Kinosoo Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches we’ve explored in Alberta, especially for families. It is a summer hub located in the City of Cold Lake, offering a three-block long stretch of sandy beach, clean and clear water and enough activities and amenities to keep you busy on long summer days.
There is a reason it’s featured in several “best beaches” articles, including our own Best Beaches in Alberta for Kids. It was also once named one of Canada’s Top 25 Beaches by Canadian Geographic Magazine. Bloggers would say it’s one of “Alberta’s best kept secrets,” but we are going to spill the beans!
Cold Lake is in Treaty 6 Territory and is the traditional territory of the Cree, Dene and Metis peoples. Kinosoo Beach got its name from the Dene legend of Kinosoo, or “the big fish.” The story claims that this massive fish destroyed a warrior’s canoe as he paddled across the lake to meet his beloved. Huge teeth marks were found in the wrecked canoe when it washed up on shore, but the warrior was never seen again.
What’s so great about Kinosoo Beach?
While it’s not really a secret to Albertans, Kinosoo Beach has everything you’d want in a family-friendly lakeside destination. The City of Cold Lake has put in tremendous effort (and money) to create a public gathering place that helps locals and travellers make the most of summer.
We’ll get to the details later in this article, but think of sand, swimming, splash park, playground, ice cream, zip line, manicured parkland, sports courts, shaded picnic areas and, new to the beach in 2025, a super fun inflatable water park.
This beach has it all, and it’s close to everything you’d need in Cold Lake, Alberta. There are municipal and provincial campgrounds, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, cafes, shopping and all city services.
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Which way to the beach? (How to get to Kinosoo Beach)
As mentioned, Kinosoo Beach is in the City of Cold Lake, on the southern shore of Cold Lake.
How to get there
From Edmonton: Follow Highway 15 out of the city, turn north on Highway 37 and then Highway 825. Follow 825 and turn east on Highway 28. Highway 28 will lead you right into Cold Lake. Once in town, follow the signs for Kinosoo Beach.
From Calgary: Take the Queen Elizabeth Highway 2 north to Edmonton. Take the exit for the Anthony Henday South and follow it around the city until you reach Highway 15. Follow Highway 15 out of the city, turn north on Highway 37 and then north again on Highway 825. Follow 825 and turn east on Highway 28. Highway 28 will lead you right into Cold Lake. Once in town, follow the signs for Kinosoo Beach.
From Saskatoon: Take the Yellowhead Highway west to Lloydminster and turn north on Highway 17. Then, turn west on Highway 45 and follow it as it turns into Highway 897 and then onto Highway 55. That will quickly take you to Highway 28. Head north into Cold Lake and follow the signs for Kinosoo Beach.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking: Parking is free and available on the street that runs parallel to the beach park. There is also angle parking available on the north side of the park and within the nearby neighbourhoods. Arrive earlier in the day to get a closer spot.
Accessibility: Kinosoo Beach is accessible and has wheelchair and stroller-friendly pathways, including an accessible path over the sand down to the beach. There are also accessible washrooms located in the concession building.
Things to Do at Kinosoo Beach
Swimming and playing in the sand.
Kinosoo Beach is long and has plenty of space, even on busy summer days. In recent years, the water level of Cold Lake has gone down. As a result, the beach is wider and the water is shallower in the swimming areas. This makes it ideal for families with children who want to spread out, build sand castles and have fun swimming and splashing in the water.
Water depth: In the summer of 2025, the water was only waist-deep on an average adult right at the far end of the roped-off swimming area. However, in years with high water levels, it will be much deeper, so make sure you check out the depth before sending the kids out to swim or down the zipline.
Water quality and temperature: The water quality of Cold Lake is excellent! It’s clean and clear and is rarely impacted by algae blooms like most Alberta lakes. But, as the name suggests, it can be very cold. The water temperature varies throughout the summer, but be prepared for a refreshing swim!
Zipline, playground and splash park
Zipline: One of the features that makes Kinosoo Beach so unique is the free zip line! There is a tower accessible by stairs on the beach, and kids can hang onto a rope and zip into the water. It doesn’t go too fast, but it is a unique activity that isn’t at any other beach in Alberta (that we know of).
Splash Park: Kinosoo Beach has a sizeable spray park with fun sprinklers, dumping buckets, and water features that kids, especially younger kids, will love to play in. When they’ve already had fun on the beach and in the lake, the splash park adds variety. It is also great for rinsing sand off kids before they get in the car!
Playground: The playground here is back from the beach and is relatively new. It offers a modern climbing structure, slides, monkey bars, swings, a modern merry-go-round, and fun sound and sensory features.
Water Sports & Rentals
Wicked Watersport Rentals offers paddle rentals on Kinosoo Beach. Look for the rental trail near the volleyball courts. They offer single, double and kids’ kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (SUP) and a four-person pedal boat for rent!
They also offer pontoon boat rentals from the Cold Lake Marina, if you want to take your adventure off the beach and explore Cold Lake.
You can inquire about rentals at the beach trailer and check out equipment and rental prices on their website. Learn more about Kinosoo Beach watersports rentals.
Aqua Rush Inflatable Water Park
New to Kinosoo Beach for 2025 is the installation of Aqua Rush. Powered by Wibit inflatables, this massive inflatable water park features slides, climbing structures, floating walkways, and obstacle courses for ages six and up. This waterpark is honestly so much fun for kids and adults, and spending an hour climbing, jumping, slipping and splashing is worth the cost.
Cost: $15/person + GST. You can book and pay for your time slot at their tent kiosk on the east side of the beach.
Age restrictions: Participants must be 6 years old. An adult must accompany any children under the age of 9.
