Deer Lake is a 50km stretch of water that separates the Upper and Lower sections of the Humber River. Recently the shores of the lake have undergone massive development with the creation of the Humber Valley Resort and plans for many other similar ventures. The lake itself, however, does offer some great recreational potential and is often used by canoeists, kayakers, boaters, windsurfers and kiters.
Deer lake is often combined with the Lower Humber to create an extended trip that includes an overnight at one of the many riverside cottages or B&B's. There are not too many places that you can camp anymore unless you are willing to do a little trekking.
The usual put-in is at the park in Deer Lake where the river meets the lake. You can be paddling from here within minutes with the option of either shore to follow. The east shore follows the highway and goes by several small towns along the way while the west passes by the beautiful Humber valley resort. Beware of errant golf balls!
The whole 50km expanse in very beautiful and has a long history with the logging industry in the area. Although it's a relatively easy, though long run, winds can quickly come up, making it difficult to push on. I've done the route both by canoe and sea kayak and I am thankful that I was in the kayak when the wind came up turning the last hour into three grueling hours of brute determination.
Any section of the lake can be done as a shorter trip and there are many great swimming and picnic area. South Brook Park in Pasadena has a great sandy beach and camping facilities. Deer Lake is a great place to have some fun in a boat for paddlers of any level.
Ryan Young
Newfoundland Editor
Directions:
You can put in at either Deer Lake on the north end of the lake or at Humber Valley Resort on the south end. Both are accesed directly off of the TCH.
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