Lakeland Region

Alberta’s Lakeland region in the province’s northeast is a premier outdoor recreation destination. It stretches to the Saskatchewan border and is known for its campgrounds, thick boreal forests, large lakes, sandy beaches, trail networks, fishing, paddling opportunities, and a rich blend of Indigenous, Métis, and Ukrainian heritage.

This guide brings together our favourite experiences and places to visit in the Lakeland region, focusing on family-friendly adventures and real-life stories from a place that is near to our hearts.

Favourite Adventures in Lakeland, Alberta

Cold Lake: As one of Alberta’s deepest (and coldest) lakes, this area offers a sprawling provincial park, lakeside campgrounds, year-round fishing, endless opportunities for boating and paddling, winter skiing, and the province’s best beach parks: Kinosoo Beach.

Lakeland Provincial Park Canoe Circuit: This park offers a remote backcountry canoeing circuit, spanning roughly 38 kilometres of paddling through interconnected, sand-bottom lakes. If you’re looking for a real adventure, this is a must-do.

Métis Crossing: Take in an authentic Indigenous experience at this interactive Metis cultural centre located near Smoky Lake. It offers guided tours that provide a glimpse into traditional Métis history, wildlife viewing of unique white bison, local Indigenous dining, a boutique hotel, a campground, and special events.

Whitney Lakes Provincial Park: Five small lakes make up this unique provincial park. Hike or paddle to a unique glacial esker, play and swim at Whitney or Ross Lake, enjoy camping, paddling, and biking and hiking between lakes on the connected trail network.

Lac La Biche: As one of the larger lakes in the region, Lac La Biche is home to Winston Churchill Provincial Park. It’s an island accessible via a man-made causeway, featuring a private campground, multiple sandy beaches, trails, and exceptional bird-watching opportunities.

Plan Your Trip to the Lakeland Region

The Lakeland region is a fantastic place to pass those long, dog days of summer. Beautiful lakes, sandy beaches, lush boreal forest, and expansive provincial parks make this the perfect place for your next adventure.

When to visit? June through September is a great time to visit this region if you’re looking for summer fun. The lakes are warm enough for swimming by mid-June, and with the exception of long weekends, campgrounds should be easy to book.

Getting around: You’ll need a vehicle to get here and to get around. There is no public transportation outside of the larger centres, and everything is spread out between vast areas of farmland and forest.

What to pack: In the summer, make sure to pack warm layers for nights around the campfire, rain gear, sunscreen, bug repellent, and bear spray. Bears are active here, especially in the late summer during berry season! In the winter, pack winter clothing and outdoor gear.

Travelling with kids: Your kids will love it here! From long days spent on the beach, swimming, boating, playgrounds and bike rides, there is no shortage of family fun in Lakeland. Our recommendation? Take them to Kinosoo Beach for swimming, zip-lining, an inflatable water park, ice cream, a splash park, and more. You can’t go wrong.

Top Experiences in the Lakeland Region

The Lakeland Region is one of Alberta’s lesser-known destinations for outdoor adventure. Home to lakes, sandy beaches, peaceful campgrounds, and endless opportunities to get on the water, it’s the perfect destination for families, paddlers, anglers, and anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer northern Alberta road trip, these family-friendly adventures highlight some of the best ways to experience this beautiful corner of the province.