10 bask-friendly beaches

Alberta has some of the country’s most splendid aquatic attractions, such as the picturesque Lake Louise, bustling Sylvan Lake, and scores of relaxing beaches touching Lesser Slave Lake. Most of these, however, are so distant it’s best to plan for an entire weekend. But if you only have a day’s worth of downtime, you can find several appealing lakes and beaches within an hour’s drive from the city. Here’s a look at 10 of them. Unless otherwise indicated, all services are free.

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Half Moon Lake

30 km. southwest via Hwy 16 & Rge. Rd. 830

Besides taking a dip in this narrow body of water or lolling about on the pristine beaches, folks can also take advantage of standing paddleboats, volleyball courts and mini-golf. Pack a lunch and don’t forget the weenies as this area is fully equipped with picnic tables, firepits and washroom facilities. But be prepared to fork over $10 per adult and $5 per child, as those proceeds go to ensuring everything is clean and safe for public use.

South Cooking Lake 

36 km. southeast via Hwy. 14

Run by the South Cooking Lake Community League, this Strathcona County attraction is best known for the white sands bordering the shorelines. If a good soak in the water or a sunbathing session isn’t your thing, you’ll find an assortment of other things to do in the area, such as pickleball, basketball, and a playground for the youngsters. More peckish families can make full use of the picnic area that includes firepits.

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Voyageur Park

42 km. southwest via Hwy. 2 & Hwy. 19

Using the short beaches along the North Saskatchewan River as a draw, this day park near Devon is suitable for shallow swimming and a multitude of hiking trails just off the shoreline. The park also features picnic facilities including firepit as well as a boat launch. A full day here will cost $10 for parking.

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Hubbles Lake 

45 km. west via Hwy 16 & Rge. Rd. 13

Underwater springs are responsible for the crystal clarity of this Parkland County lake that boasts depts of up to 30 feet, although visitors might also Allan Beach with sand that’s equally clean. A local private resort responsible for its upkeep also offers horseshoe pits, firepits, and a general store for supplies. For day use, the resort charges $12 for adults and $6 for children, although tykes five and under get in free.

Hastings Lake
54 km. southeast via Hwy 16 & Rge. Rd. 830

This crystal-clear, spring-fed lake is geared more for swimming and boating than a sunbathing excursion given that the beach is a combination of rock and sand. The area doesn’t offer much in terms of picnic and play areas, but the surrounding area is ideal for hiking. Nature lovers in particular might revel at the opportunity to catch a glimpse of an occasional moose or whitetail deer foraging in the wild.

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Wizard Lake

56 km. south via Hwy 2

Your front-seat access to this lake near Calmar is Jubilee Park Campground, where local staff endeavour to keep the beach and waters in top shape. Their efforts are rewarded with an $8 parking charge for day use of the facilities. Within the gated area, visitors will find plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunning, while folks bring boats can make full use of the launch area for waterskiing, fishing for perch and pike, or simply putting around.

Astotin Lake

63 km. northeast via Hwy. 16

Elk Island National Park is renowned for the spectacle of buffalo wandering across the roads, but once they eventually let you pass through, be prepared for another eye-catching natural wonder of Astotin Lake’s unsullied beach. A superb spot for sunbathing, swimming or paddling around in the available watercraft, keep your eyes open for some of the lake’s aquatic wonders from beavers to pelicans. The park charges a family admission entrance fee of $17.50.

Wabamun Lake Beach

64 km. west via Hwy. 16

One of the most popular summer locales for swimming and suntanning, Wabumun also offers a slew of options for getting around on the lake. Choose from paddleboards and kayaks to windsurfing boards and even sailboats. In fact, it was at this very lake where Olympian Lawrence Lemieux learned to sail. Besides picnic facilities and a playground, the village of Wabumun also offers retail service for any supplies you might have forgotten for your day trip.

Alberta Beach

72 km. west via Hwy. 16 & Hwy. 43

If there’s one beach that has a strong cultural link to the capital region, it’s this spot on the southeastern tip of Lac Ste. Anne, where for decades, a legendary dance hall once hosted everything from orchestras to jazz combos and rock acts. Things are relatively quieter there these days, but it’s still a prime destination for swimmers, sunbathers, boaters and hikers who also take advantage of the picnic facilities and play areas on the shore.

Ma-Me-O Beach

93 km. southwest via Hwy. 216

Located on Pigeon Lake and a short distance from the village of the same name, this beach is revered for its white sand, enticing folks to splash around in the shallow, crystal-clear water. After drying off, visitors can dine in the well-equipped picnic area, let the kids loose in the playground, or get everyone together to hike on the plethora of trails near the beach.

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