alberta beach tourism

THE BEST Things to Do in Alberta Beach

Things to do in alberta beach.

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1. Alberta Beach

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The 15 BEST Beaches in Alberta to Visit this Summer (for 2024)

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on January 3, 2024

Alberta is known for a lot of things – but water-side living isn’t typically one of them. Landlocked as it is, the province is more well-known for stunning mountains and waterfalls, prairie landscapes, and some natural wonders that you can’t find elsewhere.

But! The water that we do have, we appreciate wholeheartedly. And along with having some stunning rivers and lakes to marvel at, there are also some really gorgeous beaches in Alberta not to be missed. So if you want to add some splish-splashin’ and sun-tannin’ time to your next vacation here, then read on for our fave sandy escapes in the province.

Don’t Miss These Best Beaches in Alberta!

Sylvan lake.

By far one of the most popular beaches in the province, this town is an excellent spot to visit in summer if you’re looking for fun activities, lots of shopping, and great eating at Sylvan Lake restaurants . There are so many things to do in Sylvan Lake with tons of boat activities and water sports available thanks to two boat launches and 1.6 km of sand and grass beach. It’s also found almost right between Calgary and Edmonton, making it a great choice for a holiday from either city.

Best of all, the beach is known for its calm, shallow water to wade in, perfect for families looking to take a dip. As there are plenty of Sylvan Lake campgrounds nearby to choose from, you can happily spend a week or two relaxing by the water here. But a place like this isn’t exactly a hidden gem; Sylvan Lake gets hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, so if you’re looking for a quiet respite, this may not be the spot for you.

Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake is found just outside Canmore and is considered one of the best Alberta beaches due to its beauty and the sheer amount of things to do in the area. With beautifully crystal clear water in summer, the shore is shallow and sandy but eventually leads out to quite a deep lake. With the mountains in the background, a visit to the beach at Quarry Lake makes for an incredibly peaceful and serene day out.

Because of its beautiful location and its proximity to Canmore, you can expect that the beach fills up quickly, especially on summer weekends. If possible, try to visit during the week; you’ll be much more likely to get a parking spot as well as one of the prime beach locations!

* Note that visiting Quarry Lake requires purchasing a Kananaskis Conservation Pass . Also, due to its popularity, there is a shuttle bus from Canmore to Quarry Lake, as the paid parking area is frequently overrun.

Kinosoo Beach

If you ask those in the know about the best Alberta beaches, chances are they’ll mention Kinosoo Beach. With three blocks of sandy beach to explore, you can find the beach in Cold Lake near the Saskatchewan border, about a three-hour drive northeast of Edmonton. And a visit to Kinosoo Beach is so much more than just water and sand; there’s also a splash park, a beach volleyball court, a children’s playground, flush toilets, picnic tables, and a concession stand for mid-day snacks. There are also opportunities to rent paddleboards, kayaks, and other water sporting equipment on the beach, so there is no need to worry about bringing your own.

Parents and guardians of little ones will also appreciate the roped-off swimming area for safety. And one of the very best features of Kinosoo Beach? The zip line! That’s right, you can actually zip line directly into the water. It doesn’t get much more fun than that.

Sandy Beach

Alright, we’re cheating a little here. Technically the beach is in Saskatchewan, but Sandy Beach Lake is divided in both Alberta and Saskatchewan so it makes our list for Alberta beaches. Fifteen minutes north of Lloydminster (and 2.5 hours from Edmonton) Sandy Lake Regional Park has a public dock and a boat launch available nearby, so you can indulge in just about every water sport you fancy. But the amenities don’t stop there; their beach also has washroom and shower facilities, picnic sites, a children’s play area, a golf course, and a snack stand for those afternoon ice cream cones.

Sandy Beach Lake Regional Park itself has fully serviced camping sites as well as group camping areas. As far as beaches go, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few weeks enjoying nature, going for long swims, and taking in the starry skies at night.

