The city of Cold Lake is situated in northeastern Alberta, just a few kilometres from the Saskatchewan border and approximately 300 kilometres from Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton. Its location on the southern fringe of the boreal forest gives it the advantage of having almost unlimited access to unspoiled wilderness that is rich in wildlife and natural resources.
Northeastern Alberta's LakelandThe area surrounding Cold Lake is known as the Lakeland for good reason. There are many lakes in the area offering great boating and fishing opportunities.
The city’s namesake lake is a large lake covering around 400 square kilometers and is 100 metres deep in places. It boasts a large freshwater marina and expansive sandy beaches.
Residents of the area know there’s something special about the sand in the area. Of course, the economy is strong because of work in the oilsands nearby, but there are a couple of other types of sand that make Cold Lake special, too.
Cold Lake's Garnet BeachesThough small and not of gem quality, garnets are abundant on local beaches and may hold the promise of diamonds. Garnets are often an indicator of diamondiferous rock. It’s thought that both garnets and diamonds required the same conditions to be formed.
Aside from the great beaches, there are lots of other things to see and do in the Cold Lake area. Here are just a few.
Cold Lake's Cool and Historic Restaurant: Clark’s General Store
A unique eatery located across from the Marina, Clark’s General Store is a heritage building that once operated as a general store. It’s now a funky little café style restaurant. Check out the original stamped tin ceiling, collection of local antiques, and vintage photos.
The Cold Lake Fish Hatchery Tour
The Cold Lake Fish Hatchery supplies mostly walleye fish stock to around one hundred lakes around Alberta. One of the most attractive features of the hatchery is that visitors are encouraged to participate in tours by catching and feeding the small fingerlings. Kids and adults alike come away with a better understanding of what’s involved in fish conservation and a newfound appreciation for this valuable natural resource.
4 Wing Military Base: Viewing Area
4 Wing Military Base hosts the annual military training event, Maple Flag. Visitors come to view aerial displays at Kinosoo Beach. The base also has a viewing area that is open to the public. Inquire at 780-840-8000 or 4wingcoldlake@forces.gc.ca for more information.
Cold Lake Provincial Park
Locate approximately five kilometers northeast of Cold Lake, this park offers not only camping, but a boat launch, beach, playgrounds, wetland wildlife lookout platforms, and an extensive trail system with excellent views of the lake.
Cold Lake's Marina
Located at the north end of Cold Lake, this scenic marina is a great place for taking a stroll along the waterfront and taking photographs. The marina offers lots of outdoor seating along the boardwalk and breakwater.
During the summer, the marina is home to hundreds of sail boats and small watercraft. There’s also an ice cream shop, marine supply store, and boat rental facility.
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