Chadburn Lake Paddle & Picnic

When you have a burning desire to get out for a paddle but don’t have a lot of time or don’t feel comfortable paddling on a large lake or dynamic river, crystal-clear Chadburn Lake is the place to go.  It is a popular lake for families and rookie paddlers alike.

Getting to Chadburn Lake from downtown Whitehorse is a quick, easy drive and, when you get there, parking is only seconds away from the lake.

There is a large dock, suitable for launching and fishing.  The dock is popular for new kayakers and people who don’t like to get their feet wet.

The lake isn’t large, but there are enough points and bends and bays to make it interesting.  The clarity of the water is fascinating for kids and adults alike.

One of the interesting things about Chadburn Lake is that it has no obvious inflow or outflow!  Long ago, the Whitehorse area was covered by a gigantic, glacial lake.  The glacial silt gives the lake its remarkable aquamarine colour.

When the natural dam containing that lake let go, all of the water rushed out suddenly, leaving behind giant chunks of ice in the glacial silt. When the ice melted, large depressions were left behind forming the distinctive lakes and terrain features in the Chadburn Lake area that we can see today.  All of the lakes in the vicinity take on the same water level as the Yukon River.

When you look into the water, you can see the remains of trees that grew before the Yukon River was dammed in 1958.

There are many great places for picnics, especially on the warm and sunny south-facing slopes.

And if the kids get tired of paddling?  There are lots of great trails (and non-trails) for exploring.

Because of its accessibility, Chadburn is a popular lake – but you shouldn’t let its popularity deter you.  There are lots of great spots along the lake where it feels like you have the entire place to yourself.