Ready for your next RV adventure? Why not take a trip to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park? You will enjoy Canadian Prairie camping at its finest.
Located only 19 km (12 miles) from the bustling industrial metropolis of Fort McMurray, Gregoire Lake Provincial Park is a popular place for families looking for the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Gregoire Lake was originally named Willow Lake but was renamed in 1940. In 1995, the province of Alberta made the decision to return Gregoire Lake to its original name. Today, the lake is referenced by both titles.
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park is blanketed by areas of thick forest of mixed species of trees. The property rests in a section of the Athabasca River Basin. Its marshy grounds offer varied terrain and breathtaking views of the nearby mountain ranges and lush vegetation, making it an idyllic spot for doing some hiking.
The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Woodland Cree and Chipewyan Indians. In the late 18th century, the area was a popular spot for fur trading. Alexander Mackenzie sailed the Athabasca River on his exploratory tours of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. He was the first of many prominent explorers to sail this region's rivers in search of adventure.
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park opened to the public in 1973 and remains a popular spot for outdoor activities and RV and tent camping. Among the most popular attractions include fishing, swimming, geocaching, horseshoes, powerboating, and watersports. In the winter months, the trails are ideal for cross county skiing, and there are areas nearby where snowmobiling is permitted.
Whether you visit in spring, summer, winter, or fall, you won't be disappointed with a trip to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. It's an amazing place for an RV holiday.
Travel to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park from Fort McMurray, AB covers 36 km (22 miles) of ground. Begin the route by travelling on AB-63 S. Take the exit for AB-88 1 S, following along this highway until you spot the park. Both highways consist of two lanes, and traffic moves along at a moderate pace. The roads are in good condition and kept clear year-round. Road construction may occur from time to time. Be on the lookout for wildlife as deer and other creatures occasionally enter the highway.
To reach the park from Slave Lake, AB, you will travel 423 km (263 miles). The route is straight and extremely direct. Begin your journey following AB-2 E. Continue along AB-63 N until you reach the junction for AB-881 S. This highway will lead directly to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. Along the trek, you will encounter highways of both two and four lanes. All of the highways are kept in decent condition and are well-maintained regardless of the time of year. Construction does occur infrequently. In general, traffic moves along very well.
Parking is available in the lot at the entrance to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park.
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park houses one camping facility: Gregoire Lake Campground. There are 140 campsites available for reservation for RV and tent stays from June 28th through October 15th yearly. 80 of the campsites are unserviced with 60 offering fully electric hookups. Generator use is allowed, and dogs are permitted on the grounds so long as they remain leashed.
There are many amenities to draw visitors to Gregoire Lake Campground These include picnic tables, a beach, a convenience store, toilets, showers, a playground, hiking trails, a sewage disposal station, and horseshoe pits.
Among the most popular activities are geocaching, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, power boating, and swimming. In the winter months, families can enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing.
Gregoire Lake offers some of the area's finest swimming opportunities. The waters are crisp and refreshing, offering families a great place to take a dip on a hot summer's day. Lifeguard service is not provided, so exercise caution when swimming and avoid heading into the water during bouts of inclement weather.
The sandy shoreline is the perfect spot for picnicking along the coast or working on a suntan. Bring along a picnic lunch and some cool drinks or stop by the campground's convenience store to purchase a snack or two.
Your dog may join you at the beach but must remain on a leash at all times.
The boat launch at Gregoire Lake is the ideal spot for avid sailors to hit the open water. Power boats are permitted here but are limited to speeds no greater than 12 km/h when out in the beach areas and in the boat launch section.
Gregoire Lake is also a great place to do some kayaking or canoeing. Paddle out into the open lake waters and try your hand at reeling in the catch of the day.
Bring along drinking water to stay hydrated and a snack or two to keep hunger at bay.
The shores of the beach at Gregoire Lake are the perfect spot to launch out into the depths of the sea to enjoy some watersports. There is a small shop offering watersports equipment for rent on the beach. Here you can pay to use anything from waterskis to a stand up paddleboard or even more standard fare such as canoes, kayaks, and surfboards.
Lather up in sunscreen and be sure to bring along a picnic lunch and some cool drinks to enjoy along the coast when your day of water adventures is done.
Due to its remote location, there is no public transportation available to this park and camping facility.
With over 6 km of groomed trails to enjoy, cross country skiers are bound to have a fall when the snow starts to fall at Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. The trails are well-marked and traverse through diverse terrain including hills and wetlands. The vast tree cover provides a breathtaking backdrop that is picture perfect, so bring along your camera to capture some of the beauty you will encounter on your skiing adventure.
Dress in layers for protection against the cold and bring along some water and hot coffee to remain hydrated.
Snowmobiling opportunities abound near Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. On the property itself, snowmobiling is only allowed en route to the lake. The parking lot area just outside the boat launch is a designated snowmobiling route, and there are also many trails designed specifically for this activity near to the park.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges and the snow-capped treetops of the forest. If you're especially lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of some of the area's wildlife.
Bundle up against the cold winter winds and be sure to bring along fluids and snacks in case you become hungry or thirsty.
Gregoire Lake Provincial Park is home to many different hiking trails. With trails of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from, there is something sure to meet the needs of every member of the family regardless of activity level or age.
Along your hiking journey, you will encounter rich and diverse forest. Within these wooded regions are many interesting varieties of plant and animal life and even wildflowers in season.
The scenery is breathtaking at this park. From the lake to the mountain ranges to the brilliant green hues of the forest, you will enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and stunning beauty that surrounds you.
