Calgary 
It is a tough decision: when planning a trip around Alberta, where do you visit first?
Crescent Falls/ Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
The nearly 500 Provincial Parks, Recreation Areas, Ecological Reserves, and Wildland Parks managed by Alberta Parks are all great places to start. On top of being protected lands, we get to respectfully enjoy the areas for all sorts of outdoor recreation any time of year. And among Alberta’s parks, some of them are definitely Must-See Provincial Parks. Why?
Each must-see Provincial Area offers its own unique reasons to visit, some of which include excitement, relaxation, adventures, or seeing rare wildlife. And while many of Alberta’s prettiest Parks reside in the Rocky Mountains, you will find some magnificent gems of parks all throughout the province. You can choose which Provincial Park to visit based on scenery, based on winter activities, summer activities, or camping availability.
Always remember to be Bear Aware. Several of the Provincial Park areas (north, south, Rockies, and central) have “Bear in the Area” warnings. It isn’t anything to be alarmed about, as long as you keep all food and garbage locked away, pick up after yourself, and never ever feed the wild animals. Bear Spray is always advised when using the backcountry trails of Alberta.
Add these Provincial Parks to your outdoor adventure or road trip bucket list.
FYI: This article does not include national parks, and only features natural areas managed by Alberta Parks.
Don’t forget to check advisories before you go!
Camping in Alberta Parks: Alberta Parks reservations are open 90 days in advance for individual campsites, and 180 days for group and comfort camping. For last-minute camping and to check available campsites, enter the dates you want to camp and leave the Park and Campground area blank on the Alberta parks website. Alberta Parks will show you a map of all the provincial campsites available for the selected dates. Phone: 1-877-537-2757 (Toll-free in North America).
All Alberta Parks except those in Kananaskis Country are free to visit (no admission fee/car permit).
Rocky Mountains
William A. Switzer Provincial Park
The large William A. Switzer Park is made up of five lakes, connected by several kilometres of hiking trails, and sits and the foot of the northern Rocky Mountains.
As a day trip, you can bring out your boats, pack a picnic, enjoy early morning fishing, or plan for one/many of the park’s epic but short hikes. Enjoy the views of Rock Lake, Solomon mountain Range across Jarvis from Kelley’s Bathtub Trail or the Joachim Valley, Brule Lake, and Japer peaks from Athabasca lookout.
Campsites are easy to come by at the park, with five different campgrounds, including some for winter campers. If you do visit in the colder months, take advantage of the snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Along your travels or trip in any month, watch for wildlife and keep your camera at the ready for deer, owls, eagles, otters, or hawks.
When: year-round, except for Jarvis Lake Day Use, Halfway Campground, and Cache Lake Campground which are May-September
Where: northwest of Hinton on Highway AB-40 (Bighorn Highway) (Directions)
Willmore Wilderness Park
North of Jasper, the Rockies continue until they bend west toward British Columbia, and between this stretch from the national park to the provincial border, you can visit the Willmore Wilderness Park. There are three access points to this remote wilderness area: Rock Lake Provincial Park, Sulphur Gates PRA, and Berland PRA.
Willmore offers some of the coolest backcountry camping in Canada, too, with historic cabins that can only be accessed via trails, yet which are open to the public. The trails here are extensive (more than 750km!) and remote, so these adventures are only recommended for experienced backcountry campers.
Visit for the day to hike, see Eaton Falls, bike, snowshoe, or bust out the OHVs. And always stay aware on your travels for bighorn sheep and mountain goats!
When: year-round
Where: west of Grande Cache, access via Rock Lake PP, Sulphur Gates PRA, and Berland Provincial Recreational Area (Directions)
Sulphur Gates PRA
The natural and geological beauties which surround the Sulphur Gates PRA, north of Grande Cache, are peaceful camping and hiking areas. The year-round camping is first-come-first-served and is the start to many great views.
From the day use and camping area, you can follow short trails to look out over the Smoky and Sulphur River crossing or follow a more challenging trail to Eaton Falls. The trail is an incline for the first 2km, and levels out in a wooded area. A wooden sign will then lead you to the beautiful Eaton Falls hidden in the trees.
Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
When: year-round
Where: 5 km north and 7 km west of Grande Cache off Hwy. 40. (Directions)
Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park
The historic Pierre Grey’s Lakes are a series of five lakes in the park, named after Metis fur trade Pierre Gris. Some remnants of his time here are still visible while you enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
And you can take advantage of the foothill scenery any time of year, as the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. From spring to fall, you can paddle the lakes, fish for trout, or hike and bike between the five lakes.
