We launched our kayaks in April from a boat launch on the east side of Nicola Lake close to the southwest end.   The lake was low and almost all of the water was quite shallow, but there was a channel of deeper water heading west toward Upper Nicola.

On a sandbar across the lake were 3 American white pelicans (only one of the 8 species to have a bump on its bill).

By drifting in slowly and remaining still, I was able to get close enough to get a few good photos

The pelicans kept an eye on me and started to walk away when I got too close.

After leaving the pelicans, we worked our way into the narrowing part of the lake which we found to be very shallow.   We spotted a great blue heron, eagles, an osprey, and many ducks along the waterway.

We had hoped to have done a loop, but this is probably only possible in high water so we returned up the main channel to our launch.   We have paddled all parts of Nicola Lake on separate days, all from different launch points.   The main body of the lake can be a very windy spot so we always try for a morning launch, avoiding a lake crossing at the end of the paddle (cross first at either end of the lake).   We will back next year to paddle another shoreline in spring.