Paddling
Emar Lakes Canoe Route (Map 8/B7)
Open Map A
The Emar Lakes Canoe Route is a very short route but is the perfect weekend getaway for paddlers looking for a small lake experience. There is a user maintained campsite at the access point that offers two or three campsites for visitors to enjoy. If that area is full, there are also a few less developed campsites found along the western shore of Long Island Lake.
This canoe route travels in a circle from Long Island Lake and back. The first, and longest portage, is located along the southeast shore of Long Island Lake and leads to Chub Lake. The portage is about 1,000 m (3,280 ft) in length. The route continues over five more portages and four water bodies, including Emar Lake. Rustic camping opportunities exist on all the water bodies.
The lakes and ponds involved in this route provide some decent wildlife viewing opportunities for large animals such as moose and smaller animals like waterfowl and beavers. Fishing is also popular in the lakes.
Clearwater/Azure Lake Route (Maps 15/D3, 23/D7)
Open Map B
At the Clearwater River, you must paddle about 3 km upstream to the 500 m (1,640 ft) portage to Azure Lake. The portage is well established and generally easy to traverse, but it is not suitable for canoe carts due to a number of ladders. It should also be noted that during high water periods in the months of June and July, the strong current along the Clearwater River might be particularly challenging for novice paddlers. However, the return trip from Azure Lake allows for an easy paddle as long as you are comfortable paddling in moving water. Once on Azure Lake, the dynamic scenery continues.
The lake is 20 km (12.4 mi) long and the distance deters most people from visiting the picturesque Rainbow Falls at the eastern end of the lake. Many paddlers tend to simply find a campsite near the western end of the lake. In all, there are 21 campsites in four separate areas available. The return trip from Clearwater Lake to the Rainbow Falls on Azure Lake is around 96 km in length. It is recommended to allow at least four full days to complete the route.
If you have the time, exploring the Zodiak Peak Trail or the Huntley Column Trail can be an exhilarating experience. It is also rewarding to hike the 15 km Hobson Lake Trail although the trail is not suitable for portaging due to a 300 m (984 ft) elevation gain. Be sure to bring along your fishing rod and always keep your eyes open for wildlife. A marginal fee of $6.00 per boat, per day is required to enjoy this canoe route. There is a self registration station at the boat launch on Clearwater Lake. For more information call (604) 828-4494.
