Ready for your next RV adventure and considering a trip to the Great White North? Pembina River Provincial Park is the perfect place to do some camping in the heart of the Canadian prairie provinces.
Pembina River Provincial Park is located in Central Alberta and sits between the two towns of Entwistle and Evansburg. At only an hour's drive from Edmonton, a metropolitan center for shopping, fine dining, and cultural events, a visit to this recreational area and camping facility offers families the chance to enjoy rural Canadian living while still having the benefits of big city life nearby.
There are many hiking trails found throughout the park where families can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. One of the most popular paths offers breathtaking views of the Pembina River gorge with its stunning cliffs which measure up to 62 m (203 feet) in height. This park is also a natural habitat for many species of wildlife. Among the animals campers may spot along their hike are badger, beaver, mink, and red squirrel. From time to time, black bears have also been detected in the region.
Pembina River Provincial Park is home to many different leisure activities with something for the whole family to enjoy. Among the most popular atrractions are geocaching, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and the viewing of wildlife.
For an RV getaway that's fun for the whole family, plan a trip to Pembina River Provincial Park. It'll be a vacation you'll not soon forget.
The trip from Evansburg, AB to Pembina River Provincial Park is quite short at only 3 km (2 miles). Follow 49th Street until you reach the exit for 50 Ave/AB-16A. Take a right hand turn here and continue along this road until you spot the park just ahead. This route follows along country roads that consist of only two lanes. The roads are kept in very good condition, and traffic moves along well. Only rarely does road construction occur, and typically, only in the summer months.
To travel from Edmonton, AB to the park, you will cover 106 km (66 miles) of ground. Start out on Yellowhead Highway W/Yellowhead Trail W. Take the exit for AB-16 in Entwistle and follow this highway until you reach the sign for Exit 289. Follow the exit sign to merge onto AB-16A W. Stay on this highway until you see Pembina River Provincial Park on the right hand side. Since Edmonton is one of Alberta's largest cities, you will encounter highways of both two and four lanes along your journey to the park. The roads are well-maintained, and traffic moves at a consistent and moderate pace. Road construction is seen in the summer months, so be prepared to experience delays from time to time.
Parking is found in the lot at the entrance to Pembina River Provincial Park.
Pembina River Campground is a large facility with 134 sites available for reservation for RV or tent stays between May 16th and October 14th yearly. Only two of the 134 sites is unserviced; all others offer power hookups only. Generator use is allowed, and dogs are also permitted on the grounds but must remain on a leash.
Some of the campsites are completely open while others are surrounded by abundant tree cover, affording families a choice of the type of camping locale they prefer. Among the amenities at Pembina River Campground are playgrounds, showers, flush toilets, a sewage disposal station, firepits, and firewood.
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy including geocaching, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and the viewing of wildlife.
With the town of Entwistle only 3 km (2 miles) away, families can easily make a quick run into town for groceries or other essentials at one of the shops located there.
The river that runs through Pembina River Provincial Park is the ideal spot for a swim on a hot summer's day. The sandy shores of this much beloved beach make it a great place for relaxing along the coast while working on your suntan.
Take a dip in the cool river waters then peruse the shore in search of seaside treasures to take home as a souvenir of a fantastic Canadian holiday.
The soft sandy coastline is also the perfect locale for a picnic lunch. Bring along some food and drinking water from home to enjoy on a beach blanket in the sand.
Your dog may join you at this beach but in accordance with provincial by-laws must remain on a leash at all times.
Pembina River Provincial Park is a haven for people looking to get out and enjoy some canoeing or kayaking in the summer months. The Pembina River travels along through a wide expanse of heavy forest and offers incredible views of the Pembina River gorge and its impressive cliffs. Bring along a camera to record the incredible scenery you will encounter while paddling down the river.
The river is suitable for swimming and fishing as well, giving you lots of options for fun things to do while out on the water. Don't forget to bring some bottled water to keep your hydration levels up.
For families who love a good treasure hunt, geocaching at Pembina River Provincial Park offers them the perfect opportunity to have a great time. The geocache course winds its way through areas of lush forest and vast prairie flatlands. Along the route, you will enjoy incredible views of the banks of the river, the area wildlife, and the spectacular cliffs found in the Pembina River gorge.
Bring along snacks and a drink as you will work up a fearsome appetite during your search for the ultimate geocaching prize. Your dog may join you for your afternoon of adventure but must remain leashed.
There is no public transportation available to this park and campground.
Pembina River Provincial Park is full of trails of various lengths and difficulties and is home to some of the province's best hiking. The terrain is largely flat but does cover some hilly regions as well. Some trails lead through areas of abundant and beautiful forest, and wildflowers can often be spotted in season.
The trails also meander through a habitat that is inhabited by a number of different wild animals. Among the creatures you might discover are coyotes, mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, and mink. On occasion, black bears have also been spotted.
Be sure to wear appropriate footwear to prevent any injury.
The Pembina River is an excellent spot to enjoy a day of fishing on the water. Paddle out in a canoe or fish from the shore or pier; either way, you're sure to have a great time.
The river waters are full of whitefish and pike. In accordance with provincial law, a fishing license is required to fish in any Alberta body of water.
Once you've caught your limit for the day, you can fillet your fish back at your campsite then grill up a seafood feast for your family and friends to enjoy.
Wildlife is abundant at Pembina River Provincial Park, making this recreational area the perfect place to glimpse various different species in their natural habitat. Among the animals you may spot at this park include coyote, mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, snowshoe hare, badger, beaver, mink, muskrat, and red squirrel. It is reported that black bears occasionally make an appearance as well.
Your dog may join you on your wildlife adventure, but do be sure that they remain on a leash and do not disturb the animals that make this park their home.
