Moose Lake is a sandy-bottomed lake located in northeast Alberta. In the heart of the Lakeland Region, this lake is popular for its sandy beaches, multiple campgrounds, fishing and boating opportunities. The lake is fed by Thin Lake River and flows out via Moose Lake River, which enters the Beaver River Basin and eventually empties into Hudson Bay. Needless to say, there are lots of interesting places to paddle here.
I grew up spending summers at our family cabin on Moose Lake, Alberta. Our family always had a motorboat, and we have explored the lake more times than I could count! But a motorboat can’t get into some of the best places to paddle on this lake. For the most interesting places, where the wild is mostly untouched, you need a kayak or canoe. Lazy rivers, secluded wild bays and a series of islands await those who love to explore via kayak or canoe.
Indigenous History
Moose Lake is in Treaty 6 and the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux
In the local Cree language, the lake is called mōswa sākahikan, which translates directly to Moose Lake. Coincidentally, the lake’s shape resembles a moose’s head. Indigenous people have gathered, hunted and fished Moose Lake since time immemorial. Oral histories describe whitefish as a vital resource from the lake, along with deer, moose, elk, and bear.
My Favourite Places to Paddle on Moose Lake, Alberta
Below are my top three picks for paddling day-trips on Moose Lake Provincial Park. Each is accessible by car, with short walks to the launching point. Each is also in or near provincial or municipal parks, with reservable camping, day use areas, boat launches, and washrooms (pit toilets) available.
Moose Lake Provincial Park – Moose Lake River
Launch: Provincial Park Boat Launch or Day Use Area
Moose Lake Provincial Park takes up a considerable portion of the northern shoreline. It juts out into the lake with a long peninsula towards what is eerily known as “Dead Man’s Point.” On the west side of the park, a shallow bay is surrounded by wild forest that turns a corner towards the mouth of the Moose Lake River.
The bay on the west side of the peninsula is, in my opinion, the best paddling destination in the park. You can access it via the provincial park day-use area, which is accessible by car only between the May Long Weekend and Labour Day. It is sheltered from eastern winds and is teeming with birdlife. When you paddle here in the spring, you can make out dozens of different waterfowl and bird calls, and paddle among them. There is a beaver lodge in the bay, and if you are quiet, you might see its resident swimming along the shoreline. It’s truly a magical experience.
The trip up the river leads you to and under a historic trestle bridge, which is part of the famous Iron Horse Trail. Thanks to high water levels in recent years, you can paddle as far as you want up the Moose Lake River, which eventually leads to Beaver River.
Alternatively, you can launch at the park’s main boat launch on the east side of the peninsula. It is accessible year-round, so it’s a great choice for shoulder-season paddles. A favourite route from here is along the shoreline toward Deadman’s Point. On this trip, I’ve seen moose on the shore and dozens of pelicans standing on the point. There are also two stands for osprey nests, and it is common to see them soaring overhead.
Camping is available at Moose Lake Provincial Park between mid-May and early September. Reserve your spot!
Pelican Point – The Islands
Launch: East end of the park, past the Group Camping Sites.
Directly across the lake from the provincial park is the Pelican Point M.D. Campground. The Municipal District of Bonnyville operates it, and it’s the gateway to the wilder, more remote section of the lake.
Launching at the east end of Pelican Point M.D. Park, you can paddle towards the Moose Lake islands. You can explore the islands to find beaver lodges, bald eagle nests in the trees and several sandy points where pelicans like to hang out. This is a great option if it’s a bit windy, as the islands provide shelter.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head into the large secluded bay past the islands. This section of Moose Lake has absolutely no development, and it is completely wild. In the spring, you see thousands of nesting gulls at the far southwest corner of the bay. Keep your distance, as these gulls will swoop down at you if they think you’re too close to their nests.
Instead, stick to the east (left) shoreline of the bay, which is actually an island, and follow it around to a narrow channel that leads back into the main part of the lake.
The narrow channels around the islands are typically shallow and weedy, so motorboats usually cannot enter this part of the lake. As a result, you’ll be immersed in wild nature and all the birds and critters that thrive in it.
Camping is available at Pelican Point M.D. Park between early May and early September. Reserve your spot!
Franchere Bay – Thin Lake River
Launch: Franchere Bay Provincial Recreation Area Day Use Beach
The Thin Lake River is the inflow tributary of Moose Lake. It’s a wide, lazy river with hardly any noticeable current, and paddling up the river is a totally different experience compared to following the shoreline of a large lake.
Launch at the Franchere Bay Provincial Recreation Area beach, and head north (left) to the mouth of the river. You’ll go under a bridge, where people are often fishing, and then start your meandering adventure up the river. You can go as far as you want; it eventually leads to a wider section called Thin Lake, then under Highway 28 to Bangs Lake. The water level has to be pretty high to make it this far.
Due to high water levels in recent years, some of the trees along the river are dead. However, it is still a beautiful paddle as you wind and wander through wilderness, surrounded by bullrushes, reeds, duckweed and lily pads. In the spring, you’ll see lots of waterfowl leading their babies through the rushes. I’ve seen muskrats, fishing osprey and a buck moose come to the water for a drink along this river as well.
Camping is available at Franchere Bay Provincial Recreation Area between mid-May and early September. Reserve your spot!
Preparing for Your Paddle on Moose Lake
Check the Weather
Moose Lake isn’t considered a large lake, but it is big enough to get choppy and windy with little notice. Like paddling anywhere, it’s important to check the weather and watch the skies before heading out. If the weather is iffy, paddle close to shore and always start your paddle against the wind so you don’t have to fight it on your way back.
Bring Safety Gear
Wear a properly sized PFD when you’re out on the water. Other mandatory safety gear you must bring includes:
You should also bring an extra paddle. I’ve been on a trip or two when someone broke a paddle, far out from the launch point, and we were pretty thankful they had packed a spare!
Always share your plans, including your launch point and planned travel route, with someone who isn’t going on the trip. Have a check-in time, so they know to look out for you if you don’t contact them. Paddling on Moose Lake is generally very safe, but you could get trapped in some unexpected wind, and you’ll be glad when someone comes to your rescue!
Travel with Respect
As always, travel responsibly while exploring Moose Lake, including Leave No Trace principles. That means:
When we care for the lands and waters we travel, we ensure they remain there for the next generation to enjoy.
