Calgary 
If you are looking for a “quieter” beach and lake this summer, you can plan for a day or weekend at Long Lake Provincial Park.
Credit: Alberta Parks
An easy day trip from Edmonton, the Park does have year-round access, though, and is home to a small ski hill.
There is a ton of summer fun all around the park, with group camping, RV sites, and tent sites so you can come here for a day trip, depending on where you live in Alberta, or for a camping getaway.
But what sort of summer fun does Long Lake offer besides camping?
Boat rentals are brand new to Long Lake in 2022, and you can select from either a canoe, kayak, or SUP. But if you can bring your own, even better, as there are several places to launch.
Swimming is permitted on a main day use beach where you can launch those inflatable boats, set up a picnic, or find the playground.
No matter if you stay here for the day, a long while, or in the group camp area, you are a short walk away from a beach. There are three beaches on the western shores of the narrow lake, with one open to day-use visitors.
Powerboating is permitted here, too! Bring tubes, water skis, or your fishing rod to take your boat to the different parts of the narrow but long lake.
Off the water, the area is a hub for forest wildlife, waterfowl, songbirds, and can be explored via different hiking trails.
Credit: Alberta Parks
Your best chance at spotting birds and wildlife is heading south on the lakeside trail from the day-use area. Long Lake is connected here to the White Earth Natural Area, where you can follow the trails up to 17km. You’ll find viewpoints over the south side of the lake.
Planning your Trip – Long Lake Provincial Park
What: Long Lake Provincial Park is on the western shores of Long Lake in Athabasca County and is one of many in the area. Other Provincial Park Lake sites include North Buck Lake, Chain Lakes, and Cross Lake.
Long Lake is long and narrow, with the south shores part of the White Earth Natural Area. The lake offers summer watersports like paddling or powerboating, beaches and swimming, campgrounds, a ski hill, a 9-hole golf course, bike trails, and a summer concession.
The Park has paid firewood and ice access for campers, too.
Best time to go: for camping, May 19-October 10
Open for ice-fishing, skiing, and snowmobile staging in the winter
How to get there:
Located on the east side of Highway AB-831 via Township Rd. 631A.
About 135 km north of Edmonton.
For more information:
