About Whitney Lakes
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is a reasonably large provincial park located on the shores of several lakes in Northern Alberta. Borden Lake, Laurier Lake, Ross Lake, Whitney Lake are the four biggest lakes. Borden Lake is the most remote of the lakes and offers backcountry camping while the other three are connected directly by road and have boat launches to access the water.
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Activities at Whitney Lakes
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park offers a plethora of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The park boasts a number of pristine lakes, sprawling forests, and scenic trails that offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing camping trip, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park has something to offer everyone.
One of the most popular activities in the park is camping. The park has numerous camping areas that are scattered throughout, many of which offer stunning lake views and easy access to hiking trails. Whether you prefer the simplicity of camping in a tent, the comforts of an RV, or the rugged backcountry – Whitney Lakes Provincial Park has a camping option that is sure to suit your needs.
For those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors by water, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park offers a variety of options for canoeing, kayaking, power boating, and sailing. The crystal-clear lakes and rivers offer a serene environment to explore, and there are plenty of opportunities to fish for the catch of the day.
If you prefer to stay on land, the park offers a range of hiking trails for all abilities. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park has a trail that’s perfect for you. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity in the park, with a variety of animals such as moose, deer, and bears calling the park home. Birding is also a popular activity, with the park offering both beach birding and general birding opportunities. So, whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or simply enjoy spotting a few feathered friends, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge your passion in Whitney Lakes Provincial Park.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is also an excellent destination for winter activities such as cross country skiing on over 29km of ungroomed trails, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.
Overall, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is a nature lover’s paradise with something for everyone. It’s an ideal destination for families, groups of friends, and solo travelers alike. With its abundance of recreational activities, breathtaking scenery, and diverse wildlife, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping at Whitney Lakes
There are three campgrounds at Whitney Lakes Provincial Park: two easily accessible ones with power, and one backcountry one with no service. There is also 2 group use areas available for rent in the park.
| Campground | Amenities | Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Lake Campground (May 18 – September 5) | Boat launch, firepits, firewood (for sale), fish cleaning stations, flush toilets, supply store, pier, outhouses, playgrounds, power hookups, sewage dumps, showers, water taps, wheelchair accessibility | Power (15/30 amp) | 144 | $42.00 |
| Unserviced | 5 | $34.00 | ||
| Whitney Lake Campground (May 18 – September 5) | Firepits, fish cleaning stations, outhouses, power hookups, sewage dump, water taps | Power (15/30 amp) | 33 | $36.00 |
| Unserviced | 20 | $28.00 | ||
| Borden Backcountry Campground (Year-Round) Latitude: 53.864999 Longitude: -110.557443 | Secure food storage, outhouses, firepits | Designated Backcountry | 1 | Free |
| Group Camping | ||||
| Ross Lake Area G Group Use (May 18 – September 5) | Firepits, firewood (sold), horseshoes, picnic shelter, outhouses, water taps | Unserviced | 16 units | $215/5 units + $31/ extra unit $68.00 Day Use |
| Ross Lake Area H Group Use (May 18 – September 5) | Firepits, firewood (sold), horseshoes, picnic shelter, outhouses, water taps | Power & Unserviced | 10 units | $255/5 units + $39/ extra unit + $8 Power $68.00 Day Use |
Day Use at Whitney Lakes
There are three day use areas located at Whitney Lakes Provincial Park located on three of the park’s four largest lakes.
- Ross Lake Day Use – The day use area offers good picnic opportunities and access to Ross Lake. There is a boat launch, cook shelter, firepits, fish cleaning stations, pier, outhouses, playground, and water taps. Liquor is permitted here between 11am and 9pm. Ross Lake Day Use is open year round.
- Laurier Lake Day Use – This day use area primarily provides lake access to Laurier Lake. It has a boat launch, outhouses, and fish cleaning stations. It is open year-round.
- Whitney Lake Day Use – Whitney Lake is good for both picnics on Whitney Lake and access to the lake itself. there is a boat launch, cook shelter, firepits, fish cleaning stations, pier, playground, and water pumps. It is open between May 15 and September 17 each year.
Distances to Alberta Cities
Distance to Calgary: 536km
Distance to Edmonton: 240km
Distance to Red Deer: 388km
Distance to Lethbridge: 607km
Distance to Grande Prairie: 657km
Coordinates: 53°49’46.2″N 110°32’50.1″W
