Edmonton 
The beauty of Parkland County is in its name: from Edmonton’s west end to Entwistle, this Alberta County is filled with scenic and peaceful lakes, rolling green hills (great for golfers), and lots of unique summer fun. Whether you’re from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Edson, or Edmonton, Parkland County offers outdoor recreation, festivals, beaches, and u-pick/farm experiences super close to home.
A large feature of the area, literally, is Wabamun Lake with two beaches, a marina, campgrounds, picnic sites, and day-use areas. But hidden off of Highway 16 are many other smaller lakes and the Pembina River where you can fish, swim, kayak, relax on a floatie, or paddleboard. There is also a variety of artistic, cultural and educational adventures in Parkland County like the many Famers’ Markets, public art, u-pick farms, and conservation areas. There is tons to do in Parkland County this summer, we just hope you can fit it all in!
Camping
If you’re looking for a little escape out of the Edmonton area, the Parkland County camping options are a great option that’s close to home. And while you camp close to home, you can enjoy the natural areas within and surrounding Parkland County.
Full Service: $40/night
Power & Water: $36/night
No Services: $30/night
- Wabamun Lake Camping (April 30 – October 1)
Power: $45/night
No Services: $37/night
- Mink Lake Resort & Campground (May 1 – September 30)
Contact for rates
$30-$40/night (save on weekdays)
- Pembina River PP Camping (May 20 – September 6)
No power $31/night
Serviced $39/night
Swimming
The Parkland County and surrounding area is home to a few beautiful beaches- some more popular beaches as well as some hidden gems. The Wabamun beach is nice and large with ice cream stands, concession, washrooms, showers, and plenty of sandy areas. Seba Beach is a summer village on the opposite side of Wabamun which also offers public swimming. For a bit more secluded of a lake and beach, try the Hubble Day use area, or Isle Lake’s Eureka Beach
- Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
- Seba Beach on Wabamun
- Isle Lake’s Eureka Beach
- Hubble Lake Day Use ($12/adult, $6/child; includes parking)
Water Sports (Water Skiing, Tubing, Paddleboarding, Sailing)
The large size of Wabamun Lake, and its depth, allow for power boats and therefore all the fun sports you can do with a power boat. The lake is also a great spot for sailing in Alberta. There is a boat launch in the day-use area of the Provincial Park, where you can head into the water for tubing, water skiing, sea doo, or to just get some speed on your boat. You can also rent a boat right at the lake through the Wabamun Marina and RV Park.
Wabamun Marina and RV Park Rentals
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Relax in a Kayak or Canoe
For more water activities that are a bit more relaxing and soothing, try a kayak or canoe on one of the area’s lakes or creeks! You can book parking at the Pembina River Tubing area, and launch your kayak there, but if you’re looking for less populated kayak or canoe spots, Wabamun Lake is large enough with plenty of small inlets to discover and relax in while you paddle. Lac St. Anne, a smaller lake to the north of Parkland County, also has a boat launch.
- Wabamun Lake Provincial Park Day Use
- Alberta Beach at Lac St. Anne Boat Launch
- Pembina River Tubing Parking ($10/day)
- Hasse Lake Regional Park
- Lake Isle Kayaking Adventures
Stony Plain & Parkland Pioneer Museum
Take a walk through Parkland County’s rich history at the Stony Plain & Parkland Pioneer Museum which is now open for summer. There are several exhibits to see inside and outside the museum that show off the pioneering architecture, transportation, and culture. There is also an on-site Tea House where you can dine pioneer-style or grab a quick snack on your way out.
Pembina River Tubing
This relaxing ~3-hour float will gently take you through the river’s tall cliff faces and valley. Your float begins at the Pembina River Tubing Company in Entwistle, who operate a bit differently than in previous years. To make your experience a bit more convenient, book your parking spot in advance on their website, where you can book a raft if you need as well. The float ends at the “third bridge” outside the Pembina River Provincial Park. This exit point is the only place to exit; beyond here, it is incredibly dangerous and difficult to exit the Pembina.
Address: 53217 Range Rd 74 A, Entwistle
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Cottage and Cabin Vacations
The beautiful lakes of Parkland County create for just as beautiful stays in the area.
