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Explore Nature’s Beauty and More in the 10 Best Lakes near Edmonton (+ Local Tips!)
Canada is home to many bodies of water, which is why finding a lake or river to kayak or swim in is easy. But for Edmontonians, it’s not exactly easy to find lakes or major seas since the city is landlocked.
Here’s the thing, though: we’re lucky Edmonton is within driving distance of some of the best lakes in Alberta! Sure, we need to get out of the city, but isn’t travelling and finding new things fun?
So, we went on a little adventure to search for the best lakes near Edmonton for swimming, fishing, or paddleboarding! If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, check out these new places to discover that won’t take you too far from home!
Beaumaris Lake
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Location: Beaumaris Lake East Park
Distance from Downtown: 11.2 km, 19 minutes
There’s no need to travel far to find a beautiful lake. Just drive northwest to Beaumaris Road and you’ll find Edmonton’s hidden gem, Beaumaris Lake.
This is a popular birding area, so a visit is always a fun idea—bring your binoculars and camera! There’s a paved path that loops around the lake, where many geese and ducks also roam around.
Even though it’s not a swimming or paddleboarding area, you can still enjoy watching the sunset from the trail. If you look hard enough, you can find geocaches, which is a little adventure to add to your lake visit.
Plus, you can walk or cycle the lakeside pathway—it’s a good morning exercise! The 2.7 km trail will only take half an hour, which also makes it a kid-friendly walk.
Pro Tip:
If you want to take a walk near the lake, go to Beaumaris Lake East Park. If you type in Beaumaris Lake in Google Maps, it will take you to a neighbourhood where access to the lake will be hard to find.
Hastings Lake
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Website: https://www.strathcona.ca/council-county
Location: Hastings Lake, Strathcona County
Contact: (780) 464-8111
Distance from Downtown: 42.7 km, 40 minutes
Hastings Lake is located east of Sherwood Park, just under an hour from Edmonton. It’s the ultimate family-friendly destination because of the many leisurely activities you and the kids can enjoy!
You can canoe in the lake, bike in the pathways, hike the trails, or fish in the water. Get ready to catch bluegill, carp, and other species, which makes this a heaven for anglers!
It’s also a convenient place to go to because of the many amenities. There are benches, flush toilets, heated restrooms, picnic shelters, a playground, and drinking water.
Pro Tips:
There are off-leash dog areas in the area, but remember that a permit is required. Also, some amenities require a permit, so make sure you purchase that before visiting to avoid fines.
Don’t park on the service road. Look for designated parking areas to avoid possible fines.
Astotin Lake
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/
Location: Astotin Lake Campground, Improvement District No. 13
Contact: Parks Canada contact information
Distance from Downtown: 64.1 km, 50 minutes
Astotin Lake is nestled within Elk National Park. It’s one of those places you go to in the summer to escape the city since you’ll find many recreational activities in the park and near the lake.
There are picnic areas, firepits, washrooms, and drinking water available in the area, making this an ideal family-friendly outing. You can even stay overnight in the Astotin Lake Campground, which is within walking distance from the beach.
There’s a boat launch at the north end of the lake, but remember that motorized boats aren’t allowed. You are free to paddleboard or kayak, though, but keep in mind the open water isn’t patrolled (so always be aware and keep safe).
To get here, drive through Yellow Head Highway, through Sherwood Park. Just continue until you reach Elk National Park.
Pro Tips:
Avoid swimming in the lake because the lake has had problems with swimmer’s itch, which is a rash caused by parasites. In case you have contact with the water, rinse your body with fresh water immediately.
If you’re bringing your pet, make sure they also won’t go in the lake. Blue-green algae is found in the water, which is toxic if ingested.
Lac Ste. Anne
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Website: https://www.lsac.ca/ (Lac Ste. Anne County)
Location: Lac Ste. Anne
Contact: (780) 785-3411, [email protected] (County Administration Office)
Distance from Downtown: 77.2 km, 54 minutes
Lac Ste. Anne, located west of Edmonton, is roughly an hour’s drive from the downtown core. Due to its close proximity to the city, it’s an ideal day trip if you like fishing and kayaking.
Several boat launches are available in rural addresses, so don’t be surprised to see motorized boats in the lake (just stay away if you’re paddleboarding). There’s an abundance of walleye and pike fish here, so you’ll likely encounter anglers in the area.
If you plan on visiting, drive along Yellowhead Highway to Lac Ste. Anne County, going to AB-633 W. Turn to Range Road 35B and turn left to Ste. Anne Trail.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t like crowded places, avoid going to Lac Ste. Anne in the summer. It gets busy since it’s pretty well-known and there are a lot of recreational activities available in the area.
Long Island Lake Beach
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Website: https://westlockcounty.com/p/long-island-lake-municipal-campground
Location: Long Island Lake Municipal Campground, 63332 Range Rd 260, Westlock County
Contact: (780) 954-2261
Distance from Downtown: 124 km, 1 hour and 29 minutes
Drive just under two hours to Westlock County to visit the quiet place of Long Island Lake Beach. If you’re itching for a beach day, this is the perfect destination because you can totally swim here, unlike other lakes near Edmonton, where it’s advised not to.
If you don’t want to swim, take your water equipment and go paddleboarding. You can also enjoy a picnic day with stunning views of the lake.
