Hit the beach during your Edmonton trip

Summer is upon us, and it’s time to search out the best beaches and lakes around Edmonton

by Carol Ann Quibell — July 13, 2012

two people kayaking on an Alberta body of water — Cool off with some fun water activities. — photo courtesy Travel Alberta

Spend a day—or maybe an entire vacation—enjoying these attractions for water lovers in the Edmonton area.

Alberta Beach

Located 60 kilometres west of Edmonton on the shores of Lac Ste. Anne, is the historic little village of Alberta Beach. A well-known tourist destination since the early 1900s, the population here triples on long weekends and holidays. It’s understandable why the residents of Edmonton love Alberta Beach, with its beautiful park, lake and numerous things to do.

The sandy beach and warm, shallow water is ideal for families and people of all ages who are in search of summer-related water activities—or even just a place to build a sand castle. Launch your boat here and spend the day water-skiing, tubing, fishing or sightseeing before returning to one of the local campgrounds. There is lots of room on the beach to spread out your towel and relax in the sun before diving in for a quick swim.

Pigeon Lake

Another top destination with a wonderful beach is Pigeon Lake, 60 kilometres southwest of Edmonton. Travel along Highway 2 South and then Highway 13 West to Ma-Me-O Beach Provincial Park. The park is on the south end of the lake and situated within a summer village.

The second provincial park on the lake is Pigeon Lake Provincial Park—known for having nice beaches and recreational facilities, including boat launches. Here you can have a fabulous day of swimming or water-skiing. Power boating, sailing and windsurfing are also popular at Pigeon Lake, and sport fishing for yellow perch, northern pike and walleye is possible year-round.

Miquelon Lake

Approximately one hour southeast of Edmonton is Miquelon Lake Provincial Park—with facilities that will make most campers happy—including both serviced and unserviced sites. Although it may not be possible to launch a power boat if the water level is low, it’s still an ideal place for swimming and playing in the sand. Skimming over the water in a sail boat, paddling a canoe or kayak or spending the afternoon wind surfing are other possibilities—it’s your choice.

Wabamun Lake

Water sport enthusiasts who enjoy power boating, sailing and paddling will love Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, situated just 65 kilometres west of Edmonton. Don’t forget to bring your water skis and fishing rods, as well. There are lovely beaches and swimming areas, such as the natural Seba Beach or the artificial beach in Moonlight Bay.

Wabamun Lake is one of the most popular lakes in the area. It is wise to make reservations in advance, so you can ensure you'll have a camping site when you arrive.

Heritage Village Museum

Alberta Beach was developed as a vacation spot in the early 1900s when the Canadian Northern Railway put their line through this area and started bringing its employees to Lac Ste. Anne for company picnics and vacations. It was common to catch the train from Edmonton to Alberta Beach on Friday night and return on the train Sunday evening. Today, the locals still come here for weekend excursions and holidays, the same as people did in the past. Visit the museum and learn more about this interesting summer destination.

West Edmonton Mall's World Water Park Thrill Slides

The new extreme water slides at West Edmonton Mall include an electronic launch system where the floor drops out from beneath you and sliders carry you as fast as 60 kilometres an hour.