County Campground
There are several Yellowhead County municipal campgrounds that are situated on various lakes and river in the central part of the county. They include Bear Lake, Long Lake, Shiningbank Lake, Beta Lake Park, and more.
Fickle Lake
The peaceful water of Fickle Lake is situated southwest of Edson. With Whitefish, Pike, Perch, and Walleye in its water, it makes for a superb fishing spot. A one-hour interpretive hike southeast of the lake leads to an old trapper’s cabin – Elkoff’s Cabin.
Chip Lake
Chip Lake is a bird watcher’s paradise. Located on a flight path, this lake hosts everything from waterfowl, and osprey, to the occasional eagle. There is a campground located at the lake so you can stay for as long as you like! With an entertaining playground for the kids and lots of green open space, there’s definite potential for fun!
Rock Lake
Rock Lake is located in a more remote area of north-western Yellowhead County, but the trip there is worth it. Rock Lake is located in Rock Lake Provincial Park and has campsites as well as Rock Lake Lodge.
Check out the great views while hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, or backcountry horseback riding. Staging areas for the Wildland and Willmore Wilderness Park are accessible here, including hitching rails and corrals for equestrian users.
Athabasca River
The Athabasca River is the longest river in Yellowhead County. Approximately 1231 km long, starting in Jasper National Park this river flows northeast and eventually empties into Lake Athabasca. The Athabasca River hosts numerous types of fish, including Mountain Whitefish, Native Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Perch, Arctic Grayling, Bull Trout, Brown Trout, GoldenEye and more! It’s a popular river with hunters, as they use jet-boats to travel along the river to their secret hunting spots.
McLeod River
Starting off in Cadomin, the McLeod River flows into the Athabasca River (the waters of the McLeod eventually making their way to the Arctic Ocean via Lake Athabasca and Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories.)
Featuring Mountain Whitefish, Native Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Pike and Walleye, the river is a wonderful fishing hole. The McLeod is also a great place for canoeing and kayaking. Rapids are fairly mild, however, one must watch out for rocks and shallow water. It’s a good place to use an old, reliable canoe that doesn’t mind a few bumps and bruises. One can easily access the river from Willmore Park, where there’s a lovely little launch. A good place to finish the trip is beside the bridge off of Highway 16 east. This trip will take around two to three hours.
Sundance Lakes
These three serene lakes will stun ones’ eyes with their magnificent beauty. The lakes can be viewed from a number of locations, however, one of the best views comes from following the Wild Sculpture Trail – which also showcases the Hoodoos! Following this trail for about 1.5 km will lead you to the top of the Hoodoos, where the great lakes can be taken in.
Emerson Lakes
The five remote lakes that make Emerson Lakes are huddled together, resulting in a spectacular blue-green view. Located 64 km northwest of Edson on Highway 748N, the lakes are a hikers’ dream. With lush trails and a stunning view, this hike takes you around three of the six lakes – about seven kilometres total. With lakeside day-use areas and camping stalls just feet from the lake, this is one place definitely worth the drive. Calm and soothing, these lakes allow one to feel at ease with oneself and close to nature. With day-use sites right off the lake and picturesque campsites just a few steps away it’s hard to leave this quaint area.
Obed Lake
This deep lake has Brown Trout and piles of Perch. Located halfway between Edson and Hinton, Obed Lake is an excellent place to practice canoe and kayak skills. And after a little fishing, one can sit back and relax around the fire, as campsites-for day or overnight use are located just off the lake.
Pembina River
Winding through the Pembina River Provincial Park just next to Evansburg and Rangeton Park further downstream is the Pembina River. A larger, slow, and windy river that is a favourite for tubing and wading. Tube rentals and shuttle runs are located nearby in Parkland County and make for a fun way to beat the summer heat.
