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Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta workforce
Final up to date on June 6, 2022
Alberta is understood for lots of issues – however water-side dwelling isn’t sometimes considered one of them. Landlocked as it’s, the province is extra well-known for gorgeous mountains and waterfalls, prairie landscapes, and a few pure wonders that you would be able to’t discover elsewhere.
However! The water that we do have, we admire wholeheartedly. And together with having some gorgeous rivers and lakes to marvel at, there are additionally some actually attractive seashores in Alberta to not be missed. So if you wish to add some splish-splashin’ and sun-tannin’ time to your subsequent trip right here, then learn on for our fave sandy escapes within the province.
Don’t Miss These Finest Seashores in Alberta!
Sylvan Lake
By far one of the crucial common seashores within the province, Sylvan Lake is a great spot to go to in summer time for those who’re in search of volleyball courts, tons of procuring and eating places close by, and a energetic ambiance. Sylvan Lake Park has two boat launches, 1.6 kms of sand and grass seashore, and lots to maintain you busy, together with tons of boat actions and water sports activities out there. It’s additionally discovered nearly proper in between Calgary and Edmonton, making it a fantastic alternative for a vacation from both metropolis.
Better of all, the seashore is understood for its calm, shallow water to wade in, excellent for households seeking to take a dip. As there are many Sylvan Lake campgrounds close by to select from, you’ll be able to fortunately spend every week or two stress-free by the water right here. However a spot like this isn’t precisely a hidden gem; Sylvan Lake will get lots of of 1000’s of holiday makers a yr, so for those who’re in search of a quiet respite, this will not be the spot for you.
Quarry Lake
Quarry Lake is discovered simply outdoors Canmore and is taken into account the most effective Alberta seashores as a result of its magnificence and the sheer quantity of issues to do within the space. With superbly crystal clear water in summer time, the shore is shallow and sandy however finally leads out to fairly a deep lake. With the mountains within the background, a go to to the seashore at Quarry Lake makes for an extremely peaceable and serene time out.
Due to its lovely location and its proximity to Canmore, you’ll be able to anticipate that the seashore fills up shortly, particularly on summer time weekends. If attainable, attempt to go to through the week; you’ll be more likely to get a parking spot in addition to one of many prime seashore areas!
* Notice that visiting Quarry Lake requires buying a Kananaskis Conservation Move. Additionally, as a result of its reputation, there’ll quickly be a shuttle bus from Canmore to Quarry Lake because the paid parking space is ceaselessly overrun.
Kinosoo Seashore
When you ask these within the learn about the most effective Alberta seashores, chances are high they’ll point out Kinosoo Seashore. With three blocks of sandy seashore to discover, you’ll find the seashore in Chilly Lake close to the Saskatchewan border, a couple of three-hour drive northeast of Edmonton. And a go to to Kinosoo Seashore is a lot extra than simply water and sand; there’s additionally a splash park, a seashore volleyball court docket, a kids’s playground, flush bogs, picnic tables, and a concession stand for mid-day snacks. There are additionally alternatives to lease paddleboards, kayaks, and different water sporting tools on the seashore, so no want to fret about bringing your individual.
Dad and mom and guardians of little ones may also admire the roped-off swimming space for security. And one of many best possible options of Kinosoo Seashore? The zip line! That’s proper, you’ll be able to really zip line straight into the water. It doesn’t get far more enjoyable than that.
Sandy Seashore
Head to the attractive little village of Sandy Seashore, discovered lower than an hour’s drive northwest of Edmonton. Discovered on Sandy Lake, Sandy Seashore has a public dock and a ship launch out there close by, so you’ll be able to bask in nearly each water sport you fancy. However the facilities don’t cease there; the seashore additionally has washroom and bathe amenities, picnic websites, a kids’s play space, a golf course, and a snack stand for these afternoon ice cream cones.
