About Cold Lake
Cold Lake Provincial Park is a large provincial park located in northeastern Alberta on the shores of Cold Lake. The park exists primarily to protect the waterfowl species on the lake as well as the boreal forest on the northern shores. The park doesn’t exist in one contiguous area but rather 12 different areas. The north part is the largest of these areas and is larger than the other 11 combined. All of the day use and camping areas are along the southern shores of the lake though near the town of Cold Lake. Similar to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park – Saskatchewan’s Meadow Lake Provincial Park exists adjacent in Saskatchewan. Unlike Cypress Hills however – the park is managed independently of Cold Lake Provincial Park.
See All Alberta Provincial Parks
Summer at Cold Lake
Cold Lake in the summertime makes great use of the lake. There are beaches found along the southern shores of the lake to provide swimming opportunities. For canoers and kayakers, the lake offers some gorgeous views and bird watching opportunities. Wind surfing and sailing are popular activities as well.
The lake allows for speed boats since its size means that wake is minimized and water skiing is a popular activity. In the summertime, fishermen like the big lake for its untapped pike, perch, lake trout, burbot, and walleye reserves. In the town of Cold Lake, there is a marina for parking boats.
On shore, Cold Lake Provincial Park offers camping, hiking (both front country, and interpretive), and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Winter at Cold Lake
In the wintertime, ice fishing can be found on the lake. On land, there are over 10km of groomed trials available for skiers. Nearby, there is a downhill skiing resort called Kinosoo Ridge (which is kind of cool because skiers at this hill actually end up skiing through Saskatchewan – Similar to how Sunshine Village takes skiers into British Columbia).
Camping at Cold Lake
Cold Lake Provincial Park has one camping area and one group use area in the park.
| Campground | Amenities | Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Lake Campground (May 18 – October 10) | Amphitheater, boat launch, firepits, firewood (for sale), fish cleaning stations, flush toilets, pier, playground, power, sewage dump, showers, water taps, supply store, outhouses | Power (15/30 amp) | 78 | $40.00 |
| Power/Water (15/30 amp) | 25 | $48.00 | ||
| Walk In Tenting | 12 | $32.00 | ||
| Group Camping | ||||
| Cold Lake Group Use (May 18 – October 10) | Firepits, firewood (sold), picnic shelter, outhouses, playground, power hookups, warmup shelter, water pumps | Power (15 units) / Unserviced (15 units) | 30 units | $255/5 units + $39/extra unit + $35 power |
Day Use at Cold Lake
Cold Lake Provincial Park has a day use area with change rooms, firepits, firewood (sold), outhouses, playground, and water pumps
Distances to Alberta Cities
Distance to Calgary: 600km
Distance to Edmonton: 293km
Distance to Red Deer: 452km
Distance to Lethbridge: 688km
Distance to Grande Prairie: 696km
Coordinates: 54°27’23.3″N 110°08’36.6″W
