Biggest Tourist Attractions in Lakeland

If you’ve been captivated by Alberta’s postcard-perfect natural beauty, you won’t want to miss out on exploring the county of Lakeland. Outdoor enthusiasts should start gathering their backpacks and gear, as the area is known for being home to some of the province’s most incredible glittering lakes, tranquil provincial parks, enigmatic wildlife, and many opportunities to become one with the wilderness. For those who crave stillness and a respite from the constant activity of city life, Lakeland is the ideal retreat or road trip destination where time can finally slow down. 

Already thinking about a trip to Lakeland? Consider putting these tourist attractions on your itinerary.

Métis Crossing

Métis Crossing is a celebration of Métis heritage, a cultural interpretive centre that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the indigenous experience through interactive activities, historical exploration, and cultural exhibits. Whether you drop by for a quick taste of bison (delicious!) or spend a day or two connecting with the Métis spirit, the centre presents the perfect opportunity.

After a day of crafting moss bags and moccasins, attending seasonal events, and tuning into the world around you, you can take respite in a stunning Sky Watching Dome, a traditional trapper’s tent by the river, or in a comfy suite at The Lodge.

Lakeland Provincial Park

Lakeland’s namesake provincial park and its recreation area are nestled in Lac La Biche County. True to its title, it’s home to many lakes and bodies of water, making it a gem for hydrology research, canoeing and kayaking, ice fishing in the winter, and wildlife viewing. 

Those who enjoy fishing can make their way to one of the largest lakes in the park, Kinnaird Lake, which has welcomed commercial fishing since the 1920s. There are also 16 backcountry camping areas for the more adventurous, as well as a variety of trains ranging from 1 kilometre to 11 kilometres.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Straddling the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills is a charming, family-friendly interprovincial park characterized by towering trees, fescue prairie, and grand plateaus. The park has a whopping 700 species of animals and plants – so many that you’ll be hard-pressed to spot them all in one visit. 

And there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re more into boating, cycling, horseback riding, golfing, swimming, hiking, ziplining, or even simply want to visit because of the Dark Sky Preserve – one of the largest in the world. Visitors often opt for an overnight stay so they can view the sparkling stars against the pitch-black night. 

Casino Dene

Want a break from nature and crave the electrifying atmosphere of a casino? Located in Cold Lake, Casino Dene is an exciting entertainment destination with plenty to do. The casino itself boasts 250 slot machines, table games, roulette wheels, and more, with regular card game tournaments held from Thursday to Sunday. Like Ontario, according to an article they wrote, Alberta has a well-developed in-person and online gambling regulation system. As a result, the City of Cold Lake has planned a casino expansion that will add 6,000 square feet of space. 

When you’ve hit your limit or if luck doesn’t seem to be on your side, you can head over to the Aurora Bar and Lounge, sip on a cocktail, and order some comfort food.

Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park has made a name for itself as a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its role in the conservation of the plains bison. It was also the first wildlife refuge in the entire country, founded back in 1906. Dotted with 250 bird species, bison, elk (of course), and plenty of other species native to Alberta, you’ll be sure to marvel at plenty of wildlife here.

The daily programming can also enrich your experience with a tour through the Plains Bison Handling Facility, an exploration of beaver neighbourhoods, and other hands-on activities that will keep you busy.

Cold Lake Provincial Park

Cold Lake was named aptly by European settlers due to its very deep and equally cold water. While it’s not recommended to wade in the waters during the winter months, Cold Lake Provincial Park offers a relaxing natural space to fish, with a pier, boat launch, and even fish cleaning stations to complete the experience.

The surrounding forest provides a quiet place to walk and observe wildlife, such as caribou, while the waters boast opportunities for canoeing, sailing, and other water sports. If you’re visiting in the heat of summer, don’t forget to check out Kinosoo Beach, a summer hub with beach volleyball courts, a splash park, walking paths, surrounding restaurants, and a zipline that will take you over the calming waters. Kinosoo made it on the list of Canada’s Top 25 Beaches by Canadian Geographic Magazine, so you won’t want to leave Lakeland without spending a day there.

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park

Consisting of multiple unnamed islands, Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is the only campable island park in the entire province. It’s a beautiful place for a sunny beach day, birding, paddling, boating, fishing, and camping, with many comfort cabins available to stay in. These cabins sit close to the many trails and come with all the essentials, as well as a private deck, kitchen equipment, and a barbecue. To get to the park, you’ll enter through a narrow causeway with a sweeping view of Lac La Biche Lake.