Lake Land Loop Road Trip
The southeastern corner of Strathcona County is defined by lakes. With no cities, towns, or villages, we are a county of hamlets! Six of our nine hamlets lay on the shores of lakes.
This area has been a gathering place for generations of indigenous peoples, including Cree and, more recently, Metis communities.
In the early 20th century, this area was known for its popular lakeside resorts. Today, many people call this place home!
The Lake Land Loop will take you around the lakes, to the hamlets on their shores, to natural areas, and the historic sites of interest. All within the Beaver Hills Biosphere!
This driving tour will take approximately 2-3 hours.
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1
North Cooking Lake Natural Area
A 3.7km walking trail, perfect for viewing the distinct topography and biodiversity of the Beaver Hills moraine.
2
Antler Lake
Antler Lake's community hall is the site of the Antler Lake fair every summer.
“Home of Alberta’s best sunsets!”
3
North Cooking Lake
The old post office, hotel and store date back to 1910, when North Cooking Lake first became a popular lakeside destination. This building is still standing on the south side of Wye Road. It’s now a private residence, but there is a historic plaque out front.
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St. Margaret’s Church
Built by Metis families in 1912, St Margaret's Church is a Provincial Historic Site. Visit the site to see its unique log construction and to view its historic plaque.
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Hastings Lake
In Cree, the name of the lake was “a-ka-ka-kwa-tihk sa-ka-hig-an” which translates to “the lake that never freezes”. Joseph Tyrell, the famed explorer who discovered the Albertosaurus, gave it the moniker Hastings Lake.
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Legion of Frontiersmen Cairn and Fort Scott
A stone marker commemorating the contributions of the Legion of Frontiersmen in the First and Second World Wars.
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Lakeview Pavillion
Once a bustling dance hall and lake resort, all that remains of Lakeview is its fireplace.
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South Cooking Lake
The Cree, Blackfoot, and Sarcee people gave the lake its original name of “opi-mi-now-wa-sioo sa-ka-hig-an” which translates to “the lake where we cook”
Cooking Lake Airport is Canada’s oldest operating public airport! Continue to Gate A at the end of the road and travel by foot across their wooden footbridge to view a historic plaque.
Check out South Cooking Lake’s day use park for a great lake view, walking trails, and a pleasant picnic spot!
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Half Moon Lake
Named after its unique crescent shape, Half Moon Lake is home to the County’s last active lake resort. A popular tourist destination, Half Moon Lake Resort is a contemporary example of Strathcona County's lake resort history.
Picture courtesy of Half Moon Lake Resort
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Collingwood Cove
“The Cove” was once a popular 1950’s summer lakeside resort, but today is a quiet residential community. The community boasts a great playground, walking trails, and a quaint hamlet lifestyle.
Picture courtesy of Claire Ziprick
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Strathcona County Museum and Archives
Before or after you tour the Lake Land Loop, make sure to visit Strathma – the Strathcona County Museum and Archives !
You can learn more about our fascinating lake history and so much more!
Did you know… The entire Lake Land Loop is located in the Beaver Hills Biosphere , one of eighteen UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Canada!
Beaver Hills Biosphere
