Crean Lake is a large lake located within Prince Albert National Park in central Saskatchewan, approximately 63 kilometres east-northeast of Big River. Its size makes it notably more open and exposed to wind than neighbouring Kingsmere Lake, which is an important consideration for paddlers in open canoes — conditions can deteriorate quickly and waves can become a serious hazard. Sand is abundant along the shoreline, more so than at Kingsmere.

The only access to Crean Lake is by water, with paddlers launching from the Hanging Heart Lakes Marina on Kingsmere Road, roughly 15 kilometres from the Waskesiu townsite. The marina offers a paid cement boat launch, moorage slips, a fish filleting shack, pit toilets, day parking, and rentals of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented at the Waskesiu marina. From the launch, paddlers travel through the three connected Hanging Heart Lakes — a channel from the easternmost lake leads into Crean Lake. The one-way paddle from the marina to Crean Lake takes approximately three hours according to Parks Canada's activity guide.

The Hanging Heart Lakes to Crean Lake route is listed as a two-to-three day overnight paddle. The total loop around Crean Lake adds up to approximately 40 kilometres of paddling. There are four backcountry campgrounds on or near the lake: Crean Kitchen (which also serves as a day-use picnic site near the lake's entrance), Chipewyan Campground, Big Island Campground (located near the eastern shore on an island, accessible by motorboat or paddle craft and featuring a shared camp kitchen shelter with three single campsites), and Moose Bay (on the lake's north shore). Overnight stays require registration.

Personal watercraft such as Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos are not permitted on park waters. As of April 15, 2025, all watercraft entering park waters require an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Certification Permit. All watercraft must conform to federal small vessel and pleasure craft regulations. Paddlers should check Parks Canada's website for any area closures before visiting, as temporary closures due to wildfire risk have affected the Crean Lake area in recent years.

The lake supports populations of walleye, lake trout, and northern pike, and the surrounding backcountry offers opportunities to observe moose and other wildlife. The area is recommended for kayaking as well as canoeing.