Ma-Me-O Beach

Gorgeous Ma-Me-O Beach is found on Pigeon Lake, which is approximately 100 km southwest of Edmonton. In fact, the name Ma-Me-O derives from the Cree word for “pigeon”, which is omîmîw. Renowned for its white sand and wide beach, Ma-Me-O has a playground, public washrooms, and a picnic area, making it a great choice for families with young kids. The swimming area is also shallow and fairly clear, so this is definitely one of the more family-friendly beaches in Alberta.

Another benefit of Ma-Me-O Beach? There’s another beach just around the corner! Pigeon Lake Provincial Park Beach is only a short drive away, and both are part of the Village at Pigeon Lake, which is a lovely little resort village to explore for a day or two. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Lake Newell Beach

Southern Alberta has sandy beaches, too! Lake Newell is a great choice if you’re looking for a beach near Calgary. This huge manmade lake is thankfully relatively warm every summer, so it’s a terrific option for swimming, boating, water skiing, canoeing, and just about every other water sport you have in mind.

Camp at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park for even easier access to the sandy beach, or stay in Lake Newell Resort where you’ll be close to the marina and boat launch. If you’re on the search to relax on the sand and take in some sunshine, Lake Newell is a fantastic pick.

Ebeling Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Central Alberta, Ebeling Beach can be found in Aspen Beach Provincial Park. Spend your days relaxing and walking along beautiful Gull Lake, where you’ll find a sandy beach with picnic tables, fire pits, a concession stand, and nearby campgrounds. But be warned: because Ebeling Beach is such a favourite, the parking lots and best spots near the water can fill up quickly! It’s best to make your way here as early as possible so that you don’t miss out.

As for other activities on Gull Lake, enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and so much more. Occasionally the water levels can be too low to use the boat launch, so always check ahead of your visit before expecting to go power boating, water skiing, and so on.

Rochon Sands Provincial Park Beach

Head to Rochon Sands Provincial Park Beach on beautiful Buffalo Lake for yet another fantastic Alberta beach. Found nearly equidistant from Calgary and Edmonton, it makes for an excellent day trip from either city or a longer summer vacation, especially as there’s a good campground just off of the beach. The activities are endless here; try swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, water skiing, or windsurfing.

The beach itself is protected from the wind from multiple surrounding trees, while there’s a good stretch of sand to relax on. There’s also a swimming area, public bathrooms and change rooms, and a boat launch nearby.

Lake Annette Beach

While we don’t often think of there being many beaches in the mountains, it turns out there are quite a few of them! One of the best beaches in the Rockies is found at Lake Annette, a short drive from Jasper. While the water is known to be quite cold, even in summer, you might feel brave enough for a quick dip on a hot day.

The real draw of the beach at Lake Annette, however, is the spectacular view. There’s nothing like being on the water while gazing up at the beautiful mountains that surround you. Thankfully, there’s also a lot to do at the lake, including canoeing and kayaking from the dock. There are also picnic tables, fire pits, a playground, and wheelchair and stroller-friendly trail loops along the shore.

Want even more Rocky Mountain beaches? Try Pyramid Lake or Lake Edith, both within a ten-minute drive of Lake Annette.

Devonshire Beach

With over one kilometre of sandy beach to enjoy, Devonshire Beach is often noted as one of the best beaches in Alberta. Found in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park in Northern Alberta, its slightly remote location means that you may just have the beach to yourself if you go during the week… and what could be better than your own private beach?

With lots of sand for relaxing, walking, and playing, there’s also a viewing platform at the north end of the beach. Thankfully, the platform is wheelchair-friendly, and there’s a ramp that continues down to the beach. There is also a beach wheelchair available for use from the nearby Marten River Campground booth.

Shaw’s Point Resort

Known as one of the top beach getaways in Alberta, Shaw’s Point Resort is found on the western shores of Lesser Slave Lake. Thankfully, there is so much to do here that you’re spoiled for choice on filling your days! It’s recommended to spend at least a long weekend in the area, as Shaw’s Point Resort is about so much more than just the beach (although the white sandy beach is indeed pretty amazing).

With boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and plenty of water sports including water skiing and windsurfing available, there’s also a local rodeo and golf course to keep you busy. Of course, if you’re only after a relaxing time on the sand, there’s plenty of time for that, too!

