Photos courtesy of Lakeview Cottage at North Buck Lake
If you are looking for a getaway to a beautiful lake and the boreal forest, and love the convenience and luxury of an amazing cottage, check out Lakeview Cottage at North Buck Lake!
This gorgeous house is on North Buck Lake, in Athabasca County. It’s about 2 hours 15 minutes from Edmonton and 2.5 hours from Fort McMurray. The lake is surrounded by boreal forest, with trails, campgrounds and beaches all around.
It’s also 15 minutes to Boyle, where you can stock up on groceries, fuel and pizza! If you visit Boyle on Thursdays from 3 – 6 pm, you can check out the Boyle Farmers’ Market for goodies and artisan crafts! Fridays during the summer, the local Co-op hosts fundraiser BBQs during the lunch hour. You can grab a burger to support a community cause and stock up on groceries too!
“At Lakeview Cottage you’ll be greeted by calming views of the water & six comfortable bedrooms for a good night’s sleep.
The wraparound deck & backyard firepit are perfect settings for your morning coffee or evenings spent roasting marshmallows. The game room has a pool table and shuffleboard for game nights.
Enjoy our kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boat, and ice fishing shack when available. Our side of the lake is calm, while the larger side has sandy beaches to explore & create memories.”
Enjoy all-season access to the lake and activities! North Buck Lake is ideal for watersports and fishing in the summer, and in the winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling. There is a golf course at nearby Skeleton Lake and paintball is about 15 minutes away!
If the weather isn’t great the cabin has wi-fi, games and an entertainment centre. You can get cozy in front of the wood-burning fireplace and watch a movie or read a book.
The Athabasca Region is nestled in the southern part of the mixed-wood boreal forest, providing excellent habitat for birds, mammals, amphibians, insects and more! This creates great opportunities for wildlife spotting, photography and viewing. Each season there is a varied cast of characters for you to see. Spring is a great time for returning migratory birds.
The Athabasca Region has viewing platforms and other infrastructure to help make your wildlife watching easier. All of the routes have ample camping spots, so you can take your time to tour all of the sites. So bring your binoculars or telephoto lens to glimpse some of the iconic species in the Athabasca Region! #LiveLifeOutside
Here are some routes to help you plan a wildlife-viewing adventure…
Tips for Successful Wildlife Viewing
The wildlife you might see depends on the seasons. Some birds may live here all year and others migrate here.
Some of these sites are more remote and may not be accessible by all people. Many viewing platforms have ramps, but getting to them may be a challenge.
Many roads are gravel, so be prepared for the driving conditions.
Don’t feed or harass wildlife and stay a safe distance away.
Keep your pet leashed. Dogs can scare wildlife.
Dress for the weather. Layers are best in our climate!
Be respectful of the habitat and leave no trace.
Have fun!
Here are some guides produced by Crooked Creek Conservancy and partners. They have some basic maps, lists of species and details on when and where to best view them.
A great wildlife-watching day trip or overnight from Edmonton!
Leave from Edmonton or St. Albert and drive north on Hwy 2 to Rochester. Turn into Rochester and follow Range Road 240A north out of the village. The viewpoint is about 7 km north. There is a sign to mark the entrance.
From there make your way north-west to Narrow Lake Campground. Travel north to Perryvale and get back onto Hwy 2. Travel north to Hwy 663 and turn west. Follow to TWP 650 (its a bit of a jig and a jag, so consult your maps). Follow west then forth to the campground. There are tables and fire-pits in the day-use area and this would make a good spot to view, as it is adjacent to some riparian areas where birds and wildlife might hang out.
Depending on how long you want to spend, from here you could visit Cross Lake Provincial Park or head north to Baptiste Lake. Cross Lake has a viewing platform that is a bit of a hike in, but is an undisturbed area so viewing might be good!
To get to the Baptiste Lake Campground, take TWP 652 east to Hwy 812 and head north. This will take you to Baptiste Lake. Turn west to Baptiste Lake and follow Baptiste Dr. to the campground. When you arrive at the Baptiste Lake Campground, follow the road north a bit and you will see some picnic tables along the bank. This area is a little more secluded and away from the busy beach area.
When you are finished at Baptiste, head east on Hwy 2 to Athabasca for a delicious meal at one of our great restaurants or stay overnight. From Athabasca, it’s just 1.5 hours back to Edmonton.
