This is a spectacular mosaic of boreal mixed forests, sparkling lakes and sand beaches, marshy wetlands and prairie landscape.
Loop Around the Lakes
East from Saskatchewan, one enters Alberta along Highway 55 and heads into the community of Cold Lake. This community has warm hospitality wrapped up with lots of recreational activities from the 9 hole Golf and Country Club to fishing lakes just north of town. The town of Cold Lake, situated on the shores of one of Alberta's most beautiful lakes is Canada's seventh largest, with a maximum depth of 3,900 feet. The community boasts a new modern 250 boat marina. There are a full range of recreational opportunities at Cold Lake Provincial Park as well as English Bay and Shelter Bay Resort.
Highway 55 then takes you further into the Heart of the Lakeland and to Lakeland Provincial Park and Recreation area - Alberta's newest Provincial Park. Together with the recreation area it encompasses nearly 146,000 acres of wilderness. This area bounds with birds and wildlife amidst glacial lakes, long sandy beaches, marshlands and boreal forests.
Highway 55 meets Highway 36 and travels north into Lac La Biche. Birders and other vacationers will want to spend some time here. This vibrant community encompasses a large trading area as well as representing a melting pot of cultures.The first long weekend in August includes the Beaver Lake First Nations Competition Powwow and Fish Derby.
A real jewel in Lakeland is Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. Travel just 5 mils west of Lac La Biche and you are nestled deep within an old growth forest. Some trees are over 200 years old and a stroll beneath their boughs can delight the weary traveller.
In North America, birding is the fastest growing outdoor recreation activity. There are about 375 species of birds recorded in Alberta, of these, about 250 regularly occur in the Heart of the Lakeland. Starting with songbird migration in April/May to Fall migration one can watch for wood-warblers, thrushes, vireos, waterfowl, swans, gulls, pelicans, osprey and bald eagles. By the time these flocks have left in the Fall, the area still boasts 40 hardy species that survive our winters. Winter birding can be extremely rewarding with great grey owls and blue jays among others.
In the Heart of the Lakeland, bird counts are held at Elk Island, Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, Bonnyville and St. Paul. Christmas bird counts occur between December 17 to January 3rd, allowing beginners to pair up alongside experienced birders to test their bird spotting skills.
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