Crow Lake Provincial Park lies adjacent to Crow Lake Ecological Reserve. The park offers campers plenty of opportunities to see some truly spectacular views of wildlife that thrives in Lac La Biche County. Crow Lake Provincial Park is located on the northern and western shores of crow lake and spreads over an area of almost 8 km (5 miles). Dense woodlands, beautiful trails, clear lake water, and vast open skies make Crow Lake Provincial Park a desirable lake-side camping destination.
Steep valleys surround Crow Lake and are heavily forested with mixed stands of white spruce, aspen, and some balsam fir. Some of the spruce trees here are over 150 years old and are home to the majestic bald eagle that can often be spotted hovering high in the skies or perched amidst the tall trees.
The lake waters are teeming with many types of fish. The park also offers some truly spectacular hiking trails that take visitors within close proximity of the Ecological Reserve and its abundant wildlife. Kayak, canoe, fish or swim in these placid lake waters or simply relax and take in the surrounding beauty. This secluded park is generally quiet and a well-kept secret of the locals that live in the region. It offers a reclusive escape among Alberta’s vast and striking natural beauty.
Crow Lake Provincial Park lies about 120 km (75 miles) south of Fort McMurray on Hwy 63 and over 150 km (93 miles) north of Lac La Biche. Well-maintained gravel roads lead to the park entrance and once inside the same gravel roads continue on to connect the various campsites and amenities. Since the park is just tucked away from the highway, it's often overlooked by passing campers which makes it a great camping destination if you are looking for some extra privacy.
Crow Lake Provincial Park has one campground that features 30 unserviced campsites that offer plenty in terms of shade and privacy. The campsites are spread around a loop and are located close to a water pump and pit toilets. The campsites also have picnic tables and fire pits and are spacious enough for both tent and RV camping. A nearby boat hand launch area is perfect for getting your kayaks and canoes into the lake water without having to trek too far. Firewood isn't available on site and neither is drinking water so make sure you bring these necessities along and enjoy a quiet and serene lake-side camping experience.
Crow Lake offers kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts a vast body of water to explore. The nearby Crow Lake Ecological Reserve is best viewed from kayaks and canoes if you want to catch sight of the many animals and birds that reside within the dense woodlands. Fishing is also possible from kayaks and canoes and there are plenty of great fishing spots on the lake away from other campers and visitors. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on lake waters. Crow Lake Provincial Park has a boat launch area close to the campground.
Plenty of hiking trails wind through the dense woodlands and past the lakeshore at Crow Lake Provincial Park. These forests are old and with many hardwood trees dating over a hundred years making for a mature woodland landscape coupled with steep valley slopes. The trails start by the campground and offer hikers plenty in terms of both nature viewing and exercise as you take in your beautiful surroundings.
Crow Lake is teeming with fish that help support the diverse wildlife in the nearby Ecological Reserve. Anglers can fish in the lake waters either from the lakeshore or via canoe or kayak. Largemouth bass, black crappie, lake trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed are but a few of the fish species that dwell in these vast lake waters. The secluded fishing spots and excellent fishing conditions make for a memorable angling experience. Make sure you have the appropriate fishing license to avoid fines.
The nearby Crow Lake Ecological Reserve is home to abundant wildlife that can often be spotted by campers visiting Crow Lake Provincial Park. Sightings of deer, moose, bears, beavers, coyotes, muskrats, and foxes are not uncommon. This area is bear country so always make sure to hide and pack your food and dispose of all waste to avoid any unwanted encounters.
Great weather, vast open skies, clear lake water, and dense woodlands are the perfect recipe for a truly memorable picnicking experience. Those wanting to visit the area for the day will find plenty to do while they relax by the lakeshore and take in the beauty of these dense boreal forests. Picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, and a boat launch area are available to all those who visit.
The nearby Crow Lake Ecological Reserve is a haven for many species of migratory and local birds and supports a diverse ecosystem. Birdwatching enthusiasts would simply fall in love with Crow Lake Provincial Park and its many bird species that include bald eagles, ospreys, grebes, herons, pelicans, terns, and owls. They will either sweep through the trees or dive into the lake waters to catch fish. Walking on the trails you can also hear the sounds of grouse, warblers, and woodpeckers.
