Calgary 
Chief Mountain, in Montana, is a unique peak. It stands out as a tall, rectangular structure among the other jagged peaks. Chief Mountain makes for incredible scenery, and you don’t need to cross the United States border to appreciate these views. All you need to do is visit Alberta’s southernmost Provincial Park. The views of Chief Mountain from here are breathtaking.
Police Outpost Provincial Park is, in fact, Alberta’s southernmost Provincial Park. However, to be fair, Alberta has Police Outpost, plus a National Park, a handful of Natural Areas, and Ecological Reserves, bordering the United States. From Police Outpost Provincial Park, visitors can take in Chief Mountain’s peak in the distance, surrounded by lush forests and greenery.
The Park’s central lake is abundant with fish and birds and boasts other biodiversity. It is part of the creek system, which leads west to the Outpost Wetlands Natural Area. This area is even more diverse in birds and wildlife.
Birding, Wildlife, and Hiking around Outpost Lake
Birding around Outpost Lake is exceptional during the fall but can offer up great photo opportunities any time of year. During the migration seasons, though, you could catch a glimpse of a loon, swan, eastern kingbird, or mountain bluebird.
Hike the Outpost Lake Trail for a short but rewarding walk. The trail follows the lake shore until it turns into a boardwalk bridge, leading to a small island. This hike can be completed in under an hour, depending on how much sightseeing you want to do.
For a slightly longer hike, step onto the Border and Meadow Trail. This leads from the same day use area as the Outpost Lake Trail but takes you south into the hills. The turn-around point is the U.S. border. Interpretive signage will guide your hike, and the barbed-wire fence will tell you when its time to loop back.
Boating on Outpost Lake
The small lake does allow boats with motors, with a strict 12km/hour speed limit. The lake is better suited to canoeing or kayaking, with different views offered from a variety of angles during your boat ride.
Fishing is permitted on the lake all year-round. If you can’t make it here for summer or fall fishing, you may also plan an ice-fishing trip for Police Outpost PP. Find a fish-cleaning station right beside the boat launch.
Camping at the Police Outpost
The poplar forest around Outpost Lake creates part of the beautiful scenery around Police Outpost Campground. And you can enjoy this scenery as early as April 1st. Along with the lush forest, the campground is also near wetlands and meadows, making it perfect for spring wildflower hunting and photography. The campground is open as late as mid-October, too. Instead of wildflowers, the scenery will include the vibrant and warm leaves.
The campground is conveniently close to the boat launch and is made up of 46 sites. The sites are placed among the poplar trees, giving each campsite a bit of privacy. Each campsite also has a firepit and picnic table.
There are no services at Police Outpost Campground, making it a rugged yet beautiful place for a camping escape. These sites are only a 1-2 minute walk away from the shores and shoreline trail.
A group campground is also available from spring to fall. The Outpost Meadows Group Use Area has its own playground, picnic shelter, and vault toilets.
Explore Cardston & Mountain View
Spend an afternoon visiting the closest towns to the Provincial Park: Cardston or Mountain View. Cardston is about 32km, or a half-hour drive, from Police Outpost. Mountain View is about 25 minutes from the Provincial Park.
In Cardston, explore some unique history with the Remington Carriage Museum. If you visit before August 31, ask about taking a carriage ride through the museum. Afterwards, take a self-guided walking tour by heading north from the museum. There are numerous preserved historical buildings to see.
Cardston also has several options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner- whether you need it to stay, or to go. Dave’s Drive-in is a local favourite for casual food, while the Pop Shop can cater to your sweet tooth.
Head to Mountain View if you’d prefer a hotel over camping. The town has several lodges and cabin rentals available. As the name suggests, Mountain View is surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
Plan Your Trip – Police Outpost Provincial Park
What: Alberta’s southernmost provincial park. The park’s southern boundary is the U.S. border. The park was originally the site of a Northwest Mounted Police border posting. Today, it is a forested wetland area with Outpost Lake at the centre. A striking and notable feature of the park is its views of Chief Mountain in Montana.
Location and how to get there:
From Highway AB-5, use AB501 to access Range Road 270A; follow 270A south to the end.
From Highway AB-2, use Township Road 21A to access Range Road 270A; follow 270A south to the end.
Police Outpost Provincial Park is 110 km south of Lethbridge.
Best time to go: Police Outpost Provincial Park camping and day use are open April-October
However, there is access available in the winter for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
How much: Camping $25 per night.
For more information:
Police Outpost Provincial Park
I agree with Abe.. pls do some deeper research in the area….very sadly, Police Outpost Lake was winter killed due to the removal of the aeration system and lack of replacement of one over the last 2 years. I have tried fishing there twice and there are no legal trout left in the lake. Have talked with many locals who live there who have seen hundreds of the dead fish after the lake thawed the last two Springs. As the lakes depth is only 20ft in a very small area, and mostly only abt 12′, it can’t support fish stock. Very sad that the county and the province could not come together and make a decision on how to save the incredible trout that used to live there that made the challenge of fishing for a 50 cm trophy trout so attractive. My last visit was over a long weekend in July Canada Day I could only count two boats on the lake as the word is out that there are no legal rainbow trout left in the lake.
Police lake was winter killed. 0 fish in the lake. You should really research your facts before posting them
Thank you, as far as we know — Outpost Lake is stocked by Alberta Conservation Association every year. You can check status here – https://www.ab-conservation.com/programs/fish/aca-stocked-lakes/