Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Looking for your next RV getaway? Consider a trip to Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park. It's the perfect place for your next outdoor vacation.
Nestled in the heartland of the Canadian prairie provinces, Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park finds its home only 40 km (or 25 miles) outside the town of High Prairie, AB. This recreational area and camping facility rests on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake. The beach at Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park is a much-loved haunt for locals and visitors alike and offers abundant opportunities for fun activities including swimming, fishing, boating, and a variety of water sports.
This Central Alberta park is open year-round and even permits winter camping at several of the campsites. There is a wide expanse of tree cover surrounding the park and camping areas, affording families lots of privacy.
Lesser Slave Lake is one of the largest lakes in Alberta. It teems with many different varieties of fish including northern pike, lake whitefish, walleye, and yellow perch. During the winter months, ice fishing is also a popular attraction.
For families who enjoy hiking, Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park is home to many trails including several which lead through the thick growth of Boreal Forest. There are also many paths which are suitable for mountain biking and cycling.
For an RV adventure in the Great White North that you'll not soon forget, plan to take your next vacation at Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park. You're sure to have an amazing time.
RV Rentals in Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
At just 47 km (29 miles) from High Prairie, AB, the trip to Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park is relatively short and travels over stretches of two lane highways kept in very good condition. To reach the park, head out on AB-749 S until you reach the exit for AB-2 E. Follow AB-2 E to AB-750 N then take the exit for Willow Point Road in the town of Grouard. Township Road 752 A will take you to the park. It is found in the town of Big Lakes.
To travel to Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park from Slave Lake, AB, the trip will cover 131 km (81 miles). Begin by following Caribou Trail NW to AB-2 W. Take a right hand turn onto AB 2-W and continue along this two-lane highway until you reach the exit for AB-740 N. Take the exit and follow this section of road until you reach the town of Big Lakes. The park can be found there. This route follows along roads in excellent condition that are kept clear year-round. Occasionally, road construction does take place. Beware of wildlife that sometimes crosses the roadway.
Parking
Parking can be found in the lot at the entrance to Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park
Campsites in Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Hilliard's Bay Campground
Hilliard's Bay Campground is home to 174 campsites which are available for reservation from the long weekend in May through Labour Day weekend. All other times of year, the campsites are first come, first served. This campground is open year-round for RV and tent campers to enjoy. There are 35 sites that are completely unserviced with 139 equipped with power hookups.Generator use is permitted, and leashed dogs are allowed on the premises.
There are many excellent amenities which make this camping facility a popular spot. These include a boat launch, a fish cleaning station, tap water, firepits, vault toilets, a sewage disposal station, a pier, firewood, showers, and a playground. Several of the campsites are also wheelchair accessible.
The large sand beach at Lesser Slave Lake is much beloved and is a favorite haunt for families who enjoy swimming, boating, and watersports. There are also walking trails which are ideal for hiking and cycling.
Seasonal activities in Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park
In-Season
Swimming
Visiting families have their choice of two lengthy stretches of beach that are the ideal location for cooling off on a hot summer's day. Hit the surf in the refreshing waters of Hilliard's Bay or meander the shores of Lesser Slave Lake. Lifeguard service is not available at either beach, so do be careful when out in the water. Lesser Slave Lake, in particular, is deeply affected by high winds, making the water unsuitable for swimming or watersports activities when the weather is inclement.
Bring along a packed lunch and some drinking water and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Your dog is welcome to join you but must remain leashed at all times.
Watersports
If you're itching to get your boat out on the water, you won't be disappointed with a trip to Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park. Watersports are the name of the game at both of the beaches at this amazing recreational area. There is a boat launch that is the ideal spot for launching your pleasurecraft out on the lake, or you can paddle out in your canoe or kayak directly from the shore.
Other popular watersports activities at Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park include powerboating, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Don't forget to bring along some sunscreen, drinking, water, and a snack or two!
Picnicking
With so many picturesque spots to choose from, Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park is the ideal haven where families can enjoy a picnic on the grounds. Pack a lunch and grab a blanket for spreading out on the ground, and you've got a recipe for a party!
Whether you choose to picnic during a hike along one of the trails or along the coast with views of the bay or Lesser Slave Lake to feast your eyes on, you will enjoy the calm serenity of this scenic region.
You can bring along a thermos full of tap water from the spigot located at the campground or tote some bottled water with you to help keep your thirst at bay.
Off-Season
Fishing
The fishing is fine at Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park. Take your canoe or pleasure boat out for a spin and cast your line out from the depths of the lake or try your hand at reeling in the catch of the day from the banks of the lake. Among the species you might discover are northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, or lake whitefish.
When you've caught your fill of fish, you can fillet your treasure at the fish cleaning station found just off the shoreline. With a firepit back at your campsite to enjoy, pick up some firewood to get the campfire blazing and cook up a seafood feast for your friends, neighbors, and family.
HIking
Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park is home to many different hiking trails. Several lead through heavily wooded sections of Boreal Forest. The trails vary in length and intensity with something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Along your journey, you may discover many different varieties of plant and animal life. The park is also home to several unique species of birds. You'll want to be sure you have your camera with you to record your findings along your hike.
Be sure to carry drinking water and snacks with you. Your dog may join you on your hike, but do be sure to keep them leashed.
The Boreal Forest interpretive trail is particularly well-beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Mountain biking/cycling
Many of the trails at Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park are perfect for mountain biking or cycling. The paths traverse terrain which is varied in nature with some areas enjoying rolling hills and others a flat expanse of prairies and tree growth.
Cyclists are asked to keep an eye for people who are hiking or walking along the same trails to avoid any collisions.
Bring along some snacks and drinking water to keep hunger and thirst at bay. Don't forget to stop often to enjoy the scenery. If you're especially lucky, you just might spot some of the wildlife that makes this park their home.
