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Photos courtesy Alberta Parks
Exploring Northern Alberta
Canoeing in Kelley's Bathtub
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Rob Ganzeveld
Exploring Northern Alberta
Dunvegan Bridge
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Photos courtesy Alberta Parks
Exploring Northern Alberta
Musreau Lake day use
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Photos courtesy Alberta Parks
Exploring Northern Alberta
Rock Lake
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Photos courtesy Alberta Parks
Exploring Northern Alberta
Sulphur Gates
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Photos courtesy Alberta Parks
Exploring Northern Alberta
Swtizer mountain biking
Story & photos courtesy Alberta Parks
This summer or fall, take the family for a week of exploring some of the provincial parks in northern Alberta and see for yourself the stunning scenery and adventure to be found in all parts of the province. Plan to spend a couple days at each campground while you play, poke around the area and take some time to relax. There are so many places to discover, a week may not be enough.
William A Switzer Provincial Park, located northwest of Hinton on Highway 40 is the perfect place for your first experience in Alberta’s Northern Rocky Mountains. Set up camp at Gregg Lake. Paddle your canoe or kayak on Jarvis Creek or try your mountain bike skills on the rolling hill-and-kettle trails throughout the park. From this base camp, take a day trip to Rock Lake, where perfect views of the mountains are reflected in this beautiful mountain lake.
Pull up stakes and continue north along Highway 40, stopping at Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreation Area for a view overlooking the steep sided gorge of the Sulphur River. Onward toward Grande Prairie, make your lunch stop at Musreau Lake Provincial Recreation Area. This northern lake is a pretty spot for a picnic with hibachis on the beach just perfect for roasting hotdogs. After lunch take the family on an easy shoreline hike before loading back into the car.
About an hour north of Grande Prairie, the mighty Peace River was a vital link in Alberta’s early northern commerce. After crossing on Alberta’s only suspension bridge, you’ll find Dunvegan Provincial Park along the north shore. This beautiful parkland campground is adjacent to an historic site where over 200 years ago a trading post of the Northwest Company was established and then operated well into the 1800s by the Hudson Bay Company. Comfortable campsites are within walking distance of the historic site, where you can tour the buildings and talk to the costumed interpreters. In summer, shop for fresh produce and pick local strawberries at the farmers market just outside the park.
Loop around to the town of Peace River and before heading south stop at the grave site of 12 Foot Davis, an early gold prospector who struck it rich. From this vantage point, you will see a stunning view of the Peace River and the confluence where it is joined by the Smokey River.
Your last camping destination on this route is Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park. Just east of Whitecourt, campers come to this park for two different fishing experiences. At McLeod Lake fish for rainbow trout from a seawall just adjacent to the boat launch. Or take your electric powered boat a short distance away to Little McLeod Lake for lake whitefish or pike. The campground has many nice sites near the water with amenities like showers and a concession for your comfort and convenience.
For an uncrowded, leisurely-paced vacation where you can experience history and see sights you have not seen before, go north and find your new favourite places. For more parks and information check www.AlbertaParks.ca. To make reservations go to www.Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca.