Atlas of Canada Link: Mesachie Lake
Latitude/Longitude: Degrees, Minutes, Seconds: 48° 48' 50" N 124° 7' 10" W
Decimal Degrees: 48.814° N 124.119°
Coordinates: 10U 417814 5407383
Topographic Map Sheet Number: 092C1
Trip Dates: August 28, 2011, August 5, 2012
It took awhile to find the right road to the public access for Mesachie Lake. The first time I looked, I didn't find it. I was hesitant to drive down the narrow little road with the rusty wire fence beside it. That day I paddled Bear lake with it's well maintained public access, cement boat ramp, and large dock. Bear lake is a stones throw from Mesachie Lake and the two bodies of water sandwich the quaint village of Mesachie Lake between them.
James and I visited it one time, saw some kayakers bobbing in large waves, and went to Bear lake which was calm.
Then, in late August last year Paul and I finally ventured out on Mesachie lake. The access road has a very tight terminus, with a grassy patch to park one or maybe two cars. The trail to the beach is less than 20 steps. The beach has course gravel, is small, but also pleasant.
The south side of the lake hosts the conspicuous Camp Imadene situated on a wide short peninsula with a nice bay beside it which has been relatively calm both times we were there. Here is a winter shot of Camp Imadene I took way back in 2008 when I started this project:
The local family we chatted with in 2012 told us that Saturday is a good day to enjoy the lake as the kids from the camp go home on Saturdays.
The East end of the lake, once you are beyond the traffic noise from the South Shore Road that runs most of the length of the lake, feels private and peaceful. The video below starts at this end of the lake.
The Northern shore is a very steep rocky slope with mature trees hanging over the water. You can paddle right beside the stone wall and see the rock's near vertical face falling away below the water.
After pausing in the shade to enjoy a drink and some nibbles, we headed back to the put-in, discovering on our way the outflow to Bear Lake.
It was nearing the end of the day and we were visited by some youngsters who entertained me with stories of catching frogs in this stream and fooling other children with "fake" animal tracks.
We then really did head back to the put-in but ended up standing up to our knees in the warm water talking and enjoying the growning dusk.
Mesachie is a beautiful little lake with lots of nooks and variety. I recommend it highly.
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