Sandy Seashore Lake Regional Park itself has absolutely serviced tenting websites in addition to group tenting areas. So far as Alberta seashores go, it’s the sort of place the place you’ll be able to simply spend just a few weeks having fun with nature, going for lengthy swims, and taking within the starry skies at evening.
Ma-Me-O Seashore
Beautiful Ma-Me-O Seashore is discovered on Pigeon Lake, which is roughly 100 kms southwest of Edmonton. In truth, the title Ma-Me-O derives from the Cree phrase for “pigeon”, which is omîmîw. Renown for its white sand and large seashore, Ma-Me-O has a playground, public washrooms, and a picnic space, making it a fantastic alternative for households with younger youngsters. The swimming space can be shallow and pretty clear, so that is undoubtedly one of many extra family-friendly seashores in Alberta.
One other good thing about Ma-Me-O Seashore? There’s one other seashore simply across the nook! Pigeon Lake Provincial Park Seashore is simply a brief drive away, and each are a part of the Village at Pigeon Lake, which is a beautiful little resort village to probe for a day or two. There are additionally many strolling trails within the space.
Lake Newell Seashore
Southern Alberta has sandy seashores, too! Lake Newell is a superb alternative for those who’re in search of a seashore close to Calgary. This big artifical lake is fortunately comparatively heat each summer time, so it’s a terrific possibility for swimming, boating, water snowboarding, canoeing, and nearly each different water sport you bear in mind.
Camp at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park for even simpler entry to the sandy seashore, or keep in Lake Newell Resort the place you’ll be near the marina and boat launch. When you’re on the search to calm down on the sand and absorb some sunshine, Lake Newell is a unbelievable decide.
Ebeling Seashore
One of the common seashores in Central Alberta, Ebeling Seashore could be present in Aspen Seashore Provincial Park. Spend your days stress-free and strolling alongside lovely Gull Lake, the place you’ll discover a sandy seashore with picnic tables, fireplace pits, a concession stand, and close by campgrounds. However be warned: as a result of Ebeling Seashore is such a favorite, the parking heaps and finest spots close to the water can refill shortly! It’s finest to make your method right here as early as attainable so that you simply don’t miss out.
As for different actions on Gull Lake, take pleasure in swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and a lot extra. Sometimes the water ranges could be too low to make use of the boat launch, so all the time verify forward of your go to earlier than anticipating to go energy boating, water snowboarding, and so forth.
Rochon Sands Provincial Park Seashore
Head to Rochon Sands Provincial Park Seashore on lovely Buffalo Lake for yet one more unbelievable Alberta seashore. Discovered almost equidistant from Calgary and Edmonton, it makes for a superb day journey from both metropolis or an extended summer time trip, particularly as there’s campground simply off of the seashore. The actions are infinite right here; strive swimming, crusing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, mountaineering, water snowboarding, or windsurfing.
The seashore itself is protected against the wind from a number of surrounding timber, whereas there’s stretch of sand to calm down on. There’s additionally a swimming space, public loos and alter rooms, and a ship launch close by.
Lake Annette Seashore
Whereas we don’t typically consider there being many seashores within the mountains, it turns on the market are fairly just a few of them! Among the finest seashores within the Rockies is discovered at Lake Annette, a brief drive from Jasper. Whereas the water is understood to be fairly chilly, even in summer time, you may really feel courageous sufficient for a fast dip on a scorching day.
The true draw of the seashore at Lake Annette, nevertheless, is the spectacular view. There’s nothing like being on the water whereas gazing up on the lovely mountains that encompass you. Fortunately, there’s additionally so much to do on the lake, together with canoeing and kayaking from the dock. There are additionally picnic tables, fireplace pits, a playground, and wheelchair and stroller-friendly path loops alongside the shore.
Need much more Rocky Mountain seashores? Attempt Pyramid Lake or Lake Edith, each inside a ten-minute drive of Lake Annette.
