Reesor Lake

In early July, we were at the Reesor Lake reservoir in the Cypress Hills Intraprovincial Park, just southeast of Medicine Hat. it is an interesting drive into the area; watch out for cows on the road! It looks like you could get into the lake at either end with a bit of work but the easiest access was at the day-use area about halfway down the lake.

Lots of parking, a proper boat launch, and sandy bit beside it for beach(ish) launch. There are also pit toilets, benches, and the whole area (including the fishing platform) has received an upgrade since I was last here in 2019 (I think). There was a canoe rack here and it looks like you can rent canoes from the shack at Elkwater Lake (but there were no canoes in the rack or on the lake).

We waited out rain and crazy fog and then went in a mild breeze, grinding northwest into the wind and then being pushed back to the other end.

The north shore is mostly scrub with lots of lovely wild flowers. Lots of shorebirds here.

The moister south shore of the lake is wooded with pines. Below you there are grebes, pelicans, and a lone eagle in the pine tree.

The morning fog had visibility down to 50 feet at one point. The eagle was trying to dry its feathers out in the breeze after the fog lifted.

We sailed back down the lake to the dam at the southeast end. This was much more alpine than Elkwater Lake. There is a decent-sized campground at this end of the lake.

Then we paddled back. Maybe an hour round trip?

Overall, a nice enough paddle with clean water and only a few others kayaks on the lake. Great bird watching and a bit of a shame the weather was not great (second time I've tried for a sunny day here).