Stave Lake Paddle

Stave Lake Paddle in Mission, BC is a long, scenic loop on the water that feels remote without being far from town. At about 31.5 km, it’s a solid outing that most paddlers treat as a full-day mission, even though the elevation gain is basically nothing and the lake sits around 92 m. This route is rated challenging more for distance, wind, and conditions than for any technical moves.

The Stave Lake Paddle loop gives you wide-open lake views, forested shoreline, and that classic Coast Mountains backdrop in every direction. You’ll pass logging-era remnants, gravel bars, and quiet coves where you can pull over, stretch, and grab a snack. It’s a good mix of big open crossings and more sheltered sections along the edges, so the scenery doesn’t get repetitive even though you’re on flat water the whole time.

Recent paddlers still call this a popular route around Mission, but you can find calm stretches if you go early or on weekdays. Wind can kick up fast on Stave Lake, so plan for chop on the larger crossings and bring proper safety gear, layers, and extra food and water. The Stave Lake Paddle is best from late spring through early fall when water levels and weather are more predictable; in shoulder seasons, expect colder water, fewer boats around to help if something goes wrong, and a more serious, self-sufficient feel.