Reconnect on the Lakeland Canoe Circuit #TakeItToTheLake

The heavens span over glassy lake bordered by gently swaying bulrushes. A bleached wooden dock leads to the water’s edge. Before putting in, we stop to dip our toes in the water, feel the sun on our skin and inhale deeply.

Take It To The Lake this summer. Plan your trip to Lac La Biche...

Jackson is one of four lakes in the Lakeland canoe circuit, Alberta’s only multi-day, backcountry lake paddling route. At a relaxed pace, it typically takes three to four days to complete the trip.

The entire circuit sits within Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area, so all campsites are maintained by Alberta Parks. They also stock firewood at the campsites and provide large carts that make it easy portaging between lakes.

And there’s something else: within the park, cell and wifi signals drop off. This is a place where you can truly disconnect from devices and distractions, and connect with nature. Knowing this, and feeling a gentle wind at our backs, it’s hard not to want to just keep going and do the whole circuit.

Good company always helps, of course. I’m here with Jaclyn Denman, of Alberta Parks, and Karen Ung of Play Outside Guide, all three of us avid adventurers. While Karen and I man the canoe, Jaclyn tosses her paddleboard into the water.

We’re soon exploring tributaries of the lake, where beaver lodges sit, butterflies teeter on bullrushes and grebes and mallards dart for cover as we approach.

“I still can’t believe we didn’t see any people for hours!” Karen reflected later. “It was a real backcountry experience.”

Too soon, though, it’s over. Which in the end, leads me to an excellent conclusion: I have to come back and do this with my family. Soon it’s almost an obsession.