A lot of people like to do their summer travel planning around the beach. They enjoy having a fun time in the sun, playing with friends and family, enjoying some food and drink, and just relaxing. However, you need to make sure that you will go to a place where there is a lovely beach for you to use.
If you want an ultimate guide on Alberta beaches, then read this article! You will learn everything you need about all of your options so that your next trip away from home can be as great as possible!
About Alberta
Alberta is a province in Western Canada. It is usually called “the prairie province” since most of the land is flat grasslands. However, it is also quite mountainous in some areas, especially towards the west side of the province. It borders British Columbia to the west, Saskatchewan to the east, and the three provinces are connected by a corridor known as Alberta’s Rockies. The famous Rocky Mountains are found in this area!
Population
Alberta has an estimated population of over four million people. Most people live within 100 miles (161 km) from either coastline on Highway 2 or Highway 4. Since no significant rivers run through this part of Canada, there aren’t any cities located directly on them. You will find an arid landscape with extensive open areas and few trees if you go within the mountains. This is where the prairies begin!
Getting Around
The best way to get around this part of the country is by car. There are some public transport options but not many and none that run on a regular schedule. The public transport system seems to be more for people who live in Alberta’s cities or commuters coming in from other cities. Most people will drive themselves, especially since gasoline is very cheap!
Top 8 Beaches in Alberta
If you are looking for the eightIf You Are Looking For The Eight Best Beaches In Alberta, Then You Have Come To The Right Place. Read More To Find Out About Alberta Beaches best beaches in Alberta, then you have come to the right place. This list will give you great ideas on where to go and what things to do when you get there!
1. Elk water Lake, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Cypress Hills Interprovitutional Park is a provincial park that spans both Alberta and Saskatchewan. It belongs to Canada’s national parks system. The lake is pretty large at about 3 miles wide by 8 miles long (5 km x 13 km). There is a small town nearby called Elkwater where most people sleep before heading onto this beach, so if you want something more than just sand and water, check it out here. While not an actual city, it is pretty close to one, making Elkwater Lake a good option for families looking for something different.
2. Long Beach Provincial Park, Lake Louise
If you like the mountains, then you should check out the beaches of Lake Louise! There are quite a few, including East End Beach, which is on the eastern side of the lake itself. It has lots of trees but also seemingly endless sand! This beach isn’t too crowded because most people don’t know about it or can’t get there quickly by car. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, then drive down Highway 1 to Banff and park at the Barrier Lake Picnic Area. From here, follow some steps down to the nearby beach.
3. Prairie Beach, Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is a small town in central Alberta that has not one but two beaches! The first is known as Prairie Beach, and it is on the south side of the lake. This is where you will likely end up if you are staying at one of the city’s hotels or on any of its many campsites! There are many great options for food and drink, so check out their website for more details. On top of this, both sides of Sylvan Lake have some impressive cliffs to check out! They genuinely make you feel like you are back in time when dinosaurs roamed this land.
4. Big Knife Provincial Park
Big Knife Provincial Park is a camping site with a very long beach that is perfect for swimming. This park is close to Edmonton and Fort McMurray, which makes it a great option if you are traveling through Alberta! The water here contains lots of minerals from the nearby mountains, making it yellower than most beaches. There hasn’t been any sign of pollution in this area yet so feel free to enjoy yourself without worry!
5. Calgary Beach, Calgary
Calgary Beach is a place you’ll want to visit if you’re staying in the city itself. It forms part of the Bow River’s natural path before it crosses into Saskatchewan but is still accessible by two bridges that cross over from downtown Calgary. Don’t forget your sunscreen as this beach gets very hot in the summer. There are many great things to do in Calgary, though, so make sure that it’s not just for the beach when you come here!
6. Grand Beach Provincial Park, Grand Beach
Grand Beach is one of Alberta’s finest beaches. It gets its name from Lake Winnipeg, which is quite large by the standards of lakes in North America! This beach is much smaller but still well worth a visit if you pass through Manitoba or stay near Winnipeg. You can access this beach from Highway 59; however, there is no car park there, meaning you must leave your vehicle at another location before heading down to the water. Check out their site for more details on how to get here quickly. The people who work here are amiable and will make sure your visit is a good one.
7. West Beach, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is an exciting park in Canada because it crosses over the border! It’s accessible from Medicine Hat, which means you can stay in that city and quickly get to this beach. This makes it a great option if you are looking for something different but still want to be close to town. Just make sure you check out their website for road conditions before venturing off to visit this site! If all else fails, they have a shuttle bus that runs back and forth during the summer months, so if you don’t have a car or someone with a vehicle, then check out their schedule closely before making your way down to see the river.
8. Sunshine Beach, Lac La Biche
Sunshine Beach is one of the most northern beaches in Alberta. It’s on Lac la Biche, a large lake that sits just west of the town of La Marche. There are many things to do at this location, including ATVing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. You can also access their social trail network from here, so don’t forget your walking shoes if you come here! If camping isn’t your thing, they have motels in town if you wish to stay more comfortably.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, make sure to take a look at these beaches if you get the chance. It’s well worth it and will be one of the best things you do in Alberta! If we at US Uncut missed your favorite spot, let me know about it in the comments below.