PADDLING PINEHURST LAKE
Living around Edmonton doesn’t always afford us the same spectacular paddling our southern neighbours in Calgary have. However, we are actually close to many opportunities within a 3-hour drive that provide quiet escapes and great adventures.
The mountains, as appealing as they are, have become a hotspot of activity during the weekends. Solitude is hard to find and reservations for campgrounds even harder. Let me introduce you to the Lakeland Provincial Park.
Often known as Alberta’s only paddle circuit:
There is so much more to this park, it is comprised of 14 lakes.
Pinehurst Lake is a hidden gem Northeast of Edmonton that in the past two years has had a substantial upgrade to their main campground.
Walleye fishing has reopened which is a huge bonus if you’re interested in fishing but always check your local fishing regulations before going.
Paddling across the lake is about 6-8 km depending on whether you hug shore or paddle directly across. This brings you to North Bay. This is a backcountry site that doesn’t--as of yet--require reservations.
With our long summer days you could leave work and still have daylight to paddle across the lake to set up camp. It would be tight but do-able and dependent on your abilities.
Another option is to stay at the campground near the boat launch and depart in the morning. Upon your arrival at North Bay, there are two primitive sites here set up by the provincial government. They have firepits, picnic tables and an open-air pit toilet. Firewood you’ll need to harvest yourself from deadfall around the area.
If you haven’t used these green machines, they’re an interesting combination of toilet and throne.
Bonus: they don’t stink to high heaven since you’re out in the open shielded by the high walls around you. It’s easy to see when they’re occupied and the view is great.
The downside is if it’s raining, you’re wet and the mosquitoes can attack anything they want, so pack toilet paper and bug spray to the privy lol.
Other than the odd fishing boat you’ll have the whole bay and lake to yourself. This trip was mid-June and we had a quiet getaway for three nights with great fishing.
If you simply want to explore you can use this as your home base for day paddles. Because you’re near an island and a large bay you can be sheltered from different directions of wind.
The water is so clear, as you paddle over you can watch fish below.
If it would have been warmer out, a swim in the clean water would have been wonderful.
Enjoy this hidden gem, pack out what you bring in and leave the camp tidy for the next person.
Relate Lakeland Paddling Articles
Happy paddling!
Sending You Love n SUP,
Lisa Stocking
CSEP-CPT/RYT 200
Advanced Flatwater SUP Instructor
@love_nsup
@paddleathabasca
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
