The Piney Point Trail is in Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, southwest of Pincher Creek, Alberta. Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is accessible year-round and offers outdoor activities in the winter and shoulder seasons.
The Piney Point Lookout hike travels through the forest and traverses pretty little meadows as it climbs into the hilltops that look over Beauvais Lake. The trail can be done in and out or as a loop that leads back along the lake’s shoreline.
It is considered a moderately challenging route, as the first ascend is steep. However, it is a short distance and very manageable for most hikers, including those with active children. The trail is also well-marked, with maps and trail markers at all the junctions to help you stay on track.
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is in Treaty 7 territory and the traditional land of the Blackfoot people and home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III. We recognize and respect the cultural, historical and spiritual connection of the people indigenous to these lands and are grateful to explore and honour them.
Piney Point Lookout Hike Information
Trailhead: You can start the Piney Point Trail from the Beaver Creek Day Use Area. You can also start from the Homestead Group Use area up the road. If you want to hike from the campground, add about 500 metres to your walk and start from a trail that leads out from the outer campground loop.
Distance:
- In-and-back: 2.8 km return
- Shoreline loop: 3.9 km
Elevation gain: 226m (Total elevation is 1560m)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. The trail can be steep and has switchbacks, but the distance travelled is relatively short.
Time: 1-1.5 hours in and back or 1.5-2 hours for the shoreline loop.
Trail Conditions: The first section of the trail climbs through the forest. Depending on the time of year, it can be deep snow or icy.
What to know before you go
- Carry bear spray, even in winter. You are in bear habitat.
- Pack micro-spikes. The trail can be icy in the winter and shoulder seasons.
- Be careful on the ice! Alberta Parks does not monitor ice conditions on the lake.
- Follow leave-no-trace and responsible travel principles.
- Expect wind! Southern Alberta is known for its powerful winds.
Winter activities at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is tucked in the foothills just east of Castle Mountain Provincial Park and near the Crossnest Pass. The area is exceptionally beautiful and offers rolling hills, mixed forests, pristine Beauvais Lake, and views of the Canadian Rockies.
This smaller Alberta Park is one of several that are open and accessible year-round. In the winter and shoulder seasons, Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is quiet but still offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and winter fun.
Winter Camping
Alberta Parks keeps a section of the campground open and plowed for adventurous campers and RVers. The powered campsites are available first-come, first-served and you can register and pay for your site via a self-registration booth. The campground offers pit toilets and is close to trails and the lake. Bring your own firewood!
Hiking and Snowshoeing
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park has a network of hiking trails around the lake and up into the hills to the southwest. Hikers will find the terrain rough and wild, so it’s important to be prepared with the proper clothing and a daypack containing extra layers, water, food, a first aid kit and emergency supplies.
While the snowpack was minimal at the time of writing (March 2025), the park does get quite a bit of snow. If you want to hit the trails, be prepared with snowshoes and micro-spikes. Please avoid walking on groomed cross-country ski tracks.
Ice Fishing
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is a popular spot for anglers year-round. In the winter, you’ll see little black ice fishing tents dotting the frozen lake. The lake is stocked, and you’ll find brown trout, rainbow trout and white suckers in this lake. If you’re heading out, check the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations.
Warning: Alberta Parks does not monitor ice conditions. No ice can be determined 100% safe. Follow these ice safety tips.
Cross-Country Skiing
The park has groomed cross-country ski trails for all abilities. The day-use areas have warm-up shelters and places to have a campfire. Check out the park’s trail information to see which trails are track-set for skiers.
Winter activities near Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
Castle Mountain Ski Resort
If you’re winter camping at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, you’re only 30 minutes away from Castle Mountain Ski Resort. Camping in the park provides convenient and cost-effective accommodation for an alpine ski trip!
Castle Mountain Ski Resort offers a range of terrain for all ages and abilities, including multiple terrain parks and a cat skiing area. The resort also offers on-site ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rentals, and dining options.
Please read our guide to start planning your ski trip: Everything you need to know about Castle Mountain Ski Resort.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is a 50-minute drive south of Beauvais Lake Provincial Park. Where prairies meet the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, this national park packs a lot of punch for it’s smaller footprint. Though many of the shops and restaurants in Waterton Village are closed in the off-season, there are still plenty of things to see and do in Waterton.
- Hiking: Many trails in Waterton National Park are open for hiking and snowshoeing during the winter. Before heading out, check trail conditions, avoid avalanche paths, and check for avalanche warnings.
- Cross-country skiing: In the winter, the Akamina Parkway is closed to vehicles, and Parks Canada sets skiing tracks between the Little Prairie Day Use Area and Cameron Lake.
- Fat biking and cycling: The Akamina Parkway and Red Rock Parkway are both closed to vehicle traffic and make excellent fat bike routes in the winter.
- Wildlife watching: If you get lucky, you might spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, snowshoe hares and a variety of birdlife while visiting Waterton.
- Tobogganing: Slopes can be found around town, with a favourite toboggan hill being the Prince of Wales hill.
View more winter activities in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Warning: Many summer trails in Waterton National Park are in avalanche terrain. Always check for avalanche warnings and weather. You can also ask for more information at the Visitor Centre.
Getting to Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
Beauvais Lake is located 11.5 km west of Pincher Creek on HWY 507 and 8.5 km south on Hwy. 775.
From Edmonton or Calgary: Follow Highway 2 until you reach the Highway 3/Crossnest Pass Highway junction. Head east on HWY 3, turn south on HWY 6 towards Pincher Creek. Right before town, you’ll turn west on 507 and start following signs to the park. Finally, turn south on 775 which takes you into the park.
Scenic route option: If you’re heading from the north, consider turning west on HWY 540 after High River. Then, you can connect with HWY 22/The Cowboy Trail, which offers a scenic drive through ranchlands along Alberta’s eastern slopes. HWY 22 meets up with HWY 3 and then takes HWY 507 eastbound to HWY 775.
From Lethbridge: Take Highway 3 west. Turn south on HWY 6 towards Pincher Creek. Right before town, you’ll turn west on 507 and start following signs to the park. Finally, turn south on 775, which takes you into the park.
