All of the images need to be redone, which is planned….

We set a target of paddling on 40 lakes in our region, but the number will probably be closer to 60 by the time we finish. The lakes have to be big enough to provide a good workout, be within about a hour and half drive, and be reasonably free of power boats.

McConnell Lake

We like McConnell Lake. There are usually eagles, ospreys, and loons on the lake (and sometimes herons), but it is a small lake and it gets a fair number of fishermen, canoes, and kayaks. The parking area is a good one for a hand launch and it is an easy drive from town. We have to go around the 2.65 km lake shoreline twice to get a better workout, but it is a busy place on weekends (pick a weekday instead).

Stake Lake

We cross country ski, snowshoe, bike, hike, and run on the Stake Lake Trails, but we also go to Stake Lake to paddle once or twice each year. It is an easy drive and launch, and it is a good spot when larger lakes are too windy. There are usually not many boats on the lake. It is a shallow lake which makes interesting paddling.

The shoreline is an easy 2.4 km paddle so we paddle around the lake twice (once in each direction). There is an osprey nest on the east shore so we usually see the pair flying over the lake for fish.

Stake is a great spot for a double-outing so we often bring a bike or walking shoes along too, locking our boats on the rack while we do a loop on the trails.

Lac le Jeune

Lac le Jeune is one of our favorites. It is a large enough lake to get a good workout, there is lots of room for other boats, and there is a varied shoreline. We can also paddle under the bridge and do the little west lake, making the whole loop a 9.5 km paddle. Most types of kayaks are fine on Lac le Jeune, but on a windy day, the smaller boats are advised to stay close to shore. Since we camp at Lac le Jeune every year, we get several paddles on the area lakes, including an annual full lake loop.

We try to visit the swampy area at the far west end every year. If you glide quietly to the reeds, you will often spot a variety of birds. We usually go to the far east end too for the blooming lilies. Damselflies hatch in July and dragonflies come afterwards. Visiting blue damselflies on yellow lilies is a favorite annual ritual.

“What sets a canoeing expedition apart is that it purifies you more rapidly and inescapably than any other travel. Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature.” – Pierre Elliott Trudeau