This lake is worthy of a sainthood.
Set in the rugged Purcell Mountains, St. Mary Lake delivers big scenery despite its relatively low elevation. Located about 40 kilometres from Cranbrook, the lake is easy to reach yet feels wonderfully remote once you’re on the water.
Surrounded by steep forested slopes and open mountain views, St. Mary Lake offers calm paddling conditions that are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. Long stretches of quiet shoreline invite exploration, while sheltered bays make perfect places to pause, drift, or stop for a shoreline picnic. The lake is also well known for its excellent fishing, drawing anglers in search of kokanee and other freshwater species. It’s not unusual to see paddlers quietly trolling a line as they move across the lake’s glassy surface. With its peaceful atmosphere, scenic mountain backdrop, and easy access, St. Mary Lake offers a relaxed paddling experience that feels far removed from busy everyday life.
- Waterway AreaSalt Spring Island
- Difficulty LevelClass I (Easy)
- Type of PaddlingCanoe, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Paddleboard
- SeasonFall, Spring, Summer
- Waterway AccessPublic access on North End Rd
- Waterway FeaturesBass fishing and swimming
- Known HazardsAlgae blooms in late summer
- Waterway AccessPublic access on North End Rd
- Waterway FeaturesBass fishing and swimming
- Known HazardsAlgae blooms in late summer
- Waterway AreaSalt Spring Island
- Difficulty LevelClass I (Easy)
- Type of PaddlingCanoe, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Paddleboard
- SeasonFall, Spring, Summer
- Launch1