Edmonton isn’t known for its beaches, but it does have several pleasant areas along the North Saskatchewan River that could be considered beaches. These beaches are made up of pebbles instead of sand, because they are river beaches. Here’s a rundown of some of the best places to soak up the sun in Edmonton and the surrounding area:
Terwillegar Park: This park is a great place to go for a walk, hike, or to relax with your dog. The beach is located on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River.
Accidental Beach: This beach is a long sandbar that appears along the North Saskatchewan River. It’s important to note that this beach may not always be accessible because of water levels, construction or groundworks being done in the area.
Fort Edmonton Foot Bridge Sand Bar: This sandbar is situated upstream from the Fort Edmonton footbridge. People often use this sandbar to walk along the river and then float or swim back down.
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Beyond the Beach:
If you’re looking for beaches for swimming, here are some popular options near Edmonton:
Pigeon Lake: This lake is about an hour’s drive south of Edmonton. It’s an Alberta Provincial Park with a designated area for swimming and relaxing on the beach. The most popular beach at Pigeon Lake is Ma-Me-O Beach, which has beautiful white sand, shallow water, and is known for being warmer than many other Alberta lakes.
Half Moon Lake: Located about 30 kilometers east of Edmonton, Half Moon Lake is a small lake that’s perfect for swimming on a hot summer day. The lake has a sandy beach with shallow water and lots of amenities for day-trippers, including fire pits, picnic areas, and washrooms. There is a fee to use this beach.
Alberta Beach: This beach is situated on Lac St. Anne, just an hour outside of Edmonton. Lac St. Anne is known for its warm, shallow water, making it a great choice for families with young children. It’s important to check for any water advisories that may be in effect before you go swimming here, though, as the lake can sometimes have algae blooms. The beach itself is quite nice and there are lots of shops and restaurants nearby.
Sylvan Lake Beach Park: Sylvan Lake is one of the most famous beaches in Alberta and the most popular one in central Alberta. The lake is located in the resort town of Sylvan Lake, which is about the same distance from Calgary as it is from Edmonton. The beach has beautiful sand and offers lots of amenities for day-trippers, including picnic areas and beach volleyball courts. Since this is such a popular beach, it’s recommended to arrive early to find a good parking spot and claim your spot on the beach.
Hastings Lake: This lake is about 40 kilometers southeast of Edmonton. The Cree name for the lake is Kawatikh, which means “lake that does not freeze.” This is because the lake is fed by an underground spring that keeps it from freezing over, even in the coldest Alberta winters. Hastings Lake is a quieter option than some of the other beaches on this list, with fewer amenities. There is a beach with a mix of sand and rocks, a picnic area, a playground, and a boat launch.
Beach Bliss for Everyone:
So, pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and a sense of adventure! With its abundance of stunning beaches, the Edmonton area offers the perfect summer escape for everyone. Find your beachside haven, soak up the sun, and create lasting summer memories!
