We continue in Lakeland Provincial Park area. Touchwood Lake is at the end of the road past The Lakeland Paddle Circuit. It’s approximately 3 hours from Edmonton.
You’ll drive by the packed parking lot without worrying about whether you’ll get a portage cart to start your adventure. Simply pull up to the boat launch and start your day. If you get there late, camp at the Provincial Campground and head out early on the water.
Touchwood is a long lake, the 6-8 km paddle depending on shore hugging or cross lake paddling takes you only half way across this waterbody.
There is more than one backcountry site here with a fire pit, picnic table and bear lockers but I have only stayed at Bare Ass Point.
Ironically, this could be due to the fact that the open air outhouse faces the second camp. It is a bit awkward, I was surprised by this and we even had another group show up while we were there. Maybe set up a tarp!
Backsides, aside…this was a fun getaway. There is boat traffic on the lake but they are respectful and helpful for the most part.
Touchwood is a launching point to portage into Spencer Lake. I haven’t been on this trail yet; beta I’ve gathered says it’s not maintained. Spencer Lake is on the Cold Lake Weapons Range and is only accessible to the public from Friday evening to Sunday evening if you choose to explore this lake. Because, bombs.
As well, other access points from the south end of the lake can take you on portages to Dabbs Lake and Seibert Lake. Pack your own portage cart if you wish but they most likely are not maintained so deadfall will be a real problem to traverse. A chainsaw would be a better option.
Fishing is limited for many species in this lake. You can’t keep any Northern Pike or Walleye but you’re welcome to fish while there: perch, whitefish and burbot are options to keep. Check Alberta Fishing Regulations as they change yearly.
Photo Credit: Bullfrog Images
The water is crystal clear and upon your arrival at Bare Ass Point there is a sand point with a steep drop off.
Being able to see fish 10 feet below you is easy, the sand and water is so clean you’ll forget you’re in a Northern Alberta lake.
As the point is situated you can pick full sun or shade during the heat of the day. One campsite is on the point with views of the lake, the other is set back more in the bush with better shelter from the wind. We set up two tents on our site easily at the point. A large five man tent and a three man tent.
Photo Credit: Bullfrog Images
Boaters come to swim at this point for the day giving it a fun atmosphere. Directly across the lake to the South East we headed to a small bay 1km away that was stunning to swim in, shallow sandy water and beaches. We had great weather near +30C so a swim was a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. Being Albertans we don’t tolerate it well, it’s so rare.
This for us was just an overnight trip but you could easily spend a couple nights here in the silence of the loons calling in the morning, fish jumping and water lapping up on shore.
It is another hidden gem, a great first time trip for anyone new to paddle expeditions, a safe place to paddle and get used to setting up gear.
Related Series
Where to Paddle Around Edmonton: Pinehurst Lake
Mini Lakeland Paddle Circuit
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
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