Buffalo Lake, The Narrows and Rochon Sands

On Canada Day, we paddled Buffalo Lake again. Last year, we put it in the NE corner at Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area (also called Boss Hill). This year, we put in in the SW corner at the Narrows Provincial Recreation Area. The Narrows is a campground abutting (from what I can tell) Parlby Creek, which connect the main lake to the east with a small basin to the west.

The creek is about 50 feet wide and about 2km end-to-end (the reed beds make it hard to know when you are out in the lakes proper).

When you enter the campground, you just follow the road and there are six or so entry points like this one. This was the first we came to and had a picnic table and some sketchy pit toilets. Parking is right across the road from the entry and it is a gentle slope into the water. 

We paddled east out into the lake. I'd say that the water levels are down some, based on where the reeds are. It was overcast and still when we started.

As were got out onto the lake it started to clear and the wind picked up. We took a tour of the western part of the lake and then ground our way back to the creek against the wind. Lots of bird life, including pelicans.

 

Back in the creek, we were bushed but pushed towards the western end to see the other lake. 

Lots of nice reflections and birds but kind of a meh paddle. The water was murky and it was also a bit disinteresting 8km paddle. We then decided to drive to Rochon Sands to see what that was like. Cute summer village and a larger provincial campground. There was a good beach area with toilets, picnic tables, a playground and about a 300-foot carry from the car.

The water here (like at Boss Hill) is very shallow (people were hip deep more than a hundred feet from shore) and the edge of the water was a touch green (you could step over that). It was windy as hell here!

There is also a boat launch accessible from the campground where you can drop right beside the water and park in behind.

Overall, nearby Haunted Lakes is probably nicer (albeit smaller). If I was in the area again, I'd try Dried Meat Lake or go west an hour or so to Sylvan Lake.