Tawatinaw River Viewpoint
Narrow Lake
Baptiste Lake Day Use Area
North of Athabasca
North of Athabasca there are some opportunities to do some viewing right on the Athabasca River and then at Calling Lake Provincial Park.
Travel north from Athabasca on Highway 813. The first place to access the river on this route is River Meadows RV Park. They are a private RV park but have a day-use area right on the river bank. Their site is also adjacent to a meander that might be a great spot to view all sorts of wildlife. If you want to stop in for the day, please contact them here. Or better yet, if you are combining your wildlife viewing with camping, stay the night!
From there you can return to Highway 813 and follow it to Riverside Recreation Park. Turn east on Twp Rd 684. Turn right on Range Road 214 and continue until you reach the campground. There is access to the river, a day-use area and camping.
From there return to Highway 813 and follow it north to Calling Lake Provincial Park Campground. There are a few secluded spots along the lake bank where some birds and other wildlife might be hanging out.
Northwest of Athabasca
This route is a longer day trip from Edmonton or Athabasca. There are plenty of camping or lodging opportunities if you want to stay overnight.
From Athabasca, follow Highway 2 West then north. Turn east on TWP road 673 and follow to RR235. Head north to TWP road 680. Turn east and follow to the campground. Island Lake has a viewing platform that is a short hike from the campground.
From there, make your way back to RR 235 and turn north. Travel a few kilometres until you get to TWP road 682 and turn east. Travel east to RR 234 and travel north to the Chain Lakes Provincial Recreation Area Campground. Chain Lakes has an open beach for birdwatching and provides self-registration campsites.
From Chain Lakes PRA, head back down to TWP 682 and travel west until you get to Hwy 2. Turn north and travel 15 km to the Lawrence Lake Provincial Recreation area. The campsite is just off the highway. There is a day-use area where you can set up.
Island Lake Campground
Boyle – East Athabasca County
The Boyle area offers multiple birdwatching opportunities and wildlife spotting. Much of this area is connected to a large section of undisturbed Boreal forest. There are also a varied selection of camping opportunities.
Travel north from Edmonton to Waskatenau. Just before Waskatenau, turn north onto Hwy 831 at the traffic circle. Follow Hwy 831 to Long Lake Provincial Park. Turn east on TWP 631A and follow to the campground. Two sections of the campground offer birdwatching opportunities. There is a day-use and beach area in the north section and a smaller dock and beach section in the south section.
The trailhead leading to the White Earth Valley Natural Area is at the far south end of the south section. Along the trail, there are multiple spots to set up for your bird and wildlife viewing experience.
From Long Lake/White Earth, head back to Hwy 831 and travel north towards Boyle. After stopping for refreshments at Boyle, travel north on Hwy 63 to TWP 654 and follow the signs to Hope Lake Campground.
Hope Lake offers a beach and dock area for observation and an extensive trail system that follows the lake. There are many riparian areas where you will find birds and wildlife.
From Hope Lake, head back to Hwy 63 and travel north a short distance to TWP 662. Follow the signage to North Buck Lake Narrows Campground. This campground had a birdwatching platform that overlooks a narrowing with a lot of wildlife-friendly vegetation.
If you plan on making more of an overnight or multi-day trip, you could continue north on Hwy 63, turn west on Hwy 55 and head to Poacher’s Landing. Turn west on Hwy 55 and follow a short distance to RR 194 A, which leads to the Alberta Pacific pulp mill. Foll north to TWP 690 and turn east. Follow a short distance to the Poacher’s Landing entrance. When you get to the park sign, take the left road to the campsite. Poacher’s Landing has a day-use area and 6 first-come first-serve campsites. From the boat launch area, you’ll see several islands in the river that are home to many birds.
If you travel from Fort McMurray, follow this route in the opposite order!
Long Lake Provincial Park/White Earth Valley Natural Area
Hope Lake Campground
Poacher’s Landing
Share Your Photos
Whichever route you choose, we hope you get some great photos! Share on social media with the hashtag #VisitTheAthabascaRegion! If you have any questions, contact us here.
This winter, get out of town for a day, a weekend or a week to the Athabasca Region! The air is crisp, the forest is quiet, and there is a getaway for you to discover.
