Porters Lake is a crescent-shaped lake approximately 24 km long, located on the eastern side of Highway 107 just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The lake has a notable geographical characteristic: it is fed by a small river at its north end and drains to the Atlantic Ocean near Lawrencetown Beach at its south end, creating a salinity gradient that shifts from nearly fresh water in the north to nearly full ocean salinity in the south. Depth also varies considerably along this gradient, with the south end averaging around 5 metres and the north end averaging roughly 12 metres, reaching a maximum of approximately 30 metres in one location. Highway NS-107 crosses over the lake, while Highway 7 runs to the north and Highway 207 to the south.

The primary access point for paddlers is the public boat launch at Porters Lake Provincial Park. The park is open seasonally, and the boat launch is available during park operating hours; gates are locked when the park closes, so paddlers should plan accordingly. The park offers a range of amenities including washrooms with showers, vault toilets, picnic areas, and both serviced and unserviced campsites, including walk-in sites close to the shoreline.

The lake is considered suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers and is SUP-friendly. A popular route connects Porters Lake through the Porters Lake Canal — which has been in existence for over a century — to Three Fathom Harbour, a trip of approximately 7 to 8 km one way. Wind direction can influence which end of this route is preferable as a starting point. Paddlers exploring the north end of the lake will find a small island with a cabin, rocky shorelines, and small coves. The lake also supports water skiing and motorized boating, so paddlers should be aware of boat traffic, particularly during summer months.

Several hazards warrant attention: large submerged rocks are common along the shoreline, trees and debris can be found in the water, and wind conditions can change quickly. The lake is also used for fishing and swimming, with two public beaches located directly on the lake adjacent to the provincial park.