In mid-August, we drove out to Mons Lake, just NE of Smokey Lake (about a 90-minute drive). We launched from the playground on the south shore of the lake. This included a proper boat launch (we dropped the boats right by the lake and parked 25 feet away), a dock, picnic tables, pit toilet and playground. There was also marked swimming area.
Pages
▼
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Mons Lake
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Sturgeon River
In early August, water on the Sturgeon River in St Albert was high enough to get a decent paddle in. It has been almost two years since there's been enough volume to make it a worthwhile paddle.
I saw a heron grooming itself in a tree on the way down. And I saw an osprey duke it out with a bald eagle above downtown St Albert!.
I then went further down stream to the Boudreau bridge. This was about a 9km round trip and was lovely. I was the only one on the water except right at the end when I passed another person heading out.
Overall, a fun paddle with lots to see. It was nice to have a paddle within 20 minute of my house! I understand there is a new launch further down stream so I may try that if I get a chance this summer.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Mayatan Lake
On the August long weekend, we popped out to Mayatan Lake. I see google has finally marked the boat launch but, if you need them, fuller directions are in this older post.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Paddle River Dam
In early August, I drove up Highway 43 to try out the Paddle River Dam. Access is on the west side of the Highway 43 just past the Rochfort trestle bridge. It is well signed.
Once you get off the pavement, you go about one kilometre then there is a blue sign indicating the boat launch is to the right. Stay on the pavement and voila. There is a big launch with a parking lot up above. The parking lot has pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (no wood, though). There is also a campground here.
The launch is pretty big and steep. I dropped at the bottom and then parked up top.