When: year-round
Where: east side of Highway AB-40 between Hinton and Grande Cache (Directions)
Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park
Enter the Whitehorse Wildland area through Cadomin, a small town nestled between the large foothills and small mountains. The backcountry park has opportunities for camping in remote and beautiful locations which can be accessed through the Whitehorse Creek PRA.
The trails range in length, but many include incredible viewing areas like Rudashy Falls and other waterfalls, Wildhorse Lake Trail, trails that lead to alpine meadows surrounded by limestone mountains, or old signs of the once bustling coal town: visit historic Mountain Park Cemetery, and the remains of the town behind it.
When: year-round
Where: access via Highway 40 south of Hinton; turn south towards Cadomin (Directions)
Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area
Head to the Crescent Falls Provincial Recreational Area early if you’re stopping by on a longer trip or are coming for the day- this area can get busy! But it is worth the parking time, or the wait for a campsite, as Crescent Falls is a magnificent waterfall that creates beautiful mountain scenery.
You can picnic close enough to the falls to hear the rushing waters, and see where the river drops off the cliff, or you can take a quick downhill trek to the base of the falls and the start of the lower falls.
The Bighorn River is as powerful as it is pretty, so it is important to stay within the marked viewing areas while at Crescent Falls PRA.
When: camping and day use open May-October
Where: west from Highway AB-11 at the Bighorn Gas Station (Directions)
Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
The Kootenay Plains and Siffleur Wilderness Area are among some of the most unique Rocky Mountain scenery in Alberta, with plains, low cliffs, the North Saskatchewan River Valley, and the nearby Abraham Lake.
During the open season in Kootenay Plains, you can experience a beautiful hike to the Siffleur Falls, which begins with a bridge crossing over the North Saskatchewan and continues up alongside the Siffleur River until the waterfall. The Glacier Trail is a favourite for cyclists and will lead from Abraham Lake back to the Kootenay Plains.
On your way in or out, stop at one of many magnificent lookout rest areas along the shores of Abraham Lake for epic photography and sightseeing.
When: camping and day use area May-October
Where: either side of Highway AB-11, parking at Siffleur Falls Staging Area on west side of 11 (Directions)
Fish Lake Provincial Recreational Area
You may not normally think of mountain lakes as swimming lakes given their water sources or locations, but Fish/Shunda Lake is a warm exception. The lake isn’t quite in the Rockies and is sheltered by tall forests.
On a warm and calm day, the beautiful water is a wonderful place for a dip, a float with friends and family, or a canoe/kayak ride.
If you do come here for a float, keep in mind how quickly the weather and winds can change- always remember paddles! You can hike along the shores after a day in the water, find a quiet place for a picnic, or fish for rainbow trout.
As a year-round park, Fish Lake also offers ice fishing for those trout, and cross-country skiing or OHV riding through ungroomed forest trails (offloading of OHV in the day use is not permitted).
When: day use and campground open May-October
Where: 6 km west of Nordegg on Hwy. 11 & 2 km south on access road (Fish Lake is also referred to as Shunda Lake) (Directions)
Thompson Creek Provincial Recreational Area
As one of the smaller Rocky Mountain Provincial areas, Thompson Creek Provincial Recreational Area is a simple and secluded place for camping and fishing but is set within amazing foothill scenery.
While you stay here, you can take a short walk to the North Saskatchewan River for nearby fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography. The river, at this point in the Rockies, is usually a stunning blue colour.
Explore the shoreline area, dip your toes on a hot day, or set up a riverside picnic. Abraham Lake, as fed by the North Saskatchewan, is also a short drive away.
When: day use and camping May-October
Where: southwest of Abraham Lake, on the south side of Highway AB-11 (Directions)
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Bring your hiking shoes on a trip to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, as there are several gorgeous hikes to take on either paved and accessible trails, or on the more rugged back country trails.
You may also take to some trails with your bike. You’ll have 22 different day use areas you can visit, and it is possible to see most of the park in one day! If you’d rather not guide your own adventures in the wilderness, plan around one of the Park’s daily events taking place through Labour day weekend.
The interpretive experiences teach visitors about wildlife and nature around Peter Lougheed and are great for all ages.
