If you're seeking a SUP adventure that's simple, convenient, and ticks all the boxes, including plentiful parking, easy access to the water, breathtaking scenery, opportunities for bird watching, tranquil waters, and a beautiful spot to soak up the sunset, then Bear Lake is the ideal destination for you. We documented one of our journeys on Bear Lake during the summer of 2022, and you can watch the video on our YouTube Channel by clicking HERE.
Nestled in the community of Mesachie Lake, Bear Lake is a quaint body of water situated in the Cowichan Valley, adjacent to Cowichan Lake. To reach the lake, you can access it via Bear Lake Park, located at 6705 Fish Road in Mesachie Lake, British Columbia.
Before setting off on your paddleboarding adventure on the lake, it's crucial to be mindful of other individuals using the park. It's best to prepare all your SUP equipment in the parking lot away from the ramp and then proceed to launch your paddleboard when you're all set to go. This gives any boaters wanting to launch their boats plenty of room and courtesy to launch first. Promptly move your vehicle off the launch ramp to allow others to use it after you are geared up and ready to depart. While this park usually doesn't experience heavy traffic, it's important to note that it can become busier on hot summer days.
Make sure you have everything with you that you will need for your trip. Do not forget to bring all of your required safety equipment such as your PFD, (personal flotation device) waterproof flash light and sound signalling device such as a whistle. For a list of the required safety equipment required by Transport Canada, click HERE and go to page 15 of the Safe Boating Guide. Bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions as they do change. You may want to bring other items such as a beach blanket, food/drink and perhaps a bluetooth speaker to play your favourite sunset tunes on. A dry bag can be packed with your personal items and fastened to the front of your board.
Is your phone fully charged for taking photos or if you need to call for help?
Once you embark on your on-water journey, it is recommended to stay towards the left side of the shore as you make your way out and away from the boat launch. This direction will lead you to a gravel bar, a neat little location to paddle into. It's essential to keep in mind that the water levels in the lake can fluctuate, and it varies depending on the time of year. This could result in the gravel bar being more or less exposed or the ability to paddle in a certain way or amount. Depending on the conditions, you can paddle into a small creek inflow along the gravel bar and find a nice spot to set up a beach blanket, have a picnic and relax. This spot is great for people who are paddling in the morning and afternoon and want to get in some sun tanning. Once you are within an 1 hr or so from sunset you tend to loose the sun behind the trees. This gravel bar location is less than a 10 minute paddle from the boat launch to the gravel bar. Ideal for those who do not wish to paddle far or who are tight for time.
For people who want to go further and see what this lake has to offer, we suggest continuing on with your adventure. As you move forward from the gravel bar and continuing up the lake, you'll encounter a few weathered logs protruding from the water's surface. Take care to watch for any submerged debris in this area. While you can navigate through the logs, but stay alert for any branches that might get in the way of your paddleboard fin(s). After you pass through the logs, you'll observe the water taking a turn to the left. To make things simpler, we'll refer to this subsequent segment of your paddleboard adventure on Bear Lake as the "Canal."
Upon entering the Canal, you'll be greeted by an array of lush greenery that lines both sides of the waterway. This thriving ecosystem is also a haven for a diverse range of avian species, including the majestic Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser and Mallard to name a few. Make sure to keep a respectable distance from birds and waterfowl in the area. This is their home and it is important let them space and peace in their habitat.
As you make your way up the canal, the surrounding landscape will start to feature majestic mountain views and the sight of a vast body of water up ahead. Keep paddling until you reach the end of the canal. Congratulations! You have successfully arrived at Cowichan Lake! Now, it's time to find a comfortable spot on the beach to land, enjoy a snack and take in the stunning scenery around you! Breath deeply, close your eyes and take a few moments to hear the sounds around you.
During the summer months, you can catch the beautiful sunset and have enough daylight to make your way back to the boat launch and Bear Lake Park safely after the sun dips behind the mountains. Remember that the park is open dawn till dusk so make sure you are back at the parking lot well before it is fully dark out. We suggest leaving within 5 mins directly after sunset. Always be prepared when you go out on all paddleboard adventures. Always bring appropriate clothing for the weather, a flashlight, enough food/drink and always be aware of the weather conditions before you head out on the water.
Bear Lake offers paddleboarders easy access to the water, mountain views and a diverse paddling experience - all within a leisurely 2.5 hr round-trip. With the lake's lush vegetation, abundance of wildlife and calming landscapes, Bear Lake is a must-stop on any paddleboarder's bucket list of to-do SUP adventures in the Cowichan Valley.
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