Rolling prairie, Rocky Mountains and… sandy beaches? Oh yes, Alberta's got more than a few sandy-shored lakes. From swimming to paddling, camping to fishing, there's more than a few ways to spend a day at the beach in Alberta. Here's some spots in sunny northeast Alberta where you can make it happen.
Amazing Sandy Beaches You Didn't Know Existed in Alberta
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Alberta may be a landlocked province, but that doesn't mean you won't find quite a few sandy shores to base yourself at for peaceful paddling, swimming, fishing and picnicking.
- Northeastern Alberta is filled with golden sandy sunny beaches.
- Take a Flyboard lesson and learn to ride a water-powered hoverboard.
- Step out of your Lac La Biche island campsite and onto a sandy beach.
Cold Lake
This lake came by its name honestly - it's 120 m (400 ft) deep and that keeps it pretty refreshing. Cold Lake is wildly popular. Its beaches are beloved, both in town and in the provincial park alongside camping and forested trails.
At Cold Lake Provincial Park, Lund's Point beach is a go-to. White sand and crystal-clear water are a prime combo for a beach day. Those who arrive early in the day before the lake has warmed up to their liking are in luck. Pick up a bird-watching checklist from the Alberta Parks kiosk near the campground and hike around Hall's Lagoon. You might spot pelicans, loons, cormorants and grebes—and plenty of dragonflies. After your hike, that cool swim in the lake (or picnic on the beach) is going to be perfect. If you'd like to extend your stay, there's plenty of campsites in the park. For extra beach time, book one of the 12 walk-in tenting sites just a short stroll from the lake. Bring your own canoe for the best chance to see a moose while it's swimming.
In the town of Cold Lake, head for Kinosoo Beach. Swim in the marked areas where it doesn't get too deep. Bring your own stand-up paddleboard (SUP) for a refreshing way to explore the lake. Don't have your own watercraft? Look for Wicked Watersport Rentals' trailer on the beach to rent a SUP, kayak, or pedal boat by the hour. If you're feeling brave, book ahead to get a Flyboard lesson. This is the only spot in the province where you can learn to ride the water-powered hoverboard. Oh, and don't worry if you see a CF-18 fighter jet overhead. That's just the Canadian military training at the nearby base.
Hit the beach, the lake or the forest in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.
Lac La Biche at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Even Alberta lifers might not know they can camp on an island in this province. At Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park — on a pair of islands in Lac La Biche — you can totally do that. Choose between tenting, comfort camping in a cozy cabin or tipi, or just hanging out for the day. There's sandy beaches for swimming, plus docks where you can launch a kayak, canoe or SUP — all rented in the park. The trails around the island are plentiful and weave through a 300-year-old forest. So get exploring on foot or by bicycle to find your favourite beach. There's also a one-kilometre trail that's accessible to campers who use wheelchairs.
A tip from park staff: The sunset is particularly ah-mazing from Boardwalk Beach. Make a point to dig your toes into the sand and watch the sky light up in pink and orange. Or, even better, plan your stand-up paddleboarding for sundown.
Astotin Lake at Elk Island National Park
On your way to the beach at Elk Island National Park, you may see a bison (or four) wandering across the highway. The park is home to about 700 plains and wood bison, and the chances of a bison traffic jam are pretty good.
The beach at Astotin Lake is less than an hour's drive from Edmonton. In other words—super handy when the capital is your starting point. Throw down your beach towel or grab a picnic table while watching for pelicans, beavers and, if you're lucky, trumpeter swans.
Elk Island Paddle Sports Rentals is right on the beach. Head here to rent kayaks, canoes and SUPs by the hour. Nearby High Island is a popular spot for paddlers, plus it's a handy shelter on a windy day. If you're visiting in autumn, book a sunset paddle tour with Elk Island Paddle Sports Rentals, scheduled around the full moon and new moons.
If you want to stick around these parts for more days on the water (and you do), book a site at Astotin Lake Campground. This campground sports oTENTiks, a tent-cabin hybrid that's ideal for overnighting in nature without totally roughing it. The area is all part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Here, there's minimal light pollution and the view of the stars is particularly fantastic. Make sure you wriggle out of your sleeping bag for a look once the stars are out.
