and some delicious food, and we were having a very merry time!

The Southern Gulf Islands are beautiful. The beauty of the landscapes and the sea is all around. But the biggest surprise of my time on the islands was the food. I was constantly eating the most delicious food! There are so many restaurants, per capita, I was surprised. Everyone here takes their food very seriously. As they should.

If you are looking for a place with incredible food and wonderful people, and some breathtakingly epic trails, the Southern Gulf Islands are simply magical.

My favorite backpacking gear list

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Backpack

Sleeping Bag

Satellite Communicator

Camp Stove

Cook pot

Freeze dried Food

Headlamp

Rain Jacket

Fleece Mid-layer | ALL-PACA Fleece Hoodie

Down Puffy Jacket (warm!)

Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight)

Hiking Boots

Hiking Socks

Gloves | Hestra Bike Ergo Grip Glove

Water Filter

Water Bladder

Camp Pillow

Folding Knife

Trekking Poles

Sunglasses

The post The Southern Gulf Islands of BC and The Salish Sea appeared first on Hazeadventure.