Devonshire Seashore
With over one kilometre of sandy seashore to take pleasure in, Devonshire Seashore is usually famous as the most effective seashores in Alberta. Present in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park in Northern Alberta, its barely distant location means that you could be simply have the seashore to your self for those who go through the week… and what may very well be higher than your individual personal seashore?
With plenty of sand for stress-free, strolling, and enjoying, there’s additionally a viewing platform on the north finish of the seashore. Fortunately, the platform is wheelchair-friendly, and there’s a ramp that continues right down to the seashore. There may be additionally a seashore wheelchair out there to be used from the close by Marten River Campground sales space.
Shaw’s Level Resort
Referred to as one of many high seashore getaways in Alberta, Shaw’s Level Resort is discovered on the western shores of Lesser Slave Lake. Fortunately, there may be a lot to do right here that you simply’re spoiled for alternative on filling your days! It’s beneficial to spend at the very least a protracted weekend within the space, as Shaw’s Level Resort is about a lot extra than simply the seashore (though the white sandy seashore is certainly fairly wonderful).
With boat leases, fishing alternatives, and loads of water sports activities together with water snowboarding and windsurfing out there, there’s additionally an area rodeo and golf course to maintain you busy. In fact, for those who’re solely after a calming time on the sand, there’s loads of time for that, too!
Wabamun Lake Seashore
That means “wanting glass” in Cree, Wabamun Lake is appropriately named; the graceful, glassy floor of the water is a surprising sight to behold in summer time. Head to the seashore at Wabamun Lake Provincial Park for many nice water actions, together with paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and extra. There’s additionally a campground, boat launch, dock, swimming space, and playground.
Discovered about an hour’s drive west from Edmonton, Wabamun Lake has a small village to wander round in as properly, so you’ll be able to mix your seashore day with a cease in a number of the native eating places, outlets, and small artwork gallery.
Elkwater Lake Seashore
Households will love the seashore at Elkwater Lake, and, though it has a reasonably distant location (head from Calgary to Drugs Hat first, after which preserve going!), it nonetheless fills up shortly each summer time! As a result of it’s not as straightforward to entry from the foremost cities, it’s the right place to remain for every week or two and actually take in all that there’s to do within the space on a seashore vacation.
Perfect in July and August when the water temperatures are at their warmest, you’ll discover a big sandy seashore in addition to clear, stress-free water to take pleasure in. With a number of campgrounds close by, the seashore and marina are within the Elkwater Lake townsite. There’s additionally so much to do in Cypress Hills Provincial Park (the place the lake sits), together with mountaineering and strolling trails in its distinctive ecosystem.
Lengthy Island Lake Seashore
Discovered roughly 90 minutes north of Edmonton, Lengthy Island Lake is a well-liked spot for tenting and having fun with the massive sandy seashore. When you plan on visiting just for the day, a payment of $5 is relevant; if you’re bringing your individual boat for water sports activities or fishing, there’s a particular parking space you need to use.
The seashore is right for households, as there is a superb playground straight on the sand with swings, tires, and lots to maintain your youngsters lively. The sand is mushy and the water is pretty shallow close to the shore, so you’ll be able to fortunately spend some high quality seashore time at Lengthy Island Lake, irrespective of the ages of your group.
Johnson Lake Seashore
Though not as sandy as lots of the different seashores on this listing, Johnson Lake is an excellent alternative for those who’re within the Banff space, particularly because it’s a bit extra shielded from the wind than different Banff lakes. Usually missed for close by Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake is a unbelievable possibility for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sure, even swimming within the hotter months! You’ll be blown away by the great thing about the encircling Rocky Mountains, all whereas appreciating the water and the solar.
Within the space, you’ll discover loads of mountaineering trails and picnic tables; a really perfect day at Johnson Lake could be a hike adopted by a dip within the cool waters, adopted by a picnic lunch. In search of a little bit thrill? Attempt to discover the rope swing alongside the lake!
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