The park is also home to Highwood Pass, the highest paved pass in Canada, and Blackshale Suspension Bridge.
When: day use areas year-round, except for Elbow Pass, Elpoca, Grizzly Creek, Highwood Meadows, King Creek, Little Highwood Pass, Peninsula, Rock Glacier, and White Spruce
Where: on either side of Highway AB-40 via 541 in the south, or Highway 1 in the north (Directions)
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
You can catch the Rockies in the distance with day-hikes or a visit to Glenbow Ranch and spend your time exploring the foothills or Bow River Valley. These Glenbow Ranch trail systems are also popular for cyclists and mountain bikers.
From the parking and lot and Visitor’s Centre, you can create several hike or bike rides of varying lengths, and map out adventures along the Bearspaw Trail, the Bowbend Trail, or the Bow River Loop.
When the snow arrives, prepare your fat tire bike for an adventure around the Ranch. The area is operated and maintained by the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, who offer educational and interpretive events throughout the year.
When: day use area only, open year-round
Where: Follow Glenbow Road south from Highway 1A (Directions)
Spray Valley Provincial Park
As many Rocky Mountain PPs do, the Spray Valley is filled with day use areas, campgrounds, and group camping areas.
Between all of these locations, you have year-round adventures to plan in the Spray Valley. In the warmer months, embark on canoe, kayak, or fishing adventures around the Spray Reservoir, or hike the extensive trail system and pack a picnic.
In the colder months, traverse the trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes, and enjoy solitude with some winter camping.
When: Opal, Buller Mountain, Sparrow Hawk, spray Lake Day Use Areas open Spring-Fall, rest year-round (Directions)
Camping year-round
Where: between Highway 40 and 742 south of Canmore and Highway 1
Evan -Thomas PRA
Within Evan-Thomas are great places to stay within the mountain scenery any time of year, and don’t involve camping!
These accommodations include Nakiska, a Wilderness Hostel, or Sundance Lodges.
There are still six campgrounds in the Recreation Area, including a campground just for brave winter campers.
The recreational opportunities are endless any time you visit Kananaskis, including downhill skiing or snowboarding, cross country skiing, mountain biking and fat biking, fishing or ice fishing, equestrian riding, hiking, or snowshoeing.
The park is home to the highest-maintained trail in Canada, the Centennial Ridge.
Fall is an extra special time to visit Evan-Thomas, where you can witness the Golden Eagle Migration; in spring of 2022 alone, the Rocky Mountain Eagle Research foundation reported 302 migratory raptor birds in the area! Get the best Eagle views at Hay Meadows.
When: year-round
Where: west from the Kananaskis Trail on Mt. Allan Drive (Directions)
Bow Valley Provincial Park
Explore some of the most beautiful paddling lakes in Alberta while skipping a lot of the crowds at the lakes of Bow Valley Provincial Park.
One of the day use areas is even dubbed Canoe Meadows among others like Gap Lake, Barrier Lake, Lac des Arcs, and the Kananaskis River for more experienced kayakers.
Other summer activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, power boating on certain areas, and hiking. And as a daytrip, the area offers several scenic picnic sites.
In the winter, take to the trails on skis, snowshoes, or on horseback and set up camp at the Bow Valley winter campground.
When: Barrier and Whitefish Day use May-October, all other day use areas are year-round
Camping open year-round
Where: access via Highway 1 southeast of Canmore (Directions)
Castle Provincial Park
You may not be able to stay or camp at Castle PP in the winter, but the area is a popular daytrip destination for fishers, OHV riders, fat tire bikers, Nordic skiers, and snowshoers. But you can book comfort camping in this park as early as May, and as late as September Long Weekend.
Summer adventures here can include waterfalls (near the campground) wildlife viewing, boating of all kinds on the lakes and rivers, fishing, hiking the interpretive trails, and you will be met with several spots for amazing photography day and night (especially breathtaking views of Table Mountain).
The area is known as a diverse mountain area with forests, meadows, and the Rockies.
When: camping May-September
Day use areas open year-round except for Castle Falls, Lynx Creek, and Syncline Barnaby Staging which are open May-October
Where: access via Highway 774, Napay Road, or Adanac Road. (Directions)
Police Outpost Provincial Park
Camp between the US border and a gorgeous lake with one of Alberta’s southern-most Provincial Parks!
Police Outpost PP is known for its stunning view of Chief Mountain to the south in the States.
