Silver Lake
Gallery
Store
Quick Facts
| Features | Lake, small islands |
| Access | boat launch |
| Route Difficulty | easy |
| Water Body Type | lake |
| Current Type | none |
| Route Type | loop |
| Route Distance | 7.7 km return |
| Portage Distance | none |
| Estimated Time | 4 hrs 30 mins |
| Elevation Change | none |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Cell Reception | strong |
| Fees | none |
Description
Note: This lake is close to the Chignecto Isthmus (flatlands between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) and is therefore subject to sudden high winds. Weather conditions can drastically vary the speed and difficulty of your trip. Please plan accordingly.
Silver Lake is part of the water supply for the Town of Sackville so water levels don't vary much. Access is great with two boat launches at Lillas Fawcett Park. The lake is made up of the main section and several arms. The main section is surrounded mostly by farms and it can be windy due to it being open. The arms explore wooded areas to the west of the main section and are more protected from the wind.
It was quite choppy when we started so we stayed close to shore and headed left from the boat launch. After we made our way around the point that holds Lakeshore Drive, we crossed over to the wooded side of the lake. We then made our way up the long arm and through the woods to the northwest. Once in this channel we were somewhat protected from the wind.
Before entering the arm we passed by a small exposed island. We didn't check it out because it was being protected by a goose. It was May so I am guessing they were nesting on the island. About half way up the arm there is a larger, partially wooded island with a nice campsite. It was still windy in the arm when you got away from the shore. We were reminded of this when we saw my boat floating across the water to shore. Make sure you always pull your boat in enough. Luckily the other boat didn't join it. If so I would have had to make a cold (early May) swim to shore. After spending some time on the island during the rescue, we noticed a mother goose was on a nest in the wooded part of the island. We didn't want to disturb her any more than we already had so we set out once again.
When we left the island we continued to the end of the arm. We passed by a small field posted as private property and a unique house that was on a small side pond. It had an arch bridge over the water between the pond and the lake. The lake then got shallow and marshy with lots of alders. We followed the inlet stream as far as we could before it got too choked off with alders to pass.
We made our way back along the arm and passed a small motor boat that was fishing. We also passed a point that had several large trees that had recently blown over. It reaffirmed how strong the wind can get here.
When we came out of the arm we stayed along the shore on the left and went to explore another backwater. This backwater was mostly surrounded by forest but had farmers' fields on one side. This section of the lake was lined with alders and wetlands and would be a great place to go looking for birds. We saw a few ducks and cormorants on our trip but it was quiet. After exploring this section we made our way back to the boat launch across the lake. It was still a bit choppy but not as bad as when we started.
Map
Directions
When passing through Sackville on Route 2 take exit 504. Instead of turning towards downtown Sackville, turn to go North on Route 940. Drive for 2.3 kilometres and turn left onto Morice Drive. You will see Lillas Fawcett Park on the right. Just past the park is a large parking lot with two boat launches off the end of it. Launch and park here.
Rentals
If you don't have your own boat, you can rent canoes, kayaks and SUPs at Maritime Paddle. To get more details check out their Facebook Page.
Other Routes nearby
Route Last Paddled: May 6, 2023.
Page Last Updated: November 18, 2023.