If you're seeking outdoor adventure, few places offer as many possibilities as Cold Lake and the surrounding area. No matter the season, our fishing is some of the best of any non-coastal location in Canada. The thick boreal forest, countless lakes and streams and variety of wildlife also makes the Lakeland a game hunter's paradise. 

Fishing

Cold Lake has the distinction of being one of the best fishing lakes in two provinces – and with a surface area of over 92,000 acres and a maximum depth of 100 metres, this is not a lake to miss. Several boat launches are located along the southern shores of the lake and anglers are advised to be aware of potential weather changes once out on the water. 

Cold Lake boasts a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and burbot. What makes Cold Lake special, however, is its thriving lake trout population.

Of all the lakes in the area, Cold Lake is the only waterbody in which anglers can target lake trout and the ease of access is unique among trophy lake trout fisheries. The lake still holds the Alberta angling record for Lake Trout, with a Mrs. Erickson having caught a 52.5 pounder while on vacation in the community in 1929. Legends say the monstrous fish known to the First Nations as the Kinosoo still lurks in the depths of Cold Lake. Will you be the one to reel it in?

Anglers should be aware of the latest Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations.

Cold Lake makes the news when it comes to fishing

 Ice Fishing Destinations in Canada: Top Picks for 2023

Fishing Booker Blog: Dec. 23, 2022

In Canada, the ice fishing season begins with anticipation. As soon as the temperature drops and the lakes and rivers freeze, it’s game on. Anglers from all over the country live for these icy winters, eager to see what trophies the next season will bring. And it looks like ice fishing destinations in Canada will be as magical in 2023 as they’ve always been. Read more....

Wildlife & Hunting

Whether you're hiking a local trail, playing a round of golf at one of our area’s beautiful courses or spending a weekend at Cold Lake Provincial Park, keep an eye out for engaging encounters with wildlife both large and small. Don’t forget your camera and remember to keep a respectful and safe distance. Located close to the transition of Alberta’s aspen parkland and the boreal forest, with plenty of beautiful farmland in close proximity, Cold Lake and the surrounding region are home to a wide array of wildlife.

From majestic whitetail deer to the iconic Canadian moose, big game animals abound. Habitat in the area also supports a small population of mule deer and the occasional herd of elk will migrate through the area. There is also a strong population of black bears who the region home.

The area’s history is rich in the hunting and trapping tradition and, although they are hard to catch a sighting of, marten, fisher and beaver populations thrive.

The area also supports a large population of Canadian lynx, foxes and coyotes, and the occasional sightings of cougars and wolves are not unheard of. Cold Lake lies on the edge of the flyways for migratory birds, filling the skies with geese, ducks and cranes. Bird watchers know the area’s rich and diverse habitats are welcomed by several hard-to-find species.

The lake itself is home to a wide variety of aquatic birds, while the surrounding marshes, wetlands and mixed-wood forests provide habitats that support over 200 species of song and nesting birds. Winter will bring the snowy owl to the area from farther north, and birds of prey are common year-round. Upland game birds include ruffed grouse and pine grouse.

Be sure to check out the latest Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations before heading afield.

Camping

Another outdoor pursuit that's loved by all is camping, be it for a weekend, two weeks or just day-tripping at a beach around Cold Lake. CLICK HERE for a list of surround campsites with booking links, and a list of the best beaches the lake has to offer.