The views are unique because if you simply turn around, you’re met with rolling plains and prairies.
The small and calm lake is great for a paddle or slow boat ride, with fishing allowed on Outpost Lake.
You’ll also chance running into beautiful and large migratory birds like swans, loons, and sandhill cranes. The trails, whether in summer for hikes or winter for skiing, lead you around the east shores of the lake and to an island (may not be able access in winter).
When: day use and camping open April-October
Where: 10 km south & 23 km west of Cardston on Hwy. 2 (Directions)
Badlands & Southern Alberta
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Travel to southern Alberta and you’ll uncover unique landscapes like badlands and hoodoos around lush green river valleys, and literal writings on the stone around you.
Writing-on-Stone PP offers the natural scenery of the Milk River and the badlands, but also significant cultural history.
The Visitor Centre trail is about 0.5km with great hoodoo views, and information on upcoming events or tours.
The park offers guided experiences throughout summer, but you can visit for a hike or picnic any time of year. The Milk River is also a wonderful spot for a paddle!
When: cabins open May-September, tent and RV sites, and day use are year-round
Where: access via Range Rd. 131 or 130A in Milk River (Directions)
Cypress Hills Provincial Park
The year-round Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park offers some of the most activities out of any Provincial Area in Alberta.
The area is under a large dark sky preserve, so stargazing can be enjoyed all year at locations like Spring Coulee or Battle Creek Campground.
You can also camp here year-round, or plan specifically for the summer.
This is when Elkwater Lake opens up to swimmers, boaters, and paddlers. In the winter, you can enjoy the immense trail systems, with the Horseshoe Canyon viewpoint as the main attraction. Explore with skis, skate on Elkwater Lake, or use a fat bike on the trails. Comfort camping is also available with a variety of sizes of cabins from which to choose.
When: day use and camping open year-round
Where: access via Highway 41 and 514 (Directions)
Dinosaur Provincial Park
The name says it all: Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of the richest fossil fields in the world, and we can explore and enjoy almost the entire area!
The park offers camping Spring to Fall, as well as winter campsites, with the Day Use Area and Visitor’s Centre open year-round.
During your stay, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with badlands hikes, interpretive fossil hikes, and coulee hikes. There are several unique badlands formations like hoodoos, the Red Deer River, and all the green in the valley to explore.
When: camping year-round or seasonal, day use open year-round
Where: end of Township Road 210A via Highway 876 (Directions)
Red Rock Coulee Natural Area
Plan a picnic round a visit to southern Alberta’s Red Rock Coulee Natural Area, where gigantic red sandstone boulders pop up out of the flat ground.
As far as natural sandstone boulders, these are some of the largest in the world, and you can catch amazing photographs during a sunrise or sunset.
If you stop by in the summer, you could encounter wildlife unique to southern Alberta like small scorpions, short-horned lizards, bull snakes, or Western rattlesnakes.
When: May-September
Where: end of Range Rd. 72, south of Medicine Hat (Directions)
Midland Provincial Park
If you are looking to visit the Royal Tyrell Museum any time soon, you can find it here in Midland Provincial Park, and NOT Dinosaur Provincial Park, as some commonly mistake. Both areas have a lot in common however, as both sit on the scenic Red Deer River, offer a deep look into Alberta’s past, and are a great spot to hike with your family.
Midland is only open for Day Use with no camping allowed, but you can bring picnics and make an entire day of the park, including the old, abandoned Midland Coal Mine area. The day use area is also a popular launching spot for canoers and kayakers or can be used as a shallow swimming beach.
When: day use open May-October
Where: 10-15 minutes east of Drumheller on Highway 838 (Directions)
Bleriot Ferry Provincial Recreation Area
The actual Bleriot Ferry is parked on the east side of the Red Deer River in the Day Use Area and is fully operational.
This makes for excellent and convenient biking around the area, and a unique way to see the river or badlands.
You may also fish from these forested shores, spend nights stargazing and sitting around your firepit, or take off on a longer Red Deer River boating adventure.
When: May-September
Where: 23 km northwest of Drumheller on Hwy. 837 at ferry crossing (Directions)
Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park
This immense foothill area within the Bob Creek Wildland is great for hikers especially the Whaleback Ridge named which resembles the spine of a whale; but these trails are extensive, so OHV and equestrian riding is not only permitted, but recommended too.