Liability and safety: All participants must fill out and sign an online waiver. All participants must wear a life jacket, which is included in your ticket price.
Sports and Recreation
Kinosoo Beach has beach volleyball courts and a maintained, gated basketball court, both of which are free to use. In addition, you’ll find well-manicured lawns behind the beach, perfect for tossing a Frisbee or baseball. There are plenty of open areas to play.
Events & Festivals
Since Kinosoo Beach is the hub of summer fun in Cold Lake, it’s designed to host several events during the summer. Anticipated events include:
- Musical performances on July 1st for Canada Day
- Aqua Days summer festival on the August long weekend; and
- Feast at the Beach is a music and food festival on the Labour Day long weekend.
If you’re visiting during those times, consider attending one of these community events!
Facilities & Amenities at Kinosoo Beach
Kinosoo Beach has the facilities and amenities to make your visit convenient and comfortable.
Washrooms and change rooms: Full washrooms and change rooms are located at the back of the concession building next to the splash park. You’ll also find portable toilets next to the playground and in other areas of the park.
Food on the beach: In 2025, there were four different places to get an ice cream on Kinosoo Beach. The main concession, located next to the splash park, offers concession-style food like hamburgers, hot dogs and confectionery. In addition, you’ll find an ice cream shop, ice cream and a food van, and they’re selling ice cream from the Aqua Splash kiosk tent.
Picnic areas: There are several picnic areas located along the promenade right behind the beach. There are several picnic tables and a few areas that are in shaded structures. There are also yellow chairs located on the lawn before the beach.
Pathways: The promenade offers a wide and accessible pathway that follows parallel to the beach, which is stroller and wheelchair friendly. There are also non-accessible pathways throughout the park.
Where to Eat Near Kinosoo Beach
Kinisoo Beach is located in the City of Cold Lake, so there are plenty of options for eating out. The city itself is spread out, and offers a range of locally-run cafes, chain restaurants, coffee shops and fast food joints. Our favourite spots closest to Kinosoo Beach are located near the Cold Lake Marina.
Clarks General Store and Eatery is a favourite, offering big portion diner-style meals and ice cream sundaes out of a historic general store that was built in 1928. They’ve kept many of the architectural features the same, including the unique metal-tiled ceiling.
For something a little more upscale, try the Casual Canoe. Located on Lakeshore Drive, this restaurant offers hearty main courses, Canadian wines and local craft beer. Their gourmet home-cooked meals include mains like elk pot pie and bourbon braised beef. Reservations are highly recommended.
Johnny Waffles on the Water offers marina views and a filling breakfast and lunch menu that focuses on, you guessed it, waffles. Check out their Facebook page to view their sweet and savoury menu.
Where to Stay in Cold Lake
Cold Lake offers a wide range of accommodation, including family-friendly chain hotels, motels, lakeside lodges and bed and breakfasts. Closest to the beach, our top picks are the Lakeland Inn across from the Cold Lake Marina, the Dockside Inn for a budget motel and the classy, highly-rated Waterfront Harbour Bed and Breakfast.
There are also campgrounds on and near the lake, with the closest to Kinosoo Beach being the Cold Lake M.D. Campground. This campground offers serviced and unserviced sites, with a few sites right on the beach. It also has a playground, washrooms with flush toilets and an on-site camp store. It’s also a short five-minute walk from Kinosoo Beach. Book your campsite.
Other campgrounds include Cold Lake Provincial Park and English Bay Provincial Recreation Area. You can reserve your campsite at these locations through Alberta Parks.
Tips for Visiting Kinosoo Beach
Beach days are a fun and memorable way to spend your summer holidays, but destinations like Kinosoo Beach can be busy. Here are some tips to make your visit more comfortable and fun!
Arrive early: Mornings are much quieter at Kinosoo Beach. Arrive mid to late morning to find close parking and set up on the beach. Mornings can be a little cooler, but things will heat up in the afternoon.
Bring your wallet: Sitting and walking on the beach are free, but you’ll need some money for ice cream and concessions, watersport rentals and Aqua Rush water park.
Pack everything you’ll need: Kinosoo Beach is one of those places you can settle into and spend the entire day. Here are things to pack:
- Beach towels and a picnic blanket
- Umbrella or beach tent for shade
- Sand toys
- Sunscreen and hats
- A change of clothing. Cold Lake can be cold, so you might want to change between activities.
- Beach chairs
- Water and snacks
- Money for the concession and activities
- Sports equipment (basketball, volleyball, frisbee, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinosoo Beach
Is Kinosoo Beach free to visit?
Yes, Kinosoo Beach is a public park and free to visit. All the amenities are free to use, but there is a cost for the concession, watersport rentals and Aqua Rush water park.
Are dogs allowed on the beach?
No, pets are not permitted on the beach.
When is the splash park open?
The splash park is usually open between early June and Labour Day, weather depending. The hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Please follow the City of Cold Lake for more information.
Are lifeguards on duty?
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at Kinosoo Beach. Children should be supervised and users are advised to swim at their own risk.
There are lifeguards on duty at/on the Aqua Rush water park.
Can I rent equipment at Kinosoo Beach?
Yes. Paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to rent at the Wicked Watersport Rental trailer on the west side of the beach.
Let’s go to the beach!
Whether you live in Alberta or Saskatchewan, or are travelling near the area, a trip to Kinosoo Beach is worth it. It’s one of the best destinations for families who love days at the lake, and the perfect setting for building those summer vacation memories.
Looking for other awesome beaches in Alberta? Read our picks for the 11 Best Beaches in Alberta for Kids.
