Waskesiu Marina - Paddle Routes

Departing from the Hanging Heart Lakes:

*Make sure to watch for winds on Crean. This massive lake is known to throw a wave and show its power when the wind howls.

For More information please call the Prince Albert National Park of Canada general information line at 306-663-4522.
Or visit them on-line at the Parks Canada web site. (www.pc.gc.ca/)

Crean Kitchen

A paddle through the three Heart Lakes, starting from the Hanging Heart Lakes Marina. Pass through the calm, shallow channels and into the clear waters of Crean. Watch for beaver lodges and otters; search the skies for eagles, osprey and pelicans. Stop for lunch or overnight at the Crean Kitchen campground in the south-west corner of the lake, just across from the Warden's cabin. This makes for an easy overnight trip or day paddle.

	Approximate Times (Distances): 2-3 hours one way (9km) 4-6 hours return (18km total distance) Camp Set-up: 3 single tent pads toilet facilities picnic tables kitchen shelter hibachi bear cache

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Chipewyan Portage

Continuing from Crean Kitchen along the west shore of Crean and you will find the lovely beach at Chipwyan Portage. This back country campground marks the beginning of an old portage that connected Crean and Kingsmere Lake. This 15km portage trail is no more than a memory in the forest.

	Approximate Times (Distances): 4 hours (14km) from Heart Lakes Marina (one way) 1 hour (5km) From Crean Kitchen Camp Set-up: 3 single tent pads toilet facilities picnic tables hibachi bear cache

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Jackfish Bay & Lost Lake

From Crean Kitchen moving east around the Wardens Station and along the shore, you can paddle out towards the three small islands that dot the horizon, and then tuck around Petersons Point and into Jackfish Bay. Both Lost Lake and Jackfish Bay offer some good fishing and a chance to get away from it all. Lost Lake is a small lake just off Crean offering a private and quiet escape. There are No power boats permitted on Lost Lake.

	Approximate Distances: 12km from Crean Kitchen going around Petersons Point 2.5km to base of peninsula from Crean Kitchen 300m portage; this is not a marked trail 3km across Jackfish Bay 25m portage/channel into Lost Lake 2km into the north corner of the lake where you will find a commonly used but unofficial picnic area

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Big Island

Make home in the comfortable kitchen shelter on the Island. Travel back in time as you read the walls, and browse the rafters for hidden treasures. Pay attention to the sky…. Open water can be dangerous; wind and weather can change without warning. Always look for shelter and try and travel the shoreline. A north-west wind is common and can make the south-east shore quite rough.

	Approximate Distances: 15km from Crean Kitchen (Following the south-east shore) 16km from Chipewyan Portage (Paddling east along shore and then cutting straight across Crean heading south-east to the island) 12km from Moose Bay (Following the north-east shore) Camp Set-up: 3 single tent pads toilet facilities picnic tables hibachi kitchen shelter

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Moose Bay

Spend a night in the north-west corner of Crean, tucked away in Moose Bay. This beautiful and quiet campground sees little traffic and offers some amazing fishing. Because of the distance and dangers presented by weather, this trip is only recommended for experienced paddlers.

	Approximate Distances: 18km from Chipewyan Portage From Big Island 12km following the north-east shore 10km paddling 4km north-west directly across the lake and then continuing the 6km along shore to Moose bay. Camp Set-Up: 2 single tent pads toilet facilitie picnic tables hibachi kitchen shelter and a bear cache

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For More information please call the Prince Albert National Park of Canada general information line at 306-663-4522.
Or visit them on-line at the Parks Canada web site. (www.pc.gc.ca/)

PADDLE ROUTES