Did you know there are crystal clear, teal-blue lakes with road access nestled in the Rocky Mountains without the crowds you see at other popular destinations? Nestled in the heart of the East Kootenay region, Cranbrook is an underrated gem for paddling.
While many know the area for its vast swaths of perfectly groomed golf courses, there is much to enjoy in its more more liquid environments, such as the calm waters of St. Mary’s, Moyie, and Norbury lakes. In fact, there are a dozen lakes within a 45-minute drive of Cranbrook that all offer easy access, stunning mountain views, and very few people. For something a bit more exciting, paddlers can play in various rivers around the city. For a list of those, visit our article: “Best Rivers to Paddle in Cranbrook.”
This article will tell you everything you need to know to plan a lake paddling trip to Cranbrook, British Columbia.
Norbury Lake
Norbury Lake Provincial Park is home to two lakes, Norbury and Peckham’s, with teal blue water. The Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine and western larch forests give way to views of the Steeples, a distinctive ridge of towering rocky peaks situated within the Hugh’s Range of the Rocky Mountains. The provincial park has forty-six first-come-first-serve campsites for those who want to stay the night, but the park is under a 30-minute drive from Cranbrook, making it a perfect day trip. Norbury Lakes are ideal for stand up paddle boarding and kayaking; no motorized vessels are allowed, so you don’t have to worry about waves bumping around your paddle board.
St. Mary Lake
Venturing West from Cranbrook into the Purcell Mountains, paddlers will find St. Mary Lake, nestled between mountains on either side. This 730-acre lake is a great kayak fishing, canoeing, and bird-watching spot. The lake is home to several fish species, including rainbow trout, bull trout, cutthroat trout, white fish, and ling cod. The West end of the lake, where nutrients from the St. Mary River flow into the lake, is known to be one of the most productive spots for fishing on the lake.
Moyie Lake
Moyie Lake is a unique type of water body known as a “kettle pond,” which means the lake was formed by a depression created at the outflow of a historic glacier. This area has a unique ecosystem with two distinct types of plant life based on the moisture in the area. Larch, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and white spruce can be found in the drier areas, while black cottonwood, trembling aspen, willow, and alder flourish along the waterways. Moyie Lake Provincial Park is the perfect place to launch your watercraft and explore this lake. High cliffs rise from the lake’s surface along the undeveloped western shore. The lack of development on this lake and the preserved riparian areas also make it an excellent place for viewing wildlife. Paddlers should keep their eyes peeled for beaver, muskrat, waterfowl, whitetail deer and numerous woodland birds while paddling.
Monroe and Mineral Lakes
Near Moyie Lake and within a five-minute drive of each other, are Monroe Lake and Mineral Lake. These two serene, easy-to-access paddling spots are perfect for families and beginner paddlers. They are quiet, tree-lined lakes that offer calm conditions ideal for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Mineral Lake, in particular, is a non-motorized zone meaning the only sounds you have to hear are the birds and soothing swish of your paddle in the water. Monroe allows limited motorized use but remains peaceful and uncrowded. Both lakes are small enough to explore in an hour or two and feature scenic shorelines, crystal-clear water, and abundant birdlife. Whether you’re looking to teach the kids how to paddle or simply enjoy a laid-back day on the water, these lakes offer a hassle-free outdoor escape just minutes from town.
For expert information, rentals, and courses, check in with the staff at Just Liquid Sports in Cranbrook. They’ll be sure to fill you in on the best paddling options for your abilities and for the weather.
