Calgary 
There are many reasons to make a trip this summer to Pigeon Lake in Alberta.
Credit: Alberta Parks
If you’re from Alberta, one of the biggest reasons may be the lake and park’s central location and ease of access from major highways.
For many in Edmonton, Red Deer, and central Alberta, Pigeon Lake is a perfect picnic and beach day destination. The short drive allows for a full day by the water and exploring the trails.
As a summer getaway destination, Pigeon Lake and the Provincial Park provide all the amenities you’d need for a week or weekend. This includes a wide array of campground options!
A summer highlight of Pigeon Lake is the three public beaches where the waters are perfectly cool in July and August.
Beach Fun and Water Adventures
Pigeon Lake has two main beaches, a public dock, and other ways of getting out on the water for adventure or relaxation.
- Ma-Me-O Beach is on the east side of Pigeon Lake, and the public park area starts at 6th Street and 1st Avenue. Enjoy amenities like an on-site concession, picnic areas, and washrooms. The beach is long, narrow, and sandy, with shallow, warm water that’s perfect for a lazy float.
- Pigeon Lake Provincial Park offers two-day use beach areas. The Zeiner day-use beach has picnic areas with firepits, washrooms, and potable water. The Pigeon Day Use Beach is where you’ll find the public boat launch, more picnic space, fire pits, and washrooms. Pigeon Day Use also permits liquor consumption on the beach.
- Pigeon Lake is an excellent option for lazy floating or paddling with inflatables, especially on a calm summer day.
- Anglers can cast off from the shores or their boats for fishing on Pigeon Lake. Plus, Lunker’s Fishing Adventures offers guided Pigeon Lake Fishing Tours.
Central Alberta Lakes With Boat, Kayak, Canoe, SUP Rentals
The Best Trails around Pigeon Lake
There is no need to go far from the beaches or water to find great hiking and cycling trails, as well as shorter walking paths.
- The Provincial Park hiking trails total 12km, with simple, gentle sections and minimal elevation gain. Get views of the lake from the 3km Lakeshore Loop or use the Middle Loop to extend the hike to 5 or 6km.
- Another great trail is on the north side of the lake near Argentia Beach. The Graves Wildlife Sanctuary Trail provides plenty of shade from mature trees on a hot summer day and features a gentle 3.7km loop.
Nearby Local Dining Options
The Village of Pigeon Lake has a handful of options, including Chef n’ Pigeon, Village Pizza & Sub, Daisy McBean’s ice cream shop, and ECO Cafe. And on the north side of the lake, get your takeout or picnic foods from Corner Store Pizza.
Summer Events in Pigeon Lake
Pigeon Lake is home to a major Alberta summer music festival that draws in a list of big rock acts. And those who make their beach day for a Friday or Saturday can take advantage of the summer markets around Pigeon Lake.
- Pigeon Lake Music Festival is an annual three-day event with outdoor concerts, camping, food, and other activities. The festival is usually held during the August long weekend. The PLMF organization also hosts a Summer Showcase of music to support the Canada Day celebrations.
- Shop and browse a wide range of local vendors at the Lakedell Farmers’ Market. The market is open every Friday evening in the Village of Pigeon Lake from May to September. Find even more goodies on the north side of the lake at the Mulhurst Bay Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday morning year-round.
Camping & Accommodations around Pigeon Lake
The Provincial Park campgrounds at Pigeon Lake alone provide tons of options for tent campers, RVers, and glampers alike. Plus, the surrounding areas have much to offer in the way of vacation rentals, cabins, and more camping.
- Pigeon Lake Provincial Park has two campgrounds: Zeiner and Pigeon. Among the two are sites with no services, with power, with power, water, and sewer hookup, and comfort camping options with the Pigeon Lake yurts.
- More camping options near Pigeon Lake include Firefly & Fiddle, Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park, Battle Lake Campground, or Jubilee Park on Wizard Lake.
- If a cabin or cottage is more your summer stay style, take advantage of these great rentals near Pigeon like Bear Creek Cabins, or Airbnb listings.
