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Alberta’s lesser-known provincial parks, like Park Lake Provincial Park, offer an ideal setting for a delightful family getaway.
Credit: Alberta Parks
The lakes are free from the hustle of fast-moving boats, and cozy campsites less crowded than their larger counterparts. Park Lake Provincial Park offers a comparatively serene atmosphere, making it a peaceful oasis to explore within the province. And the park is only a 15-minute drive from Lethbridge and other attractions.
So, whether you want to spend your trip to the area exploring and creating adventures, or lazing by the beach and campsite, Park Lake is perfect for both!
Many visitors may opt to spend their camping trip at the park. Because even though Park Lake is smaller than other Provincial Parks, there is still a lot to do here.
Things to Do:
Boating on Park Lake
The park has one boat launch and dock on the north side of the lake. And while power boating is permitted (12km/hour and under), Park Lake might be more fun by kayak or canoe. The slow boating gives you a great chance to see the hundreds of bird species that call Park Lake home. But boating could also be attractive if you like fishing. Park Lake has many fish species for catching like walleye, whitefish, burbot, and more. Park Lake Provincial Park is open in the winter for ice fishing, too!
Beach Time
Between the group camping and the regular campground is a small sandy beach area where you can lie in the sun and sand or find shade in the trees. The beach area is open to day-use visitors as well, who have ample parking available to them. Around the beach alone, you can have a picnic under the shelters, access a concession, use the playground, or head to the clear waters.
Hike the Lakeshore & Peninsula Trails
This simple 4.5km hiking and biking path will take you to an even quieter and more peaceful part of the park. The trail leaves from the campground and follows the lakeshore and a quiet country road. You’ll then depart from the road towards the lake’s peninsula and viewpoint.
Birds Galore at Park Lake
Whether you’re biking, hiking, boating, or relaxing by the shore, you can catch views and songs of a vast variety of birds. The most notable of those birds are the pelicans, who stop here in the spring and fall. The Peninsula Trail is one of the best bird-viewing areas in the park. Other birds known to frequent the park in larger numbers include red-winged blackbirds, American goldfinches, soras, or house wrens.
Camping at Park Lake Provincial Park
Park Lake has three campgrounds, with two of them reserved for group camping. The regular Park Lake Campground is great for tent campers and RVers: you’ll find options for both non-service sites, and powered campsites. Group campers can take advantage of amenities like a private cookhouse, power access, and nearby washrooms.
Explore Lethbridge
If you plan to stay at Park Lake for a few nights, then you can find an abundance of family-friendly fun in the nearby city of Lethbridge. Within a 15-minute drive of your campsite are all of Lethbridge’s attractions, local restaurants, and possible local events. Downtown Lethbridge is a great place to start for events and dining, while Fort Whoop Up and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden are two of the city’s top attractions.
Planning your Trip – Park Lake Provincial Park
What: Park Lake is one of southern Alberta’s smaller and quieter lakes with public access. The prairie lake is a favourite for family campers and is one of the closest provincial camping areas to Lethbridge. The lake’s clear waters make it a popular spot for beachgoers in the summer. The lake exists as an irrigation reservoir for farmers in the surrounding areas.
Best time to go: day use areas open year-round
Camping May-September
How much:
Free admission
Camping: Varies depending on the campsite.
Location and how to get there: on the west side of Range Road 223, Diamond City
Use Highways 3, 25, or 519 to access Range Road 223
For more information
