Smoke Lake

Overview

Smoke Lake is a long, open Highway 60 corridor lake and one of the park’s main gateways to the backcountry. It’s Access Point #6, reached via a short spur at km 14.1. Expect big views—and big wind when it kicks up—so it’s gorgeous but demands respect if you’re paddling.

Facilities & Logistics

Right at the access you’ll find parking, toilets, and a boat‑launch ramp. The lot is gravel; many paddlers unload at the dock, then park farther back near the washroom and water refill area for shade and less traffic. Permits are handled nearby at the Canoe Lake Permit Office, and an outfitter by the access rents ultralight Kevlar canoes and full kits. Backcountry reservations open five months ahead, and the access is an easy drive on paved roads.

Paddling From Smoke: What’s Possible

• Quick hop to Ragged Lake: From Smoke, it’s about an hour‑plus paddle to a 240 m portage into Ragged—great for a first night, with sought‑after island sites.
• 5‑day Smoke–Ragged–Head–Cache loop (≈43 km): A classic with 12 portages (longest 1,640 m). Expect steep ups like the 590 m “Devil’s Staircase” into Big Porcupine, plus a 1,035 m carry later on. Many people build in a zero day at Little Island Lake.
• Traverse to Rock Lake (4 days): Thread Big Porcupine → Bonnechere → Phipps → Kirkwood → Lawrence → Rod & Gun → Lake Louisa (excellent campsites, noted for trout), then a 2,895 m mostly‑downhill portage into Rock for the final paddle to that access.

Conditions to Expect

Smoke Lake is notorious for wind because it’s long and exposed. Hug the shoreline when it picks up and give yourself extra time. Some portages on these routes are steep or long, and low water can occasionally extend carries.

Wildlife

This corridor turns up common loons, beaver, river otter, and sometimes moose along marshy edges in spring and early summer. Black bears live here too—store food properly and keep camps clean.

Best Time to Visit

Start early. Morning air is calmer for the crossing to the first portage, and you’ll land better campsites by early afternoon. Mid‑summer weekends see popular lakes fill fast, while shoulder seasons trade crowds for cooler nights. Sunrise can be lovely on calm mornings.

Practical Tips

Keep it simple: unload at the dock, then move your car. If you want showers, laundry, or a full comfort station, plan a quick stop at one of the Highway 60 campgrounds or the Visitor Centre—Smoke’s access has only the basics.