Sometimes you need to get out of the city and into the wild. Whether it’s for swimming, fishing, or camping—or just relaxing in the fresh air—you can escape to one of Edmonton’s nearby lakes for some weekend fun, no matter the time of year.
Astotin Lake
In the heart of Elk Island National Park is the picturesque Astotin Lake and its accompanying recreation area, which includes a campground, beach, soccer field, playground, and golf course. Don’t have your own gear? You can rent an Equipped Campsite (complete with tent, sleeping pads, and propane stove) or the more glamourous oTENTik (an A-frame canvas tent with rustic beds and furniture on a raised floor).
Gull Lake
From Edmonton, head 120 km south on Highway 2 and then 13 km west on Highway 12. You can enjoy a variety of summer activities, including swimming, baseball, and hiking on over 4 km of ungroomed trails. Aspen Beach has a picnic area and volleyball court, as well as a boat launch available nearby so you can fish or waterski.
Hubbles Lake
This small, peaceful lake is the city’s closest, located approximately 40 km west on Highway 16. There are two resort areas on the lake, one of which is Allen Beach Resort. Popular summer activities include camping, swimming, and canoeing, and it’s a popular spot for scuba diving due to its clear waters and depth (30 m). The lake is stocked with yellow perch and northern pike for fishing, and the area is also home to many species of birds, such as loons, Canada geese, and owls.
Miquelon Lake
Located 65 km southeast of Edmonton (south along Highway 21 and then east along Highway 623), this lake boasts sandy beaches, forested picnic spots, and non-motorized aquatic activities like kayaking and canoeing. Visit the Miquelon Park Centre to rent a Discovery Pack and learn about the surrounding nature, or pick up a geocaching kit and find hidden caches.
Pigeon Lake
Located 60 km south of Edmonton on Highway 2, and 23 km west on Highway 13, this lake is well loved for its plentiful white sand and relaxing picnic areas at Ma-Me-O Beach. The spacious campground includes both unserviced and powered lots, as well as eight rentable yurts—insulated, weatherproof tenting structures with beds, fridge, and a wooden deck. Nearby amenities at Village at Pigeon Lake, such as great restaurants and a convenient grocery store, make it the ideal destination for a spur-of-the-moment road trip.
Sylvan Lake
This well-loved lake lies 140 km south of Edmonton on Highway 2, and 15 km west on Highway 11A. During the summer, lounge around on the sandy beach or get active at one of the beach volleyball tournaments. This lake also hosts engaging activities such as canoeing, sailing, fishing, swimming, and water skiing! Make sure you try their newest attraction, the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash!!
Wabamun Lake
One of the most popular lakes in Alberta, Wabamun lies 65 km west of Edmonton on the Yellowhead Highway. Known for its large northern pike, this lake is the ideal spot to catch whitefish in the Edmonton area. If birdwatching makes you smile, you’re in luck: the area is home to a diverse range of species, including hooded mergansers, bald eagles, and various moulting birds.
*Note: Due to COVID-19, not all services or amenities may be available. Please check individual websites for current information.