Backcountry camping is also permitted if you’d like to extend your adventure here, but keep in mind you cannot camp in the Staging Area Day Use.
When: year-round
Where: end of township Rd. 103A via the Crowsnest Highway(Directions)
Lundbreck Falls PRA
Lundbreck Falls rush down the Crowsnest River and fall for about 12 meters into a small but stunning canyon.
One-day use area brings you overhead views of the waterfall, while the other near the base of the falls can be accessed via a short trail around the walk-in tent sites. And along with the walk-in tenting campground, you may also camp here via reservable sites (with or without power). Lundbreck PRA’s primary draw for recreation is the Crowsnest River and its abundance of Rainbow Trout. On hot days in late summer, some areas are calm enough for a dip!
When: day use open year-round, camping May-September
Where: west of the town of Lundbreck on the Crowsnest Highway, south on Highway 3A (Directions)
Details
Central Alberta
Crimson Lake Provincial Park
You can spend your time at Crimson Lake exploring both Crimson and Twin Lakes by hike, bike or boat.
Both lakes make for a beautiful paddle or canoe trip, and Crimson has a beautiful sandy beach for swimming.
Power boats are permitted on both lakes, allowing you to quickly find some excellent perch or trout spots. Things don’t quiet down over winter either, with Crimson Lake offering ice-fishing, winter camping, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
When: camping and day use year-round, except for Twin Lakes Campground (Directions)
Where: use Highway AB-11 to access 756 and follow it north to the park
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park
The name is a little deceiving, as this PP is made up of Whitney Lake, as well as Ross, Laurier, and Borden Lakes. The shores of Whitney and Ross each have a campground, while all four can be accessed as day use areas.
A camping trip here can offer a lot to do during your stay, with boating (power or otherwise), hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming.
The park makes for a peaceful escape, with a lot of historical exploration nearby via the Frog Lake National Historic Site, Fort George & Buckingham House, Historic Heinsberg, and the Victoria Settlement. You can also visit in the winter to explore the numerous trails around the four lakes with cross-country skis.
When: camping open May-September
Day use areas open year-round
Where: Via Highway 646 and RR 44, Lindbergh, south of Elk Point (Directions)
Aspen Beach Provincial Park
The Aspen Beach Park area (on Gull Lake) is fairly large and offers several ways to spend the day: stop by the beach for picnics, spend your day in the water, paddle the long shorelines, or tow tubes and skis on your boat.
The lake is not accessible from the park during the winter, but you can come to the area and snowshoe around the park or use the 7km of groomed cross-country ski trails with warm-up shelters provided along your route.
A skating rink pops up beside the lake each winter as well, with firepits and lights for a night skate.
When: year-round
Where: north side of Highway AB-12 on south shores of Gull Lake (Directions)
Big Knife Provincial Park
The unique landscape of Big Knife is reason enough alone to plan a visit: as you enter the park area, the prairies disappear into large green hills around the Battle River.
The hills and the Battle River are the main sources of recreation in the area, offering hiking trails, and boat launches for powerboats, canoes, kayaks, or fishing boats.
Big Knife is a beautiful place to spend the day or the night and can simply be a place to take a scenic walk. It is especially pretty in the fall when the area is covered in reds, golds, and yellows among the badland formations.
When: day use and camping May-September
Where: access via AB-855 in Forestburg (Directions)
Sundance Provincial Park
One of the best ways to explore the Sundance area, whether on a camping or day trip, is via the Wild Sculpture Trail.
This park trail takes you to a unique gathering of hoodoos, and through beautiful, forested areas. You can also hike the Emerson Lakes area which is wrapped by over 7km of paths.
Sundance Provincial Park is abundant in wildlife, including some excellent fishing for brook trout mountain whitefish, Arctic grayling, northern pike, burbot rainbow, or bull trout.
When: camping and day use May-October
Where: via the Emerson Creek Road, with access from Highway AB-16/Trans Canada (Directions)
Carson Pegasus Provincial Park
The smaller and pretty Carson Pegasus Provincial Park contains two lakes: McLeod, and Little McLeod. And given that these lakes are deep in the woods, the PP provides scenic relaxation for campers and visitors.
Relax on a boat, or SUP, or sit back by the fire at night and enjoy the starry skies. In the colder months, snowmobilers can enjoy beautiful and expansive trail networks, while the lakes are peaceful ice fishing spots.