- Hubble Lake Resort (Hubble Lake)
- Gone Fish Inn (Lac St. Anne)
- Rare Gem B&B (Stony Plain)
- Spring Lake RV Resort (Spring Lake)
Farmers’ Market Hopping and Shopping
There is a ton of shopping to get done in Parkland County. You can come support all the local farmers and creators by shopping the many Farmers’ Markets in the area from the towns to the beaches. Seba and Alberta beaches both hold their own markets, while you can also find them in the larger areas of Spruce Grove and Stony Plain. And in the smaller towns along Highway 16, you can find a market in Evansburg, Edson, and Onoway. With four of these Farmers’ Markets being open on Saturdays, you could consider a daytrip of shopping and market-hopping.
- Evansburg Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 10am – 2pm
- Seba Beach Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 10:30am – 12:30pm
- Alberta Beach Farmers’ Market: Sundays 11:30am – 3pm
- Edson Farmers’ Market: Fridays 11am – 2pm
- Onoway Farmers’ Market: Thursdays 5pm – 8pm
- Stony Plain Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 9am – 1pm
- Spruce Grove Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Spruce Grove Grain Elevator Museum & Community Garden
These two Spruce Grove attractions are part of the same site and museum; together, they create a peaceful place to take pictures and relax. There are tours available, too, which take you inside the elevator and show off antique cars, original posters, tools, and equipment. The tours are flexible and can last from 15 to 45-minutes; if you have a group of 10 or more, they ask you to book in advance.
Catch a Drive-in Flick
Enjoy a drive-in movie organized by the Town of Stony Plain.
Stony Plain Outdoor Movie Event: August 7, 2021
A Walk in the Park
For a relaxing and nature-filled walk, you can head to one of Stony Plain’s or Spruce Grove’s parks, but there are also several natural areas and provincial parks around Parkland County perfect for a scenic stroll. Stony Plain is home to Rotary Park, Shikaoi Park, or the Willow Park Natural Area. And in Spruce Grove, you can access any of the town’s parks and neighbourhoods via Heritage Grove Park. For a hike or bike in some more secluded areas, head to:
- Wagner Natural Area
- Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
- Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area
- Burtonsville Island Natural Area
U-Pick
Make your meals a little more satisfying knowing you went out and hand-picked the ingredients! There are a few places around Parkland County who welcome you into their groves, farms, or orchards to pick your own fruits and vegetables.
- Happy Acres U-pick, #1-52225, Range Rd 273
- Grove Berry Patch, 52430 Range Road 265
- Saskatoon Ridge U-pick, 55102, Range Rd 83
- Strawberry Creek Farm, Range Rd 33
- Big Rock Berry Farm, 3-51310 Range Road 261
- Saskatoon Valley Orchards, 51512 Range Rd. 22
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Blueberry Bluegrass Jam
This weekend long event is back for 2021 with regional bands and acts, a Pancake Breakfast, and an all-new format. They’re asking you, the visitors, to bring out your instruments as well, so Blueberry can create the biggest jam-session in Alberta. You can stay on-site in your RV, or book at the nearby Travelodge. There will also be several bluegrass workshops all weekend long.
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Country Picnic at Somerset Farms
What makes the picnics special at Somerset Farms are the quaint country setting, access to firewood, and a selection of yard games to add to your afternoon. There are five areas available for rent which are limited to 10 people/site. Within the farm area are multi-use trails to explore, farm animals to see, and plenty of scenic photo opportunities.
Address: 1423 Township Rd 514, Parkland County
Golfing
Some of the most well-known and favourite courses of Edmonton and area golfers are located within Parkland County. The landscape is perfect for a large and lush greens, and many of the courses also offer premiere dining experiences in their clubhouses.
