Inks Lake lies in a basin just off the Lac le Jeune Road in the grasslands southeast of Sugarloaf Hill and west of Jacko Lake.   Because it is shallow, there is no fishing in the lake and in mid-summer algae expands throughout the lake.   It sees little recreational use, except for winter pond hockey and an occasional lakeside camper.   There is easy access for a hand-launched kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the shoreline on the south side of the lake.

There are two back channels that can be paddled in spring and early summer.   These dry up in late summer in some years, leaving 3 separate smaller lakes.   If we follow the shoreline all the way around the lake, it is 2.6 km.   On this paddling day, I went around twice, reversing the direction after the first circuit for a 5.2 km route.

The Inks Lake basin collects the meltwaters from the southern slopes of Sugarloaf Hill and the western side of the Ironmask Hills.   There is no visible inlet or outlet stream, so the water becomes stagnant in the summer heat.

Even though the water was green with algae growth, there were lots of duck families, snipes, killdeer, herons, blackbirds, western painted turtles, damselflies, dragonflies, especially in the narrower back bays, out of sight from the roads.

Inks Lake is not really a destination lake; it would probably be a nicer paddle in spring since it would be one of the first lakes to be ice-free.   Because of all the wildlife activity though, it was an interesting and rewarding exploration,  even in summer.

To get to Inks Lake, take the Lac le Jeune Road.   Just after going through the underpass for the Ajax Mine Road, turn right and follow the dirt road to park at the lake’s edge.