Wabamun Lake Beach

Meaning “looking glass” in Cree, Wabamun Lake is appropriately named; the smooth, glassy surface of the water is a stunning sight to behold in summer. Head to the beach at Wabamun Lake Provincial Park for lots of great water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and more. There’s also a campground, boat launch, dock, swimming area, and playground.

Found about an hour’s drive west of Edmonton, Wabamun Lake has a small village to wander around in as well, so you can combine your beach day with a stop in some of the local restaurants, shops, and a small art gallery.

Elkwater Lake Beach

Families will love the beach at Elkwater Lake, and, although it has a fairly remote location (head from Calgary to Medicine Hat first, and then keep going!), it still fills up quickly every summer! Because it’s not as easy to access from the major cities, it’s the perfect place to stay for a week or two and really soak up all that there is to do in the area on a beach holiday.

Ideal in July and August when the water temperatures are at their warmest, you’ll find a large sandy beach as well as clear, relaxing water to enjoy. With multiple campgrounds nearby, the beach and marina are in the Elkwater Lake townsite. There’s also a lot to do in Cypress Hills Provincial Park (where the lake sits), including hiking and walking trails in its unique ecosystem.

Long Island Lake Beach

Found approximately 90 minutes north of Edmonton, Long Island Lake is a popular spot for camping and enjoying the large sandy beach. If you plan on visiting only for the day, a fee of $5 is applicable; if you are bringing your own boat for water sports or fishing, there’s a special parking area you can use.

The beach is ideal for families, as there is an excellent playground directly on the sand with swings, tires, and plenty to keep your kids active. The sand is soft and the water is fairly shallow near the shore, so you can happily spend some quality beach time at Long Island Lake, no matter the ages of your group.

Johnson Lake Beach

Although not as sandy as many of the other beaches on this list, Johnson Lake is a wonderful choice if you’re in the Banff area, especially as it’s a bit more protected from the wind than other Banff lakes. Often overlooked for nearby Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka , Johnson Lake is a fantastic option for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and yes, even swimming in the warmer months! You’ll be blown away by the beauty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, all while appreciating the water and the sun.

In the area, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails and picnic tables; an ideal day at Johnson Lake would be a hike followed by a dip in the cool waters, followed by a picnic lunch. Looking for a little thrill? Try to find the rope swing along the lake!

Want to see more of our BEST OF posts? Click through to read about our favourite:

• Waterfalls in Alberta
• Lakes in Alberta
• Hikes in Alberta
• Campsites in Alberta

Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing , co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.

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Top Things to Do in Alberta Beach

Things to do in alberta beach.

• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Alberta Beach

THE BEST Things to Do in Alberta Beach

Things to do in alberta beach.

• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Alberta Beach

Village of Alberta Beach

Alberta Beach

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ALBERTA BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.04 mi) Lakefront House Sleeps 12
• (0.24 mi) Alberta Beach Inn and Suites
• (0.38 mi) Journeyman Inn Motel
• (0.15 mi) Sunset Paradise
• (1.22 mi) Waterfront cabin with breathtaking views of the lake, 45 min from Edmonton AB
• (0.05 mi) Mama's
• (0.17 mi) The Cat & The Fiddle Bakery
• (0.21 mi) Jens Cafe
• (0.48 mi) Jin Noodles
• (3.20 mi) Homer's Hut

Raising Edmonton

13 Best Alberta Beaches and Lakes to Visit this Summer

Lakes, beaches, cliffs and glaciers. Stay cool and keep your experiences full of adventure this summer, with the best Alberta beaches to discover this year.  Check out couponlawn.com for amazing deals on swimwear, sunglasses, sleeping bags, hiking shoes, tents, life jackets and everything you need to enjoy your summer trip. This site has you covered.

Best Alberta Beaches to Visit this Year

Devonshire beach.

Slave Lake. Devonshire Beach is one of these remote beaches in the province. We go at least once a summer to visit, and during the week, you’ve got the beach to yourself. One of the lesser known spots, you’ll enjoy the massive spread of sand, massive lake, and prime sandcastle building real estate when you visit.

