Paddle Lunenburg/Queens

Lake Route 4: Dauphinees Mill Lake

Record #: LQR0039
Last Modified: 11 Apr 2019
Last Full Update: 07 Nov 2014

Comments

Public Bulletin
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
 
Neither South Shore Connect.ca nor the Lunenburg-Queens Recreational Coordinators/Directors Association own or control the canoe routes, portages or campsites listed in this guide, and assume no responsibility or liability for the safety of those using the canoe routes, walking the portages, or using the campsites. 
 
lt is recommended that users approach all canoe routes, portages and campsites in a safe and responsible manner. Conditions can change through fluctuating water levels, natural debris, and logging activity. Arrangements must be made directly with the owners of the portages and campsites. 
 
South Shore Connect.ca and Lunenburg-Queens Recreational Coordinators/Directors Association are not liable for any errors or omissions in this guide.

Location

Located In South Shore Region
Where To Find Us
Hubbards, NS
Areas Served Lunenburg County ; Queens County (NS)

Contact

E-Mail chaughn@chester.ca
Phone 902-275-3490
Contact Chad Haughn, President, LQRCDA

Description & Services

Information DAUPHINEES MILL LAKE LAKE ROUTE 4 
 
A long lake (about 5 km) near Halifax with public access, beaches and coves to explore. 
 
Where: Near Hubbards 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Time: Day or half day trip 
Distance: 10 km around lake 
 
Click map to enlarge 
 
 
Dauphinees Mill Lake (known locally as Mill Lake) is close to the city for a relaxing day or evening paddle. It is nearly divided in half with a lovely channel connecting the two. An alternate way back to the south half is via a short carry over called the “Pull Through”. (20m) It can be tricky to find. When headed north look for an orange sign with a black arrow. When headed south, the portage is tucked in to the right of a turquoise cottage. Porcupine Bluff is also a good landmark. 
 
Like Big Mushamush, the south half is lined with cottages while the north half is more natural. The shoreline is rocky with a few beaches. Fall may be the best time to paddle here as boat traffic is less. Expect to see ducks and loons. 
 
Water Safety Notes 
Wind - See lake notes. 
Boat traffic - Many of the cottages on this lake can only be reached by water so boat traffic can be heavy at peak times. 
 
Points of Interest 
 
1 Porcupine Bluff - A dramatic rock outcrop 130 metres high not often seen on Nova Scotia lakes. 
 
2 Beach - A small beach in a shallow cove with a good area for a picnic. 
 
3 Stone cottages - These old cottages have some impressive stonework. Please look from your boat. 
 
How to get there 
Take Exit 6 off Highway 103 and turn north about 1.5 km to the parking lot. 
 
Access Point One 
There is a sand ramp for easy access and a large parking lot. Parking is mostly for the vehicles of cottage owners who have travelled by boat to their cottage but it is possible to find a place to park here. There is also a pay phone nearby. 
 
Connections 
Panuke Lake is a long lake (about 35 kms) that stretches all the way to St. Croix near Windsor. It can be reached via two long portages from Mill Lake. The first portage (700 metres) is into Coolen Lake and the second (1.5 km) is along a track from Coolen Lake into Panuke Lake. Panuke Lake is very narrow creating a wind tunnel in windy conditions. 
 
Topographic map - Chester 21 A/9
Eligibility Ages: 16 year(s) and up 
 
Children under 16 with adults - please use own discretion depending on skill level

Special Information

Established 1998
Tags Canoe/Kayak ; Maps ; NS Trail Guide ; Recreation Categories ; South Shore Connect
Categories - General Canoeing ; Kayaking ; Lakes and Ponds ; Maps