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The Lakelands is a destination for those in pursuit of year-round adventure, yearning to harness their Wild Side. Break from the beaten path and seek escape in the region’s untamed forests and bountiful lakes.

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Bevy of lakes and riverbanks

Free your spirit in some of Alberta’s largest lakes. Whether you prefer fishing, lounging on a sandy shore or paddling across the waterways, the Lakelands is the place to do so.

Indigenous culture

Indigenous music, food and art have deep roots throughout this historic region. Connect with traditional customs by visiting museums and participating in hands-on experiences.

Stunning trail systems

Bike, hike, cross country ski or take a guided horseback ride down the Iron Horse Trail—Alberta’s longest trail system at 300 km (186 mi). The Lakelands’ trails run through parkland, wetlands, boreal forest and sand dunes.

Eccentric roadside stops

Stretch your legs at fascinating attractions, from a giant perogy and the world’s first UFO landing pad. Significant historical sites and museums like Victoria Settlement and the Bonnyville Museum are worth a detour.

Bring your family to Métis Crossing for interactive learning workshops.

See more Indigenous experiences

Two men holding a fish on a boat

Meet the Indigenous peoples in Canada and learn about their heritage and history.

Person standing on the banks of Cold Lake watching the Northern Lights.
Watch Northern Lights dance from the banks of Cold Lake.
Man fly fishing on the Athabasca River with a bridge in the background.
Learn from the locals and reel in your greatest catch yet.
Man wakeboarding splashing up water at sunset on Island Lake.

Experience the many water sports and activities the aptly named Lakelands have to offer.

Featured attractions

Reel Angling Adventures

Some of Alberta’s greatest lakes and rivers exist in the Lakelands. Take a jet boat tour with a rod in hand, ice fish alongside winter enthusiasts or customize your dream fishing excursion.

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traditional dancers and musicians at Metis crossing perform in front of a wooden cart.

Métis Crossing

Stop in at Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive centre. Through events, traditional workshops and more, you’ll deepen your understanding of Indigenous history and rituals.

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Lac La Biche Museum

Walk through stories of Lac La Biche’s early years. Multicultural exhibits, a boreal forest display, artifacts, photos and more portray memories of the town’s beginnings.

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Wicked Watersport Rentals

Celebrate sunny days at Cold Lake with various water sports, pontoon boats or flyboard lessons. On a more relaxing note, the beach is a prime spot for lounging.

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With beach picnics or rooftop patios, homemade Indigenous treats or plates from the grill, fill your soul with new culinary delights and settings.

Discover places to eat

Town of Bonnyville reflecting on calm water at sunset.

When the sun settles down, the clouds roll in and the waters become still.

Key towns

Enjoy a harmonious blend of cozy and modern, from cabins and breweries to artisanal bites. The Lakelands are calling.

Athabasca

A small town with endless entertainment. Farmers’ markets, fishing spots, historical sites and campgrounds are merely a glimpse of what Athabasca has to offer.

Cold Lake

Tour the city of outdoor recreation. Fish throughout the year, pitch a tent next to a sandy beach and escape from civilization on secluded wooded trails.

Bonnyville

Admire the surrounding natural wonders in this wildlife hub. Hunters, fishers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts gather here for diverse flora and fauna.

Family having fun, running into a lake with an inflatable with a tent in the distance

Lac La Biche

This lakeside town beckons wilderness explorers and history experts alike. Lac La Biche features backcountry trails and a notable museum.

Featured Stories

3 min read

Warm Up to a Winter Escape in the Prairie Town of Vermilion

Take a road trip east of Edmonton and explore this charming town.

Bison in the winter.

6 min read

From Bison to Bears: Alberta’s Wildlife and How to See Them

The diverse ecosystems of Alberta make it one of the best places in Canada for unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences, including bison, bears, moose, elk, sheep and all kinds of birds.

glamping dome Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park

4 min read

Amazing Sandy Beaches You Didn't Know Existed in Alberta

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.

An RV travels along a prairie road in Alberta.

4 min read

Seven Road Trips for Outdoor Adventures in Northwest Alberta

This off-the-beaten track region of Alberta is flush with beaches and mountains, epic water slides, plus dinosaur and distillery adventures.

4 min read

The Best Waterfront Campsites in Alberta

Despite being a landlocked province, there’s plenty of places to pitch your tent beside the water in Alberta. Sandy riverside beaches and secluded lake lots dotted with evergreens await.

A couple stand up paddle boarding on a river during a hot summers day with a focus on the stream ahead.

4 min read

Where to Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Alberta

Picture yourself stand-up paddleboarding against a breathtaking backdrop. Grab a paddleboard and head to one of Alberta’s lakes and rivers to learn or perfect your skill.

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