Shaw Point Resort at Slave Lake

High River. Shaw’s Point Resort is located on the north west end of Lesser Slave Lake, and a beach day trip destination where you can play, swim, and even take advantage of boat rentals to get out on the water, beyond the soft sand. You can even rent one of the cabins, and stay the night.

Wabuman Lake

Wabuman is one of those beaches that we’ve mainly overlooked in favour of day trips farther away from the city, but we’re lucky to have a swimmable beach through the summer, with a playground on the beach, less than an hour away from home in Edmonton for the kids to enjoy. There’s a good stretch of sand, water for swimming and a playground and green space adjacent to the beach. Take your brand authenticated swimsuits by  Legitgrails  and let’s check the best beaches of Alberta” into the article

Floatingstone Lake

Floatingstone Lake features sand you could spend the day at, volleyball courts, a boat launch and a nearby campground, if you want to make it a camping adventure with the whole family. It also makes for a great scenic environment for the family & a great opportunity to snap some pictures for Instagram, views like that are sure to get you more likes  & engagement overall.

Cliff Jumping Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is one of those hidden places, tucked away outside of Jasper. The trail is marked but if you’re not looking closely, you’ll miss it. Though it’s not officially an activity that the location suggests, it’s  so much fun.  There are small ledges and cliffs of all sizes to jump off of, into take-your-breath-away cold water, so we suggest visiting on a very hot day. Even young children (if they’re brave enough) can join in on the fun, just ensure that they’re jumping in safely.

Long Island Lake Beach

Long Lake. One of our kids favourite parts of Long Island Lake Beach is the playground, right on the beach. The playground, giant tires and sandy beach is a day use area as well as a campground, so be sure to check ahead of time when visiting this summer that the day use area will be open to guests who aren’t camping in the area. If you’re looking for a getaway close to the city, with soft sand and swimmable water, Long Island Lake is a great choice!

Kinosoo Beach

Cold Lake. Kinsoo Beach is one of the only beaches that we’ve ever been to because of the epic zipline on the beach. Though it may not be open this year, it’s one of the reasons to visit this beach in Cold Lake with the kids. The spray park, kid-friendly roped off area to swim, and the fact that you can pack in a full day trip from Edmonton are three of the reasons that it makes our list for one of the best Alberta beaches for families.

Kinbrook Island Provincial Park

Near Brooks .  At Lake Newell, there’s a huge, man-made lake, a fantastic campground, with fun for the kids in the form of a playground close to the beach, this is one beach you’re going to want to explore. The sand can be rocky, but the water is clean, and it’s a perfect way to cool off if you’re exploring Alberta this summer. Plus, you’re a hop, skip and jump away from Dinosaur Park.

Walk Across Jasper Lake

Jasper . If we had to recall summer traditions on one hand, walking across Jasper Lake would be one of them. Well, almost-across, since we didn’t make it all the way across the first two years with the kids. You’ll find Jasper Lake about 30km outside o Jasper

Ebeling Beach at Gull Lake

Gull Lake. Just two hours away from Edmonton, you’ll find a sandy oasis at Gull Lake. It’s a great kid-friendly option for young families because the water remains shallow for what feels like  forever  until you reach the lake. In addition, there’s a playground near the beach for kids to run back and forth between, and warm water, with concession on site (in case you forget something at home).

Goldeye Lake

Near Nordegg, there are lakes, and lakes, and lakes, and lakes. Goldeye Lake is only one in the area that you’ll find with sandy beaches, perfect for exploring. You could start at Goldeye, find local lakes in the area, and make your own private beach at one of the lake shores. There’s a conveniently located campground, on the beach.

Quarry Lake

Known to the locals in Canmore as  the place  to cool and one of the best Alberta beaches off during a summer day, Quarry Lake will do the trick to keep you cool if you’re visiting this summer. The rock and sand beach is a small lake, but

What’s the best Alberta beach you’re exploring this summer with the kids?

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These are the best Alberta beaches to visit this summer

Visiting the beach is a great way to soak up some Vitamin D and shake off those quarantine doldrums. We have some fantastic beaches in Calgary and Edmonton , but there’s also plenty of other incredible Alberta beaches. We’re going to share with you our favourites.

