Edmonton 
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park is a small provincial park made up of two lakes: McLeod, and Little McLeod.
Credit: Alberta Parks
Alberta’s forests stretch as far west as the BC border, and you’ll find Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park on the east side of these forests. The Park is directly north of the town of Whitecourt, where the prairies turn into forests and where you’ll have a quiet getaway for the day, weekend, or even week.
The campground and day use area alike are great for a family trip with easy-to-hike trails, a small beach and a playground with clear swimming waters, and the convenience of Whitecourt being so close to you.
Boaters of any kind can enjoy these lakes, with McLeod Lake allowing you to go at least 12km per hour to find great fishing spots, or to see the wildlife on the remote northern shores. If you want to check out Little McLeod Lake with a power boat, it must be electric.
Paddlers can take off on either of the serene waters with canoes, kayaks, row boats, or SUPs.
If you are after wildlife sightings or photography, or birding, or would simply like to see something out of the ordinary, then keep your eyes peeled! You’ll hear loons at dusk and dawn, and possibly great-horned owls and you can watch for the colourful woodpeckers, blue jays, and mallards.
In terms of the larger wildlife, you can keep your camera/phone at the ready for deer, moose, black bears, chipmunks, or porcupines. While the area seems remote and quiet, it is quite busy in the early morning and late evening with all this wildlife!
You can picnic at either lake as well, with two day-use areas. While you’re here, enjoy the beach, a fire for cooking or warmth, and explore the peninsula which stretches far over the larger lake. And if you stay in the darker hours, you’ll be met with amazingly starry skies and amazing sunsets.
Planning your Trip – Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park
What: Located near Whitecourt, Carson-Pegasus is at the southern edge of Alberta’s Boreal Forests. The remote wilderness in and around Carson Pegasus Provincial Park gives campers several ways to enjoy the great outdoors all year-round.
Credit: Alberta Parks
In the summer, visitors can enjoy boating of all kinds, hiking, swimming, watching for wildlife, photography, or fishing.
The fall season fills the park with hues of yellow and red.
Winter is busy here, too, with amazing snowmobiling trails and quiet ice fishing.
Best time to go: year-round; camping is available year-round.
How to get there: 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.
For more information:
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park Phone: 780–778–2664
Campsite Reservations Phone: 1–877–537–2757
Alberta Parks Visitor Information Phone: 1–877–537–2757
