In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, northwest of Hinton and east of Grande Cache, is Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park. The park, which is at an elevation of 1250 meters (4100 feet) is home to a chain of five lakes, two of which are stocked with rainbow trout and one with brook trout. Named for Pierre Gris (Grey), a Metis who ran a thriving trading post in the late 1800’s, the park offers beautiful scenery along with plenty of things to do.
Water activities, which include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, power boating, and swimming, are popular with those visiting the park. Hiking and biking are also popular, and those exploring the trails may even catch a glimpse of wildlife. Winter weather does not stop the fun at the park; when there is snow on the ground, visitors can engage in snowshoeing as well as cross country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy camping by the lake, among spruce and aspen trees.
Regardless of one’s outdoor interests, there is something to enjoy at Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park, making it worth considering for your next outdoor adventure!
To get to Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park from Grande Prairie, take AB-40 S for 222 km (137.94 miles). Next, turn left onto Pierre Grey’s Lake Road, proceeding for 2.1 km (1.30 miles), continuing to the entrance of the park.
Parking is available throughout Long Lake Provincial Park.
Public transportation is not available to Long Lake Provincial Park.
Located on Moberly Lake, Moberly Campground offers 19 sites for tents and larger RV’s, and includes some of the remnants of the 1886 trading post that had been run by Pierre Grey and his wife Marie. Water and fire wood are available and there are sites in the loop that include power. A boat launch is available, making it easy to get out on the water. The campground even includes a fish cleaning station, ensuring your can prepare your catch for your next meal. Sites are among aspen and spruce trees, offering shade and privacy. With plenty to offer, Moberly Lake Campground is a great base from which to explore!.
Delorme Campground, with 24 sites, is south of Moberly Campground and offers electric hookups. Located between Moberly Lake and Desjarlais Lake, the campground includes restrooms along with drinking water. Camping at Delorme campground will ensure that you have easy access to all of the park's activities, whether on water or on land.
South of Delorme Campground is Joachim Campground, within which is a playground and a fish cleaning station. Sites within Joachim Campground are unserviced. The campground provides easy access to the boat launch for the Desjarlais area, making it a perfect spot for those looking to spend some serious time on the water! There are 22 sites available and the loop includes drinking water and bathrooms.
When visiting Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park, a popular activity is to spend time on the water of the park’s lakes. Boats with electric motors, as well as those that you paddle, like kayaks and canoes, are allowed on each of the five lakes. Boat launches are available throughout the park, allowing for easy entry for the vessel you plan to navigate. Exploring the park and its lakes by boat is a great way to take in its beauty and have a great time on your own or with special people in your life!
With five lakes to visit, it is no surprise that fishing is a popular activity at Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park. Visitors can cast a line in Desjarlais Lake, which is stocked with Rainbow Trout. If you would like to fish for Brook Trout, choose to head to Moberly Lake. Another option is McDonald Lake, which is a trophy fishing lake with particular regulations to be aware of. Fish cleaning stations are available so you can prepare your catch for a meal. Make sure to take in the amazing scenery as you wait for a bite!
Hiking and biking are appealing for visitors to Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park. Not only will a walk or bike ride along a trail in the park provide you with some exercise, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the park’s beauty and solitude. While you explore, you may even catch a glimpse of the wildlife that resides in the park. So make sure to pack your hiking boots and/or bring along your bike and enjoy the experience!
Wanyandie Campground, which is next to McDonald Lake, offers 18 campsites and is first come, first served. Electricity hook-ups are available at the campground, which also includes bathrooms and a fish cleaning station. Drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring you have no trouble keeping hydrated while enjoying the park's many activities. Wanyandie Campground is an excellent place to relax after a long day of fun at the park!
Snow may have fallen during the colder months of the year, but that does not mean you can’t enjoy Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park! A great winter activity for you to engage in is cross-country skiing. The park offers 15 km (9.32 miles) of groomed trails along with 9 km (5.59 miles) of ungroomed trails that are maintained from the months of November through March by volunteers. Not only is cross-country skiing an excellent workout, it is a great way to explore the park and take in its winter beauty.
One popular way to spend time in Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park during the winter months is to go snowshoeing. Strap on your snowshoes and off you can go, exploring the park when it is covered under a blanket of snow. You will experience the park’s beauty from another perspective, along with its solitude. As you roam the park, keep your eyes open; you may just catch a glimpse of some wildlife! Be sure to dress in layers and bring something warm to drink that you can enjoy during a break.
If you are looking for a unique outdoor activity to engage in during the winter, why not try your hand at ice fishing? Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park offers ice fishing opportunities, where you can use lines and hooks or spears to fish through an opening in the ice of the lake. A relaxing activity, ice fishing will also provide you the time to reflect and enjoy the park’s scenery and solitude. And you may just catch your next meal!