Table of Contents

Alberta Beaches

Depending on where you’re located, it might be a bit of a drive to find the perfect Alberta beach for you. But who doesn’t love a summer road trip, especially with a beautiful lake as your destination? Jump into the water, sit along the beach, dig in the sand or have a picnic at one of these awesome beaches this summer.

Beaches in Calgary

There’s quite a few beaches in Calgary where you can dip your toes. If you want a lake view, check out one of the private community lakes in the city or Sikome Lake in Fish Creek Park. If you’re looking for a dip in the river, head to Calgary’s river beach areas in Edworthy or Bowness Park. Check out this post for more info on Calgary beaches.

Lakes near Calgary

If you’re willing to venture outside of Calgary, there are a couple of beautiful beach areas to visit. You won’t have to drive far to find these lakes near Calgary.

Eagle Lake beach area

Eagle Lake Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in Wheatland, just an hour outside of Calgary. The lake is best known for its fishing, with many different species. There’s also a boat launch for those wanting to fish past the shoreline. Eagle Lake Beach has a nice campsite and resort area. The campground is by reservation only, so be sure to call ahead.

Little Bow Provincial Park

Little Bow Provincial Park is a beautiful camping area just south of Vulcan, about 1.5 hours from Calgary. The lake is on a reservoir, meaning that the levels vary throughout the year. When it is high, it’s great for boating and there’s a floating pier to launch boats and kayaks from.

Little Bow has a large, sandy beach with a sweet playground area for the kids. The campground is quite a nice place to stay and there are some good hiking and biking areas nearby.

Banff Beaches

There are so many amazing things to do in the townsite of Banff that you’ll never be bored. However, when the Alberta summer heat is too much for you, you might want to jump into one of these lakes to cool off.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a popular lake, less than a 10-minute drive from Banff. It’s a lovely spot to relax by the water and has trails for hiking and biking. Like most lakes in this area, the views are beautiful. Not only is it great for relaxing, but you can also bring a picnic or some food to cook in the cooking shelters.

For the more adventurous, the lake is great for fishing, canoeing and boating, but it’s best known for its diving options. The most recent dam addition in the 1940s, submerged the village of Minnewanka Landing. Visitors can dive and explore the underwater scene.

Cascade Ponds beach

Cascade Ponds beach is something out of a photograph. It’s surrounded by mountains that afford epic views for you to stare at when floating about. You can access this beach quite easily from Banff townsite.

This is not a lake for a cold day. The water in the lake comes directly from the mountains, so it can be quite cold. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a smokin’ hot day. There are also picnic spots, so bring a lunch and make a day of it.

Quarry Lake

On the outskirts of Canmore near the Nordic Centre, lies one of the most popular lakes for Calgarians to hit up – Quarry Lake. We go into a lot of detail on this lake in this post , but know that it’s lovely, framed by mountains, but is super cold. You’ll want to get here early.

Johnson Lake

Another popular Banff beach area, Johnson Lake isn’t as popular for beach goers as Quarry Lake, but that’s likely due to it’s size. It’s quite a bit larger than Canmore’s Quarry Lake, but Johnson Lake is still a worthy choice when you’re looking laze around the water’s edge.

Jasper Beaches

Jasper National Park sports some of the loveliest sandy beaches you’ll find in the Rockies. Here’s two of the more popular:

Lake Annnette

About a five-minute drive from the town of Jasper, Lake Annette is situated near Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, on the other side of the Athabasca River from the townsite. While you can also swim in Lake Edith, which is mere steps away from Lake Annette, many locals claim Lake Annette is warmer. (Lake Edith has paddleboard rentals though…)

Lake Annette is at it’s warmest at the end of August and into Sept. A paved trail encircles the lake and there’s outhouses, a playground and swings, plus picnic shelters with wood-burning ovens. Though you’re in the mountains, the beach here has sandy shores and is a popular spot for families. 

Patricia Lake

A lot of folks visiting Jasper make the trek to Pyramid Lake – which is fine. It’s just that Patricia Lake, the lake you pass by on your way to Pyramid, has the better beach. There isn’t a lot of room for parking, but there are a few different places to pull in to access the water. The beach is sandy and there’s picnic tables and fire pits for you to make a day of it. The water is cold (glacier fed and all that), but it’s a lovely spot for a dip.