Whether looking for unique thrift items, relaxing with your family around a cozy fireplace or sledding the Athabasca River at a remote cabin resort, there is a trip that fits your interests, timeline and budget.
Be sure to visit our Events calendar to see what is happening in the Region during your stay!
Winter activities are dependent on weather and snow conditions. If you need information about local conditions email: ted@athabascacounty.com or contact your host.
Winter 2024 dates for the Athabasca Farmers’ Market are: Feb 17, Mar 2, 16 & 30
Saturday Day Trips
1. Boyle History Walk, Lunch & Downtown!
When: Any Saturday!
For a Saturday day trip, visit the Village of Boyle! About 1 hour 45 minutes from Edmonton and 2.5 hours from Fort McMurray, Boyle makes a great day trip to get out of the city. It offers small-town charm, a walking trail and access to cottage country and wilderness in Athabasca County East.
When you arrive, do the Boyle Historical Walking Trails through town
Stroll through Downtown and check out the unique shops and small-town charm
Be home for the hockey game!
2. Athabasca Farmers’ Market & Muskeg Creek Hike/Snowshoe/Ski
When: Saturdays in February and March
An active day trip that gives you a chance to stock up on some of the great artisan goodies and crafts at the Farmers’ Market, then experience the Muskeg Creek trail system!
Downtown Athabasca hosts an eclectic selection of second-hand and thrift shops, fashionable boutiques and unique finds! We have planned out a route for you right here: Athabasca Thrift and Finds Crawl
Start with your Paddymelon coffee and follow the route
Finish off with lunch at one of Athabasca’s delicious food stops: Family DiningFast Food
4. Athabasca History Walk
When: Any Saturday!
If you love history and walking, you’ll love the Athabasca Historical Walking Tour. It winds its way through Downtown Athabasca, with interpretive signage telling the story of the settlement of Athabasca through its historical buildings.
If you’re looking for something closer to nature, the west Athabasca County Lake Country has a few lakeside cabins to rent. Relax with family or friends in scenic Boreal lake settings.
Contact your host for their recommendations on winter recreational activities
8. Lake Getaway – East
When: Anytime, based on availability.
The East side of Athabasca County has a few cabins to rent, too. Surround yourself with a picturesque Boreal setting.
Arrive Saturday, stop in Boyle to stock up on the way through town
Check into your cabin rental
Take advantage of the Chump Lake trails for snowshoeing and snowmobiling
Contact your host for their recommendations for winter recreational activities
Wilderness Experiences
9. River Runners Snowmobile Trails
When: Anytime, based on snow conditions!
If you love sledding, the Athabasca region has some great trails, especially routed for snowmobilers. Take a look at their maps and info here. Call ahead to check conditions and pay your trail fee.
Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures hosts weekend expeditions at their remote cabin resort located on the banks of the Athabasca River. They provide cozy cabins, meals and more.
Let an experienced local guide show you the best spots to ice fish! Ice fishing packages for the day, weekend or week are available. Take a look at their website for more info or contact them at:
Showers and flush toilets will most likely be closed
Animal-proof food storage is essential
Make sure someone knows your location and timeline
Follow Athabasca Region Tourism on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to post pics of your winter adventures. Tag us at @visitathabasca #VisitTheAthabascaRegion #LiveLifeOutside
For some, the chilly weather makes them curl up under a blanket and stay cozy until spring. If you’re the opposite, and the brisk air makes you want to get outside and move, then the Athabasca region has some great outdoor walks that can be done in the winter!
If it snows a lot, most of these walks are well-maintained sidewalks, so no trudging. On the nature trails, grab some snowshoes or cross-country skis and move across the land and snow that way.
If you use AllTrails, check out the Athabasca region maps and contribute your own walk/run/ski to add to the route listings. We have added some AllTrail links to the article.
Whatever walk you choose (or walks, because how can you choose just one?), you’ll see how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors and experience an active getaway for the day, weekend or week in the Athabasca Region! #LiveLifeOutside
1. Boyle Historical Walk
On the outskirts of the Village of Boyle, you’ll find the Boyle Historical Walking Trails. The trail system was established by the Boyle Community Betterment Committee to commemorate the centennial of the village.
Starting at the Boyle Campground, follow the trail to the west. You can then turn south and then back down to town.
