Gardner Lake is a 528-acre natural lake located in Salem, Connecticut. The lake offers excellent opportunities for paddling, with calm waters suitable for kayakers of all skill levels. The main access point is at Gardner Lake State Park, where a boat launch is available at 126 Old Colchester Road.

Paddlers can enjoy a roughly 4-mile trip around the lake's shoreline. A notable destination is Minnie Island State Park, Connecticut's smallest state park, which is accessible only by boat and provides a scenic spot for picnicking or exploration. The lake is surrounded by forests and several campgrounds, creating an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for paddling.

Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with many ducks and other waterfowl calling the lake home. Fishing is popular, with species including bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and catfish inhabiting the waters. The lake has been stocked with walleye since 1993.

Paddlers should be aware of a few regulations: boat speeds are limited to 6 mph from sunset to 8:00 a.m. The lake can be busy during summer months, particularly with motorized boats and jet skis, which may create wakes.

Facilities at Gardner Lake State Park include a large parking lot, picnic areas with tables and grills near the beach, and seasonal restrooms. The beach area is primarily dirt rather than sand, and visitors are advised to wear water shoes due to occasional broken glass.

Gardner Lake has historical significance, with a sunken house at the bottom of the lake from an 1895 moving attempt across the frozen surface. While mostly rotted away now, this quirky history adds character to the paddling experience.