Other Alberta beaches worth checking out

Depending on where you live, these Alberta beaches may be a bit of drive. If you’re willing to make the trip, these are some of the best beaches that Alberta has to offer.

Kinosoo Beach, Cold Lake

Kinosoo Beach, located in Cold Lake, about 3 hours north of Edmonton (and 6 hours from Calgary), has been rated one of Canada’s top 25 beaches. Not only is it a beautiful sandy beach, but it also has a splash park, children’s playground, a concession stand and beach volleyball court. There is a roped off swimming area along the 3-block-stretch of beach.

There are some amazing rental options in the area if you aren’t the swimming type. Visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, flyboards and more to enjoy on the lake.

Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Closer to Lethbridge and about a three hour drive from Calgary, is the beach at Writing on Stone Provincial Park. The beach is sandy and sits upon the Milk River. The water is shallow, warm and slow moving, making it a good destination for families.

While you’re there, do the Hoodoo Trail walk. This hour to hour and a half walk takes you through impressive hoodoo sandstone formation and to a site where you can see centuries-old pictographs made by Indigenous Peoples. Even better is snagging a campsite at this campground.

Kinbrook Island Beach on Lake Newell

Kinbrook Island Beach is located on Lake Newell in Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. This beach is about 13km south of Brooks (making it about a 2-hour drive from Calgary). This is a great location for anyone looking to make a camping trip out of their beach visit. Kinbrook Island Campground has 160 campsites suitable for RVs and tents.

The island has a beautiful sandy beach with a marked off swimming area. There is a playground and a picnic area, making it a prime location for spending a sunny afternoon!

Save these tips

Keep these tips for hitting Alberta beaches for future reference. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll  follow Travels with Baggage on Pinterest  while you’re at it!

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN READING:

Where to hit the beach in edmonton, best beaches in and around calgary, the village at pigeon lake: where to eat, stay and play.

What is your favourite Alberta beach to visit?

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Alberta Beach History

In 1912 the Alberta Northern Rail built the railroad to what is now Alberta Beach.  Being close to Edmonton, and having a sandy beach and warm, shallow water, it became a popular summertime destination.  A special frame station was erected in 1917 and a 16 foot wide board walk stretched from the station platform, west towards town and down the street to the beach and a bathers’ dressing room and pier. 

The CNR announced travel excursions to Alberta Beach during July and August and charged $1.10 per round trip.  These charters were very popular and a cookhouse and large clearing adjacent to the station was made available for public picnics, baseball games and other sports.

In 1929, the railway constructed more entertainment facilities for the visitors to enjoy, including a 950 foot walking pier, a dance pavilion and a campground which is still used today.

In 1936, the railway stopped running trains to Alberta Beach and the pier was taken over by the federal government.  The dancehall was leased out yearly to various individuals/bands and in 1965, the facility burnt down.

In 1999, the federal government divested themselves of all piers across Canada and in 2011 our pier was demolished.  The top deck planks were installed as a boardwalk around the museum and plaques to commemorate families and loved ones can be purchased and mounted on them.    In 1936 the railway station was bought and moved to a local farm.   In 2007, the Society was able to buy it back and restore it.  It is fitting that the building that saw so many people come to the Summer Village of Alberta Beach should sit only a few hundred feet from its’ original location and become the focus in the Alberta Beach Museum.

See Historical Pictures of Alberta Beach at:  www.communitystories.ca - All Aboard!  Next Stop Alberta Beach

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10 sandy beaches in Alberta that you can visit this summer

Life's a beach! 🏖

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Driving to and from BC is fun and all, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could spend a day lounging about only to go home and sleep in our own beds? Our province may not have palm trees, year-round sun, or the ocean, but we do have sand… It’s just a matter of finding it! From Banff to Sylvan Lake here are 10 Alberta beaches you should visit this summer.