When: camping and day use year-round
Where: Access Highway AB-32 from 2 in the north, or 43 in the south. Take Township Road 612A east from Highway AB-32 and follow it directly into the park. (Directions)
Dillberry Lake Provincial Park
You can enjoy either a rugged and peaceful winter escape at Dillberry Lake PP, or a summer beach vacation.
Camping is only available spring-fall but offers tons to do in that time like swimming, paddling, powerboating, sailing, and bird watching.
When it gets cold and you crave solitude, the area can offer escape via ice-fishing, ungroomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, and wildlife photography (especially with birds!).
Hiking trails and paddling can also take you across the Saskatchewan border.
When: day use open year-round, camping May-September (Directions)
Where: east side of Highway AB-17, northeast of Provost
Northern Alberta
Lakeland Provincial Park
Canoers and kayakers won’t want to miss Lakeland Provincial Park in the summer, as it is the only Park with a multi-lake backcountry canoe circuit- all mapped out for you too!
From the waters, you can travel to several backcountry campsites (the only camping in the park), and truly get away from anything at all.
The Circuit takes about 3 days to complete with about 38km of canoeing to power though, but 16 backcountry sites along the way.
When: backcountry camping and day use open year-round
Where: Shaw Lake day use east of Lac La Biche on Highway 663 (Directions)
Beaver Lake PRA
As a lesser known, but amazing summer destination, Beaver Lake Provincial Recreational Area should be your next camping destination; this is especially true if you have any kind of boat, or an SUP, or even an inflatable with paddles.
Beaver Lake is an odd shape, with several coves, a few islands, and several other quiet areas to explore with a boat. These coves provide some of the quietest fishing spots around north and central Alberta, and unique swimming areas, too.
But for those who just want to relax, you can take advantage of the large beach area. The day use area also offers several amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, a store, and lifejacket loaner station.
When: day use year-round, camping May-September
Where: south of Lac La Biche on Range Rd. 135 (Directions)
Poacher’s Landing PRA
With the Athabasca River beside it, Poacher’s Landing is an obvious destination for any avid fisher.
From spring to fall, you can access the river by angling from the shores or by boat launch and find ultimate quiet in more remote parts of the river.
This is also one of Alberta’s Parks which is fully set up for cowboy camping! You can ride in, hitch your horse, and have a backwoods cookout under the shelter provided.
When: May-September
Where: 35 km northeast of Athabasca on Hwy. 55 & 25 km north on access road (Directions)
Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Sir Winston Churchill is one of a few parks in Alberta to offer comfort camping year-round, with all able to sleep up to eight people. The park has 10 cabins open year-round, with 15 more available spring-fall.
A stay here, whether in a tent, RV, or comfort cabin, can include swimming or relaxing at the beach, boating around Lac La Biche, hiking, and plenty of bird watching.
If you do plan for a winter cabin stay, you can burn energy on 8km of groomed cross-country ski trails before relaxing around the fire or under the stars. The unique location of Sir Winston Churchill, on an island in the middle of a lake, also makes for excellent wildlife photography, and fall hikes.
When: year round
Where: north of the town of Lac La Biche on Lakeland Drive, and north on Township Road 673A (Directions)
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park
For warmer days, Gregoire Lake offers a place to relax in the tree, on a sandy beach, or on a boat on the clear waters, with activities open to both summer campers and day use visitors.
The lake can also be fun with paddle boats, canoes, SUPs, or kayaks.
Visit in the winter to enjoy 6km of groomed cross-country ski trails, nearby snowmobile trails, and ice fishing on the lake. If you are only at Gregoire for the day, you can take shorter lakeside trails as well.
When: Year round, camping in summer
Where: 19 km south of Ft. McMurray on Hwy. 63 and 10 km east on Hwy. 881 (Directions)
Cross Lake Provincial Park
Summer days at Cross Lake Provincial Park can be spent swimming, power boating, windsurfing, canoeing/kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, or relaxing on the sandy beach.
In the spring or fall, you can witness and view several different species of birds like bald eagles, or great blue herons if you’re luck.
Being a short drive directly north of Edmonton, Cross Lake makes for a quick and convenient daytrip for a picnic from anywhere in north-central Alberta. In the winter, you can enjoy a relaxing day with ice fishing, or cross-country skiing through the forested trails.
When: day use and camping May-October
Where: north end of Highway 801 (road ends at the park) (Directions)