For a weekend trip, you can camp at the Long Island Lake Municipal Campground, which includes beach access! There are lots of amenities for outdoor activities, such as a boat launch, docks, playground, and a fish cleaning station.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you check the campground fees before using the facilities. For example, the boat launch has a $20 fee.
Wabamun Lake
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Website: https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/wabamun-lake-pp/
Location: Wabamun Waterfront Park, 5119 50 St, Wabamun
Contact: (780) 892-2702
Distance from Downtown: 69.3 km, 50 minutes
Wabamun Lake is a popular spot in Alberta, located in Parkland County. It’s a quick drive from Edmonton, just a little under an hour without heavy traffic.
If you’re visiting the lake, head to the Wabamun Waterfront Park so you can access the beach and marina. Go boating, kayaking, or canoeing at this magnificent place, but you can always stay at the lakeshore and admire the skies.
You can go fishing right on the boardwalk, which is cool if you don’t want to rent a boat. And of course, you can go in the water for a refreshing dip in the lake! Time for summer fun!
But if you don’t plan on getting wet, you can always walk the lakeshore, have some snacks in the picnic area, or bring the kids to the playground.
Pro Tip:
Don’t worry if you don’t have a boat. There are rental shops along Wabamun Lake.
Gull Lake
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Website: https://www.summervillageofgulllake.com/
Location: Gull Lake Public Beach, Ponoka County
Contact: (403) 748-2966, [email protected] (Summer Village of Gull Lake)
Distance from Downtown: 137 km, 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you love fishing, head over to Gull Lake. It’s only a short drive, taking under two hours, depending on traffic.
It’s the perfect spot for fishing, particularly on the west side. The lake offers plenty of fish, big or small, such as pike, walleye, and perch.
You can catch remarkably big ones here, actually. And even if you don’t find a keeper, your line will probably catch some small fish.
You don’t have to be a fisherman to visit this lake. You can paddle the waters instead—there’s a kayak rental at Aspen Provincial Park.
Another perk Gull Lake has it you can go ice fishing here and still catch some decent sizes. Check out Gull Lake Fishing Charters, which offers cabin rentals for ice fishing and local tips on the best spots!
Pro Tip:
If you plan on fishing, don’t forget you need a fishing licence. Also, make sure you’re informed about the daily fish catch limits in Alberta.
Sylvan Lake
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Website: https://www.sylvanlake.ca/en/
Location: Sylvan Lake Park, 4403 Lakeshore Dr, Sylvan Lake
Contact: (403) 887-2141, (403) 887-3660
Distance from Downtown: 161 km, 1 hour and 38 minutes
The almost two-hour drive from downtown Edmonton is worth it just to get to natural spring-fed Sylvan Lake. It’s a good spot for weekend getaways because the quaint town offers a peaceful and enjoyable trip.
Cool off in the summer by swimming in the lake or go kayaking while enjoying the serene beauty of the place. If you don’t have water equipment, there are rental shops you can check out.
This place is also very accessible. There’s a beach mat that provides lake access to wheelchair users, and beach wheelchairs that can go in the water are available here.
After your time in the lake, take a stroll along the lakeshore and visit the local shops. Or stay in the picnic areas and enjoy the sunset, which is particularly magnificent here.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to get a parking spot near the lake. It can get busy in the summer, so avoid afternoon visits if you’re bringing a vehicle.
Goldeye Lake
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Website: https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/goldeye-lake-pra/
Location: Goldeye Lake Campground, Goldeye Rd, Clearwater County
Contact: 1 (855) 721-3975
Distance from Downtown: 307 km, 3 hours
Situated west of Nordegg, Goldeye Lake is the prime spot for quiet outdoor adventures. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing at the lake while being surrounded by the lush forest of the Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area.
Bring your friends or family and spend a few nights at the Goldeye Lake Campground. You’ll experience a pleasant lake life at this stunning place—there are 44 unserviced campsites, picnic areas, fire pits, fish cleaning stations, and a water pump.
So, even though this lake is far away from Edmonton (you’ll have to drive for three hours), every minute on the road is worth it because it’s the perfect escape from all the noise in the city!
Pro Tip:
Even though there’s a water pump, we suggest you bring your own drinking water. There’s a risk of groundwater contamination, so make sure you’re equipped for your trip since there aren’t any nearby stores to purchase bottled water.
Kinosoo Beach
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Website: https://coldlake.com/en/play/kinosoo-beach.aspx
Location: 1 Ave, Cold Lake
Contact: (780) 594-4494, (780) 594-3480 (City of Cold Lake)
Distance from Downtown: 300 km, 3 hours and 15 minutes
A popular summer spot is Kinosoo Beach in Cold Lake. It has been named one of the top beaches and has attracted locals and tourists because it’s a perfect place to cool off in the summer!
There’s a roped-off swimming area, splash park, playground, beach volleyball courts, and rental shops for paddleboarding or kayaking. It’s even complete with a full-service concession stand, so no visitors will go hungry!
If you plan on staying a few days, check out the Cold Lake Provincial Park. The day use area offers access to the beach, complete with hiking trails, a playground, and firepits for camping!
Pro Tip:
Avoid afternoon arrival because this popular spot gets busy. To get a prime spot on the beach, drive early and consider the traffic in Edmonton.