Related posts: Banffchella: Alberta’s ‘castle in the Rockies’ is hosting colourful pool parties all summer long A Northern Sahara: Alberta is home to 12-metre-tall sand dunes & here’s where you’ll find them

SHAW’S POINT BEACH

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shaw’s Point Resort (@shawspointresort)

Located in High Prairie, Shaw’s Point sits on the edge of Lesser Slave Lake. With sandy beaches, this place is immaculate – but what else would you expect? The beach is mostly maintained by a beautiful resort! With a boat launch, a swimming area, restaurants, and even accommodation for those who do choose to stay, this place should definitely land itself on your summer to-do list.

Where:  Range Rd 141, High Prairie, AB Distance from Calgary:  675 km Distance from Edmonton:  378 km

DEVONSHIRE BEACH

Alternatively, located on the other side of Lesser Slave Lake, those chasing the sun and sand can also check out Devonshire Beach. This gorgeous spot is clean, well-kept, and above all makes for a perfect summer day.

Where:  2M0, Range Rd 55, Widewater, AB Distance from Calgary:  565 km Distance from Edmonton:  269 km

KINOSOO BEACH

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Maciek Juszczyk REALTOR (@maciekjhomes)

Considered by many to be the best beach in not only Alberta but Canada as well, Kinsoo is located on the east end of Cold Lake. With an insane three-block stretch of fine sand, gorgeous views and equipment rentals, and a designated swimming area, those who haven’t been – should definitely check it out this summer.

Where:  Directions here Distance from Calgary:  600 km Distance from Edmonton: 295 km

LAKE NEWELL

Located 14 km south of Brooks, you’ll find Lake Newell, one of the largest man-made lakes in southern Alberta and a must-visit this season! Not only is this place grand in size, but it’s also super warm, making it the ideal destination for canoeing, swimming, watersports and sailing. Check it out!

Where: Lake Newell, Newell County No. 4, AB Distance from Calgary:  209 km Distance from Edmonton: 443 km

EBELING BEACH

As one of the most popular beaches in the province, we suggest you head to this one early in the morning. Located on the edge of Gull Lake, Ebeling is pretty close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels, which is super convenient if you plan on spending the entire day out there.

Where:  Directions here Distance from Calgary:  183 km Distance from Edmonton:  142 km

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sandesh (@sandeshr7)

Despite asking that you leave your dog at home, Jasper’s Edith Beach is absolutely worth the visit if you’re one who appreciates pristine water and fresh mountain air. Surrounded by the peaks and valleys of the Rockies, this place is absolutely breathtaking – so check it out!

Where:  Directions here Distance from Calgary:  419 km Distance from Edmonton:  361 km

LAKE ANNETTE

Located pretty close to the town of Jasper, Lake Anette is well known for its quiet sandy beach, crystal clear water, its beautiful grassy area perfect for laying about or having a bite, and like everything else that is in or around the mountain town, its beautiful view.

Where:  Directions here Distance from Calgary:  420 km Distance from Edmonton:  363 km

ALBERTA BEACH

Located West of Edmonton, this adorable spot is warm, shallow, and great for families with smaller kids. In addition to the beach, there’s also a pretty big grassy area where you can have a picnic lunch before heading back to the water.

Where:  Directions here Distance from Calgary: 368 km Distance from Edmonton:  71.8

ROCHON SANDS PROVINCIAL PARK BEACH

From swimming, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing to fishing and birdwatching, Rochon Sands, located on Buffalo Lake really has it all. Whether you’re camping or just hanging out for the day, you’re practically guaranteed a good time, no matter how you choose to spend it. It also certainly doesn’t hurt that there’s a bomb ice cream shop nearby as well.

Where:  1 Bay View St, Rochon Sands, AB Distance from Calgary:  228 km Distance from Edmonton:  180 km

SYLVAN LAKE

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Sylvan Lake is by far the most popular beach in Alberta. Located at the midpoint between Calgary and Edmonton, Sylvan is where you go to make a memory, have a nice lunch, take a walk and hang out on the sand.

Where:  Directions here  Distance from Calgary:  157 km Distance from Edmonton:  163 km

Whew, well, there you have it, friends. 10 beaches right here in Alberta that you have to check out this summer! Which one will you check out first? It’s going to be a tough call!

Curiocity Staff

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