- Grouse Nest Golf Course, 53318 Range Rd 31, Parkland County
- Silver Sands Golf Course, Township Rd 540, Fallis
- Blackhawk Golf Club, 51111 Range Rd. 255, Spruce Grove
- Cougar Creek Golf Resort, 2519 HWY 16, Carvel
- Deer Meadows Golf Course, 53303A HWY 44, Spruce Grove
- Duffy’s Challenge, 54007 Alberta 779, Stony Plain
- Pineridge Golf Resort, 53213 HWY 31, Seba Beach
- The Ranch Golf & Country Club, 52516 Range Rd. 262, Acheson
- Trestle Creek Golf Resort, 7011 Township Rd., Entwistle
- Whitewood Links, 53506 Range Rd. 43, Lac Ste. Anne County
Mini Golf & Putting
If you’re looking for a place to get the kids interested in golf, or for easy family fun, there are two spots on either side of the county who can help you out. On the east end closer to Edmonton is the Putting Horse Ranch where you can put the greens, camp, and dine. Seba Beach on Wabamun Lake also has mini golf you can enjoy after a swim, while you’re camping, or while you enjoy their ice cream.
- Putting Horse Ranch, 53312 Range Rd. 272, Spruce Grove
- Trickle Creek Mini Golf & Ice Cream, 145 4 St S, Seba Beach
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
There are over 140-hectares of natural paths and an environment to enjoy at the Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary. You can catch a glimpse of up to 140 different species of birds and bask in the shade of the pine forest. Along your walk, you’ll encounter a boardwalk, meadows, marshland, and aspen parkland.
Address: Follow Woodbend Rd. (Township Road 514) 1.6 km to Sanctuary Rd (Range Road 264)
University of Alberta Botanic Gardens
The southern region of Parkland County is home to one of the most eye-catching gardens in Alberta. The U of A Botanic Gardens are a picturesque and serene destination who offer two different packages to enhance your stay: Twilight Picnics and Brunch Boxes, both of which are to be enjoyed in the gardens. Otherwise, you are free to book a spot to roam the Aga Khan, Indigenous, Kurimoto, and Patrick Seymour Alpine gardens.
Address: Located in Parkland County, Alberta, 5 KM north of Devon on Hwy 60
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Outdoor Pools and Splash parks
Take the ultimate cool down and book your spot at the Stony Plain or Entwistle outdoor pools. You and your family can beat the heat in the water, soak up the sun in the grass, or chill with ice cream. And next to the Stony Plain outdoor pool is their Spray Park, perfect for the younger kids.
Public Art and Mural Walk through Stony Plain
Did you know Stony Plain is home to 39 public murals created by 23 different local artists? These murals have turned ordinary public spaces around Stony Plain into beautiful and breathtaking works of art! In addition to these murals, there are nine more statues and sculptures to see around town. Their map can take you on a self-guided tour to see it all.
Summer Sessions in Stony Plain
Stony Plain Summer Sessions is free event allows you to take in a summer concert in the park with local favourite artists like Scenic Route to Alaska, Blake Reid, Jamie Warren and more. The concerts are all free but require you to register in advance due to capacity limits. Even if you can’t get a ticket to your desired show, you can live-stream it from home and create your own at-home concert.
Dates: June 16 – August 4
Address: 5100 41 Ave, Stony Plain
Canada Day Celebrations
Both Stony Plain and Spruce Grove are putting on Canada Celebrations this year- both of which will be spread across each city. The celebrations also include fireworks displays.
Fishing
In the southern area of Parkland County are numerous small lakes in peaceful and secluded woods which make for a relaxing day out fishing. These include Star Lake, Mink Lake, and Jackfish Lake. The North Saskatchewan River also runs through this part of Parkland Co. Further north at Wabamun Lake, you can learn first by embarking on a Fish Rule Custom Adventure: these fishing charters operate all year and are a great opportunity to also birdwatch and see the wildlife around the lake.
Address: 4325 Lakeshore Road Lot 14 Birch Crescent Parkland County
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Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area
Whether here for a hike, a wildlife viewing and birdwatching, or a scenic place to take photos, Bunchberry Meadows is a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon. It is made up of 260-hectares of old growth forests, meadows, and wetlands, and attracts a variety of wildlife. You could see a moose, beaver, northern flying squirrel, porcupines, salamanders, or weasels.
Address: 1B5, Range Rd 261, Spruce Grove
Edmonton Corn Maze
We might associate this fun destination with fall, but the Edmonton Corn Maze open its doors July 27, 2021. This is an excellent place to stock up on farm-fresh foods and offers u-pick sunflowers by mid-August. There are new activities to check out for summer as well like pedal karts and the Corn Cob Express.
Address: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
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