Central Alberta 
One of the busiest parks near Edmonton is also one of the quietest.
How, you ask? Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is busy, but not with humans. Miquelon Lake is part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere. Thanks to this, the park is bustling year-round with birds, or mammals both large and small. The park is a true slice of nature heaven, especially when you consider how close it is to Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Camrose, and Tofield.
This park is for the animals. However, we still get to enjoy the wildlife, the scenery, and the peacefulness of the area.
Miquelon Lake offers year-round recreation for adventurers, and for those wanting to relax. Within the park are over 20km of multi-use trails that are also open year-round. Plus, the park offers camping and comfort camping. So, no matter your outdoor style, this park has it all.
In the fall months, Miquelon Lake is especially pretty as the poplar and aspen forests start to change colours.
During winter, the park is open to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and fat-tire-bikers. They have operated a skating rink, but it is unclear if it is open this year or in 2024.
In the summer, the lake is a beautiful spot for paddling, while the big beach has ample picnic space. And while there is a beach, remember there is no swimming in this lake!
Scenic & Historic Year-round Trails
The multi-use trail system winds around the east side of Miquelon Lake. There are various short loops within the trail system, creating a DIY adventure opportunity. The Grouse trail is the longest loop at 3.7km and leads to an early 20th-century barn. From spring to fall, enjoy cycling or hiking the Grouse Loop. When the snow hits, the trail is open to skijoring, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
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- The park’s Shoreline Trail is another 3.7km or so and is a campground connector trail for group use, comfort camping, and the regular campground. This trail is open to all activities except for snowshoeing.
- The Holdsworth Trail is the only one not connected to the shoreline and loop system (Grouse Loop). This hike is 3.1km out-and-back, and travels to an old homestead and historic site. The homestead belonged to the Holdworth family who donated their land to the Provincial Park. From spring to fall, this trail is open to cycling and hiking. In the winter, only snowshoeing, hiking, and fat biking are permitted.
Edmonton’s Hidden Gem for Stargazing
The Beaverhills Dark Sky Preserve covers Elk Island National Park, as well as so much more area east of Edmonton. This preserve also covers Miquelon Lake PP, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA, and the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. While many flock to Elk Island, Miquelon Lake is the same distance from city limits and is generally less populated than the NP. Simply drive in and find a place to park facing any direction or over the lake.
- There is yet another exciting reason to visit Miquelon Lake Provincial Park for stargazing experiences. The U of A operates the Hesje Observatory from the park. The Observatory offers weekly drop-in observations and large group bookings.
Birding & Wildlife Viewing on the Shoreline Trail
The wilder side of Miquelon Lake Park is incredibly diverse! The area’s combination of forests and wetlands makes the area a perfect home for prairie mammals and birds. The added protection of being a Provincial Park, as well as part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, allows the wildlife to roam and live a quieter life.
- Miquelon’s shoreline trail is your best bet for seeing various wildlife. In the winter, the coyotes, red foxes, and snowshoe hares could be out. In the spring and fall, the migratory birds will use the lake as a resting place. In the summer, hikers could spot any number of visiting birds on the water or large mammals like moose, deer, muskrats, or porcupines.
A Quiet Boat Ride
One of the best parts about this Provincial Park is the lack of noise. The park is peaceful and a convenient way for those in central Alberta to quickly get back to nature. To explore the entire lake, a canoe or kayak is best (non-motorized boating only). The lake has an oddly shaped shoreline, small cove areas, and small islands. These are all areas worth exploring, especially for those who want to see more wildlife. Find the hand launch at the group campground!
Where to Find Picnic Food Nearby
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is a great family picnic spot with tables near the shoreline, washrooms, extra activities, and firepit areas. So, consider these nearby local gems on your drive there for catering that picnic!
- Camrose & District Farmers Market Association operates a market at the Park Centre seasonally from Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend from Fridays 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. offering a variety of home-grown produce, meats, crafts, baked goods, and food specialties.
- Camrose is directly south of Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. The small city has several great local dining options downtown. For takeout, try Y-NOT PIZZA & PASTA, Camrose Pizza Unlimited, or the Lefse House.
- For coffee and snacks to go, check Camrose’s Fox & Fable, Hagar’s Café, or the Metal Kettle.
- Tofield is located about 20 minutes northeast of the Provincial Park. The small town has takeout like Tilly’s Family Dining & Pizza or Tofield Pizza & Donair. Stop by the Moonshine Café in town for your coffee or snacks to-go.
Planning your Trip: Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Yurts/ Credit: Alberta Parks
What: The park comprises of a lake and wetland area which are also part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, and the Dark Sky Preserve. Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is also one of the closest to Edmonton. The Park offers seasonal camping, comfort camping in yurts, and group camping; all camping is available May-September. The beach is also open at that time, but the lake is not open to swimming.
The day-use area is open year-round. The winter recreation includes snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and skijoring. From spring to fall, these trails are open to hikers and cyclists.
Best time to go: spring to fall for camping; year-round for day use
Location and how to get there: use AB-623 from Highway AB-21 at Hay Lakes or New Sarepta
You can also use AB-834 from Toefield or Camrose to access 623
Cost: Free admission, camping $32-$42 per night; yurts $145 per night
For more information:
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park Camping
