Paul Lake

Paul Lake is a larger lake with lots of recreational opportunities.

Directions:

  • Drive north on Highway 5 and turn onto the Paul Lake Road.    Follow the signage to Paul Lake Provincial Park and go down to the beach area.
  • There is a boat launch at the end of the park road, but I usually launch off the beach.
  • There is a hand launch at the west end of the lake.     Take the Harper Mountain Road and turn into the unloading area on the northwest side of the lake.   At quiet times, we can back close to the launch but there will still be a short haul.   At busier times, the distance may be greater to haul the boat.

Paddling the Lake:

  • Since it is a larger lake, I prefer to paddle different ends of the lake at different times.
  • Early in the season before the gates open into the park, we can hand launch at the west end and paddle up to the beach area and back.
  • When the gate opens mid-spring we can launch from the beach and paddle the east end of the lake.
  • In the fall, we can paddle the middle section with some overlapping areas, enjoying fall colors.

Pros:

  • the launch area at the Provincial Park gives us very good access to the whole lake.
  • We can paddle and hike at the lake on the same day.
  • We can find quiet times on the lake since there is good access.

Cons:

  • This is a busy and popular spot at prime times.
  • Ice-off is later since it is up in the hills.
  • To launch from the beach, we have to haul our boats down across the grass.

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