Boyle is 3 hours from Fort McMurray and 1 hour 40 minutes from Edmonton. If you want to stay overnight, check out the accommodations: Airbnb, and Boyle Hotels.
2. Athabasca Rotary Trail
The Athabasca Rotary Trail is a paved walking trail that takes you from one end of Athabasca right to the Muskeg Creek Trail system. If you started on the east end of Athabasca, you could follow the trail down the hill, under the HWY 55 bridge, west along the riverfront until you get to Hwy 55 again. You could continue to the west and meet up with the Muskeg Trail System.
There are informational signs, telling the story of the Athabasca River and Athabasca Landing. There is a great view of the Old Bridge in the distance.
The Riverfront walk is about 2.5 km long, relatively flat and fully paved. The Riverfront Park has firepits to warm up with, with firewood for sale at the Husky Market across the highway.
The Rotary trail is cleared by the Town after a snowfall.
The Town of Athabasca played an important role in the history of Northern Alberta. Athabasca Landing was a transportation hub connecting Edmonton and northern settlements. The river was the highway the town the gathering area.
Many of the historical buildings and sites remain in the town and the Athabasca Historical Society created a historical walk to tell their stories.
The walk wanders through Downtown Athabasca, down to the Riverfront and back. End your walk with a visit to the extensive collection at the Athabasca Archives.
The sidewalks on this walk are generally cleared after a snowfall.
4. Athabasca Thrift & Finds Crawl
Love thrifting, unique finds and a good walk? Then the Athabasca Thrift and Finds crawl is for you!
This walk visits the excellent thrift stores Athabasca hosts, with high quality and unique second-hand finds. You’ll also visit some unique boutiques that curate eclectic and thoughtful collections.
There are plenty of stops for snacks, meals or coffee, so take your time and refresh yourself during your exciting haul!!!
The sidewalks on this walk are generally cleared after a snowfall.
5. Muskeg Creek Trails
One of the best attractions in the Town of Athabasca is the Muskeg Creek Park trail system! The park is located on the west side of Athabasca, adjacent to the University of Athabasca campus. It is a beautiful slice of the Boreal Forest, within the Town of Athabasca.
There are multiple loops of varying distances and elevations.
“The Muskeg Creek Valley is a steep-sided, heavily wooded ravine located west of the downtown area and adjacent to Athabasca University. Covering an area of 17.5 square kilometres with an elevation change of 50 meters, it is easy to get away from the sights and sounds of the nearby urban area.”
In the winter, the trail system is groomed for in-line and skate cross-country skiing. You can rent snowshoes from the Athabasca Regional Multiplex, as well.
The Athabasca Landing/Trans Canada Trail is a historical travel route that followed the Tawatinaw River Valley from Edmonton in the 1800’s.
The trailhead is situated right in the Town of Athabasca, with easy access from Hwy 55 and plenty of parking. This is an in & out trail that can be followed all the way to the Village of Colinton. You can also park at the trailhead in Colinton. The point-to-point distance is approx 13 km.
This trail is not groomed in the winter. Some sections may become packed, but snowshoes or skis are recommended. Bridge repair is ongoing and may be unpassable.
7. Centennial Park – North Shore of Athabasca River
When you look across the Athabasca River from Riverfront Park, you will see a big welcome sign on the north shore. The sign, and an amazing view of the Town of Athabasca, can be found at Athabasca Centennial Park. The also serves as a starting point for a walk along the river and into the forest.
Walk west of the park along the River Ave trail. You can turn and walk north for about another 1 km. The total distance is about 3 km.
This is an in-and-out trail that is not groomed in the winter.
Bonus Walk!
Would you like to experience the terrain that the triathletes participating in the Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon run/walk? It’s a winding trail through gorgeous Boreal forest that has some great views of the Athabasca River. The trail system is part of the River Meadows RV Park but is open to the public. The owners ask that you call or text 780-689-1565 to let them know you are on the property.
Before you enter the RV park, you will see a parking area across from a construction site. The entrance to the trails is just down from there. If you plan on hiking the whole loop, please be aware that two sections cross water, so use caution.
Food and Accommodations in Athabasca
Athabasca has some fantastic restaurants that will serve up a delicious meal to fuel up your walk or warm you up when you are done. If you want to spend a weekend or more, you could choose from chain hotels, Mom & Pop motels and short-term rentals.