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Swimming Lake
A Beach in the Middle of Canada
If you happen to be travelling Canada and feel like just relaxing nearby a lake, then Lesser Slave Lake is the perfect spot for you. With its 1160 km² (448 sq mi) it takes its place among the largest lakes of Canada. There's enough space for anyone to enjoy the cool wet here. The lake has a beach and is surrounded by a forest - perfect conditions for a detour into the wild! Obviously, the area is quite multi-faceted as it also offers a variety of leisure facilities.
Two Provincial Parks by the Lake
On-site, you'll find the Devonshire Beach to be a perfect zone to relax. The adjacent Provincial Park is a fine location to have a stroll and discover the beauty of Canada's nature. Approximately 13 km (8 mi) away from Grouard, towards the northwest side of Lesser Slave Lake, you'll find the Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park located, yet another area worth to be explored! You'll find plenty of leisure facilities to make the best of your time here.
Things to do
Fishing, Surfing, Sailing & Water Skiing
Apart from the beautiful lakeside, Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park has 113 camp-sites allowing you to stay overnight with your tent or trailer. On-site, you'll find a boat rental. You might want to grab yourself a boat and go for a round of fishing. Depending on what you prefer, at the lake, you have the options to water ski, sail and surf. Afterwards, you may have a rest on the numerous picnic spots, relax and just enjoy the beautiful view on the lake.
Walking Around the Area
If you are up for more than just relaxing on the beach and excited to explore the area around the lake and the Provincial Park, then walking along the Whispering Sands Trail might be something worth trying out. You will learn more about the history of the lake and the motion of its sand dunes. It's exactly these sand dunes that the sand sculptures competition and the volleyball championship are held on each July.
If you are rather in the mood for a little stroll, it's best if you follow the Trans Canada Trail which is about 23 km (14 mi) long and leads alongside the lakeside.
A Paradise for Birds
At the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, you'll learn about all birds endemic to the region. The entire area is home to 254 bird species. Being on-site, you might be lucky enough to spot some of them in nature placing yourself nearby the lakeside. If you don't catch a glimpse of any bird, then you still have the chance to take a glance at the birds on pictures at the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation.
Interesting facts
- Grab something nice to eat and a cold drink at the local kiosk or restaurant.
- Planning an overnight stay? Close to the Swimming Lake there is a campground. You are in the campfire mood? Campfires are permitted at several spots around the Swimming Lake.
- There are parking spaces available in the vicinity. There are public restrooms close by at the Swimming Lake.
Video about Lesser Slave Lake
How to get there
By Car
Lesser Slave Lake is easily reachable by car.
From the direction of Edmonton
Lesser Slave Lake is located approximately 300 km (186 mi) northwest of Edmonton. You first take Highway 28 taking you out of the city. At the next occasion, you turn left to change to Highway 37. Follow the road up to the intersection with Highway 2, just where you turn right. Continuing on Highway 2, you cross Morinville up to the junction with Highway 18, just before reaching Clyde. You then take a left on Highway 18 and carry on until you reach Westlook. Change to Highway 44 and follow the road for a while. Meanwhile, it'll turn to Highway 2. You still keep on driving straight ahead and will soon arrive in Slave Lake. Once here, you take Highway 88 leading straight to the Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park.
From the direction of the Grand Prairie
You start your journey by first heading towards Clairmont and take a right onto Highway 43. Following the road, you pass Sturgeon Lake and shortly after turn left onto Highway 49 in Valleyview. You keep driving until you turn right onto Highway 2 in the direction of the High Prairie. You cross the town and keep following the road, taking you straight to Slave Lake and then further to the Provincial Park.