Central Alberta 
Within David Thompson Country, there are several different places to explore. Many of the best or most interesting locations are located within a quick turn from the highway. This includes spots along the shores of Lake Abraham, dozens of trailhead parking lots, and gorgeous picnic sites. And for those looking for a place to stay overnight as a scenic picnic location, the Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area offers all of that plus a whole lot more: Fish Lake PRA is a small campground and lake, but with that comes a great deal of peace, quiet, and calm.
Explore where the Foothills meet the Rockies
One of the most spectacular parts of visiting Fish Lake is the abundance of scenery in every direction, and how that scenery changes. Depending on where you explore and travel around Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area, there may be views of rolling green hills, towering mountains, shallow creeks, rushing rivers and waterfalls. Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area is right on the cusp of the Alberta Rockies, which also places it on the edge of the foothills.
Much of this scenery is available on the drive into Fish Lake, no matter where you’re travelling. This scenery begins to become ever more epic as you explore the hiking or biking trails around Fish Lake, or even the lake shores.
Summer Fun on Fish/Shunda Lake
Don’t forget paddles! Fish/Shunda Lake is an excellent place for a float on a hot summer’s day. The crystal clear water of the lake is also inviting for a dip off the shores of the day use area. There is no marked swimming area on the lake, but you’ll often find people jumping in near the picnic areas or docks. The lake’s mountain location, however, does mean that wind speeds change minute-by-minute, and paddles are an absolute must before heading out on a float or boat trip.
- The ideal way to explore Fish Lake is with a canoe, kayak, SUP, or electric motorboat.
- While you pack the paddles, don’t forget fishing gear if you have it! The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout (also open in winter for ice fishing).
- The shore of Fish Lake is about 3.5km around to create a healthy distance for an afternoon on the water.
The Trails around Fish & Goldeye Lakes
A beautiful and relatively level/simple hiking trail winds around the entire Fish/Shunda Lake with a few trail offshoots that offer a chance to extend the hike by a couple of kilometres. That loop around the lake is about 3.5km, while there are options to extend with the 2km Interpretive Loop on the north end, or another 3.5km with the Firesmart Ecology Trail on the south end.
- Goldeye Lake PRA is directly across Highway AB-11 from Fish Lake PRA and is accessible by a connecting trail or car. The hike between the Fish Lake day use area and Goldeye Lake is about 4.5km one-way, while another 2.5km trail loops around Goldeye Lake.
- Plus, guided summer hikes will be available weekly in June and July from Alberta Parks staff. The Budding Interest Walks will take place every Monday from now until July 28th and offer a glimpse into the wonderful world of plants and flowers at Fish Lake.
Mountain Biking around Fish Lake & Nordegg
These mountain trails are as popular for biking as they are for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Enjoy the freedom of the open trails or sharpen skills at the Nordegg Bike Park. The area’s biking trails connect Fish Lake to Nordegg (East and West Trails), and Nordegg to the cabin and cottage areas across the highway (North-South Connector).
- Take on some of the biggest challenges within the Nordegg Trail Network in North Nordegg with a long and moderate trail that winds around the Shunda Meadows, or the black diamond trails that head up the mountains.
- The hiking trails around Fish Lake also permit bikes or e-bikes.
Camping & More Near Fish Lake
The camping at Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area will offer a remote, wilderness feel, with all the services and amenities one could need for a cozy trip found right here at the park. Fish Lake’s campground includes 24 sites with power hookups and over 80 more sites without services. All of those campsites will include a fire pit and picnic table, and room for either a tent, trailer, or RV. The campground sits on a small stretch of land between Fish Lake and Mud Lake with the day use area on the Fish Lake side. Each of the smaller campground loops has its own outhouse, garbage, and recycling. Plus, campers can get even more amenities from the park store where they sell items like firewood or ice.
- The park’s campsites aren’t the only option for a place to stay near the lake. The Frontier Lodge, on the same side of the Highway as Fish Lake, curate all-inclusive retreats and adventure trips with several different types of activities and accommodations available. This type of stay is ideal for bigger groups and those newer to the Rockies.
- Cabin, cottage, or room rentals are available with places near Nordegg like the Nordegg Lodge Hotel, Cheechako Cabins, Upper Shunda Creek Campground, or Expanse Cottages.
Exploring David Thompson Country
The western part of Alberta has a lot of nature, wildlife, and scenery to explore, with a handful of destination options relatively close to Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area. Make these areas another stop on the trip, or a day trip from Fish Lake.
- As mentioned above, the Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area is within hiking distance of Fish Lake but also offers parking for day-use visitors. Enjoy the short trail that loops around the small lake, bring a picnic, or pack the floaties and paddle boats. As with Fish Lake, Goldeye also permits paddling, electric motorboats, and fishing.
- The Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, west of Fish Lake, is one of the area’s best picnic sites. Within a short walk from the picnic areas are the Crescent Falls, a two-tiered waterfall on the Bighorn River and Canyon.
- The town of Nordegg, east of Fish Lake, is where you can fuel up with meals before a hike, grab picnic snacks, or find whatever grocery items you couldn’t get at the park store.
- Rather than a single destination like the places listed above, the surrounding Kiska/Wilson Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ) is a wide and expansive stretch of wilderness where backcountry hiking and camping are of the most popular activities. Fish Lake is on the far north end of the PLUZ with several viewpoints and trailheads to uncover as the David Thompson Highway winds around the North Saskatchewan River and Lake Abraham.
Planning Your Trip – Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area
What: Fish Lake, also referred to as Shunda Lake, is near the David Thompson Highway and other small lakes like Goldeye across the highway. All parts of the lake’s shoreline are accessible via the trail loop around the lake, while the waters are accessible for non-motorized boats, and electric motorboats via a day use area and boat launch. The seasonal campground is situated in a scenic forest setting with many campsites overlooking either Fish Lake or Mud Lake.
Location and how to get there: Range Rd. 155, Clearwater County
Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located approximately 300 km ( 3-hour drive) from Edmonton and Calgary.
Best time to go: camping open May 8-October 4, 2026; day use open year-round
How much: day use free; camping $28-$36 per night
For more information:
Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area
