The Lakeland Paddle Circuit is about 2.5 hours from Edmonton and a great place for an overnight paddling trip, or a chance to adventure through multiple lakes.
Ever since I started paddleboarding this circuit in 2017 it's been exploding in popularity.
This article shares my SUP experience paddleboarding the circuit.
Mini Lakeland Paddle Circuit
Mini Lakeland Paddle Circuit Beginning Tips
What once was a short walk to the cart corral to secure a portage cart has now become a waiting game for people to return their carts from the put-in.
Unless, of course, you want to run 6 km (round trip) to pick one up from the put-in and return with it. My advice: go mid-week or Shoulder Season.
I haven't personally paddled the whole Lakeland Paddle Circuit mostly due to time constraints or experience of the people Ive gone with.
Your best bet is to take someone on a paddle excursion and have them feeling good, motivated and excited to want to do more at another time. Too often paddlers take their friends and torture them to hate paddling by over-exerting their skill and enjoyment levels.
Lakeland Paddle Circuit Weekend Overnight Trip
There are many opportunities for a weekend of enjoyment. My first trip was with a friend and her young children (8 & 10) along with my daughter who was 15 at the time.
We paddled to Jackson Lake Peninsula and had a fabulous overnight stay. It was a lot of work for one night but we got our toes wet, literally and figuratively. This showed me enough of the logistics to know what I wanted to do next time round.
Lakeland Paddle Circuit Campsite Information
Kinnard Lake
The farthest I have paddled into this circuit is Kinnard Lake, staying just south of the islands at the backcountry site that has two stalls. That is a special site with great views and a fun swing.
It's an easy 7.5 km paddle into this site. Winds can be a factor sometimes so be weather aware. They're not giant lakes by any means, but you should paddle to the skill level of the paddler who is with you.
Jackson Lake East
Ive stayed at Jackson Lake East for two nights as a friend and I drove after work for a mid-week stay. Due to diminishing daylight and headwinds it was our best option.
It is a busier site as many paddlers stop at the camp for a break on their way out before heading up the inlet (arm) to the portage start/take out.
However, I enjoyed great fishing here when we stayed and caught a record sized perch.
Jackson Lake North
There is a campsite at the north end put in/take out which is useful if you need to stop for breakfast after an early start.
Jackson Lake South
My last trip here was to Jackson Lake South with a friend and her two kids (11 &13) who were new to paddling longer distances. We stayed for two nights with headwinds in and out.
Also if you don't ride a giant thunderstorm out with me in a tent, have we even camped together?
As we departed after staying two nights here swimming, fishing, sleeping and reading we timed between predicted storms just right. Leaving without breakfast before the predicted 21-27 knot winds hit, the campsite at the portage trail was useful to rest and refuel before the 3 km portage out.
Progressing to the Entire Lakeland Paddle Circuit
To many a true paddler this may seem a waste to not complete the whole Lakeland Paddle Circuit by moving camp each night.
However, sometimes in our busy lives, adding a crazy busy paddle trip just to finish a circuit that will be there for a long time isn't relaxing or complimentary to the enjoyment we find paddling.
How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time.
Paddling this Lakeland Paddle Circuit in small chunks can give a new paddler confidence and enjoyment to want to return year after year, paddling farther each time. Or maybe it's just the solitude of an uninhabited lake that is calling you and that is enough.
Lakeland Paddle Circuit Video
Update: I have since paddled the entire circuit, and produced a video of it all!
Happy paddling!
Sending You Love n SUP,
Lisa Stocking
CSEP-CPT/RYT 200
Advanced Flatwater SUP Instructor
@love_nsup
Related Lakeland Area Paddling Destinations
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