Located in southern Alberta, Canada, Police Outpost Provincial Park is 32 km (20 miles) south of Cardston. Established in 1970, the park is on the shores of Outpost Lake, the Canada/United States border. The park, which is Alberta’s most southerly provincial park, is at an elevation of 1,390 meters (4,560 feet) and protects an area that is characteristic of the foothills parkland sub-region of the Parkland Natural Region. At the location of the park, a Northwest Mounted Police outpost was established in 1891 in an effort to curb smuggling. The area now offers a myriad of recreation opportunities.
During your visit to the park, you can enjoy hiking; the park has multiple trails to explore, like a 7km self-guided interpretive trails that offers an overview of the fescue grassland and aspen parkland. Fishing, birding and paddling are also popular activities and excellent ways to explore and enjoy the park. Right next to Police Outpost Provincial Park is the Outpost Wetland Natural Area, which is home to birds (like the black tern, sandhill crane, American bittern, common snipe and marsh wren) and other wetland life. This area has a unique groundwater hydrology that encourages biological diversity and offers a habitat year-round for a variety of species, particularly birds.
When looking for a relaxing, nature-filled experience, Police Outpost Provincial Park may be just what you are seeking. Get your RV packed and ready and head to the park for your next vacation!
To get to Police Outpost Provincial Park from Calgary, take Deerfoot Trail/AB-2 S from 5 Ave SW and Memorial Drive. Take AB-2 S for 163 km (101.28 miles) to AB-810 S. Follow AB-810 S for 99.6 km (61.88 miles) until you reach the park.
Parking is available throughout the park.
There is no public transportation to Police Outpost Provincial Park.
Check out Police Outpost Campground when visiting Police Outpost Provincial Park. The campground offers 46 unserviced sites that are available on a first come, first served basis. Sites are spaced out among a natural poplar forest and are able to accommodate tents and RV’s. The campground is quiet and offers vault toilets, fire pits, pump water and a playground. You will find the campground to be an excellent home base from which to head off for adventure and exploration, from spending time on the water, relaxing on shore, or going on a hike. The campground is also a great location for keeping an eye out for water birds and wildlife.
When visiting Police Outpost Provincial Park, consider spending some time going fishing. Police Lake is stocked with rainbow trout; not only will the experience of fishing be relaxing and allow you to enjoy the park’s beautiful surroundings, but you may be able to catch your next meal! Bring along your fishing rod as well as some bait and see what you can catch during your time in the park. Remember, success is not about how many fish you catch, but how much fun you have giving it a try!
Police Outpost Provincial Park is a great place to spend time out on the water. The park offers a boat launch, which will allow you to get a paddle boat, float tube, kayak, canoe or low-powered motorboat into Police Lake. Once you have your vessel in the water, you can take some time to explore the lake at your own pace. Spend as much time as you like, enjoying the fresh air and gorgeous scenery. If you get too hot while out on the water, it will be easy to cool off with a quick dip in the lake before continuing on your journey!
Police Outpost Provincial Park offers the opportunity to explore the park on foot by using its hiking trails. During your exploration, keep your eyes out for the birds and wildlife that make the park their home. When it comes to birds, you may encounter loons, swans, sandhill cranes and other species. The park is home to grizzly bears, so be sure to learn about bear safety before going out on the trails. Exploring the park in search of wildlife will not only help you get exercise but will expose you to beautiful scenery!
Police Outpost Provincial Park offers the opportunity to explore the park on foot by using its hiking trails. During your exploration, keep your eyes out for the birds and wildlife that make the park their home. When it comes to birds, you may encounter loons, swans, sandhill cranes and other species. The park is home to grizzly bears, so be sure to learn about bear safety before going out on the trails. Exploring the park in search of wildlife will not only help you get exercise but will expose you to beautiful scenery!
Wondering if there are things to do during a winter visit? It turns out that snow on the ground does not result in the end of the park’s activities. Police Outpost Provincial Park is home to 7 km (4.34 miles) of ungroomed trails for cross country skiing, for example, which is an excellent way to explore the park AND get a workout. Dress in layers and bring along something warm to drink. As you explore, keep your eyes open for any wildlife roaming the park; you may have a sighting of one of the creatures that make the park their home.
Just over 30 km (18.64 miles) from Police Outpost Provincial Park is the town of Carston, which offers an ice arena that is one of the town’s most utilized recreation facilities. Take an easy trip to the town from the park and engage in some activity on the ice; public skating is available throughout the week and figure skating and minor hockey events take place there. Schedules change each year so it is best to check with the facility to find out what is happening and the arena’s availability during the time of your visit.
An excellent way to enjoy Police Outpost Provincial Park during the winter when the ground is covered by snow, is to go snowshoeing. Once you strap on your snowshoes, you will be able to move at your own pace through the park and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. It may just feel like a winter wonderland! It can help to dress in layers as you will warm up from exertion as you get started. This is also a good way to catch sight of wildlife, as you make your way through the park enjoying its solitude.
