The first day in the kayak in 2016 was in February and the next 5 weeks was paddling in the rivers.   Once the ice is off the lower lakes, we look to paddle them, but the first ones to thaw are smaller lakes like Jocko and  Six Mile and they are full of fishermen too, so we wait for Paul Lake, Neskonlith Lake, then Heffley Lake and paddle each of those 2-3 times while the upper lakes thaw.   Paul Lake is one the best lakes to paddle all year, offering good access, a longer paddle (12.2 km around), and great scenery.   The best launch spot is at the Park beach.

The east end of the lake has some shallower areas, but these are no problem for a kayak.

Every year we see trees angled out over the lake as the roots become weaker where the shoreline erodes away from winter storms and power boat wash/waves.   They lean, then fall in a winter storm.

The narrow spot of the lake is at Gibraltar Rock which stands dramatically over the lake.

Steady paddling around the whole shoreline is a 2 to 2.5 hour workout, depending on fitness and wind conditions.  The best time to paddle Paul Lake is early in the morning or on weekdays when the power boats aren’t on the lake.  We return to the lake a few times each year, along with Heffley Lake and Lac le Jeune, our favorite local lakes.

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More information:

• Paul Lake Circuit
• Paul Paddling