In July, we paddled the Spruce Coulee Reservoir in the Cypress Hills Intraprovincial Park just southeast of Medicine Hat. Access requires a short trip (4km?) down a sandy gravel road, including a bit of a twisting downhill section. Not much worse than a bad alley in Edmonton, but something to be mindful of if you are a nervous driver.
You can drop your boat right beside the sandy/silt launch, which includes a dock, pit toilets, tent camping, and a "comfort" cabin you can rent if you like. Super easy launch with nearby parking. There were also two aluminum canoes here on a rack that you can rent for the day from the shack on Elkwater Lake (I think it was $40 for the day).
This was my favourite paddle in the Cypress Hills. The lake has a very alpine vibe and was small, had a slight curve, and no real wind. There was also really no one else around.
We went south down the lake to the swamp at the south end. Lots of shore birds and waterfowl. The water is super clear and the bottom was interesting. No bugs on the lake but you could see lots in the bush!
We then turned up the short reach to the east and paddle around, rescuing dragon flies and poking into the small hidden bays behind the reeds.
Then we came back up the lake into a very slight breeze.
The dam is right beside the boat launch.
Overall, a super low-key paddle suitable for families and beginners. There was lots of nature to see. Definitely my favourite paddle in the park and maybe one of the top paddles this summer (so far).
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