Categories: Lifestyle

There’s a beautiful lake in Alberta that’s less than a hour drive from Edmonton

Photo via Javier Reyes Delpech/Shutterstock

Wabamun Lake is absolutely the place to go if you’re from Edmonton, I can attest to that.

Looking for a beach getaway this summer that’s not too far from the city? No problem, we’ve got you covered. This lake is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Edmonton, and it’s one of the best swimming destinations that you’ll find less than an hour away.

There’s a playground, a sandy beach, and loads of water for you to explore this summer. Are you ready, because I sure am!

What to expect

The lake itself is located in Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, west of Edmonton. Here, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect summer day out. There’s a lakeside beach area with great sand, a shallow swimming area, and perfect opportunities to go boating or sailing.

Fishing is also an option as well. There’s a great boardwalk for you to fish off of, as well as a dock to take off from and a boat in the middle of the lake, if you so please.

Another fun fact about the lake: it’s one of the cleanest around, according to a study by the University of Alberta. “Despite heavy recreational activity and industrial use, Lake Wabamun is in moderately good condition,” it reads.

Algae blooms are also relatively rare here, which means this lake will usually have clear water in the future months. The UofA study also mentions that this lake happens to be one of the most used within the area, as well as the most studied.

If you’re looking to stay near the lake, that’s not a problem either. There are campgrounds near the lake, with the season having already started and going until Oct. 30. There are 166 unserviced campsites with a rate of $39 a night, as well as 109 campsites with power for $47 a night. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance.

Plus, if you get to stay nearby, you can also check out the hamlet of Wabamun. It holds a great sense of adventure, but most prominently, it features the world’s largest dragonfly. Yeah, you heard that right, you can find this statue right in Wabamun, so keep your eyes peeled.

If you’re looking for your next summer destination, this one is not too far and definitely not too bad. Check it out yourself this season, you absolutely won’t regret it.