Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in the east basin of Lac La Biche and known for being Alberta's only park made up of islands, Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is a unique RV getaway destination that is well worth the trip. The islands that make up Winston Churchill Provincial Park have a long history with human inhabitants. On the south shore of Lac La Biche you will find the mission that was established in the 1850s by the Oblate Missionaries. This building and area has a large cultural significance as it was home to Alberta’s first ever printing press, commercial wheat crop, and sawmill.
Out of the six islands that make up Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park the main island is the Big Island and this is where the main park amenities are located. The island really is a gem and features six different day use areas and one campground. It also plays host to the numerous different events that are held at the park during the year. Here is where most of the recreational activities are based too, including birding, hiking, cycling, fishing and boating. Visitors are also welcome to participate in the various summer interpretive programs that include nature games, guided hikes, drop in family activities and wildlife displays.
If you choose to stay at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park the campground is nestled among tranquil old growth mixed-wood forests and they are very private thanks to the foliage that surrounds them. The campground has 72 sites that feature electrical hookups and are available for reservations and on a first come, first served basis. Peak season at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park runs from May until October.
RV Rentals in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is located in the eastern region of Alberta within Lac la Biche and it has one entry and exit point that is serviced by a causeway that is around a mile and a half long.
Despite the park being located on an island you still aren't too far away from services and amenities thanks to the town of Lac la Biche. Here you can pick up any supplies you might need for your trip and you will also be close to amenities such as health centers, restaurants and gas stations. Besides Lac la Biche there are also other towns located nearby, including Plamondon (around 25 miles or 41kms away), Boyle (around 47 miles or 77kms away) and Athabasca (around 66 miles or 107kms). The closest major city to the park is Edmonton, which is located 139 miles (224km) to the south-west.
Accessing the park should be very straightforward as the causeway is kept in great condition and there are no known obstacles. The road into the campground is also kept in very good condition and it is also very wide to allow for ease of turning. If you are traveling to the park during the winter time make sure you call ahead to confirm that the roads will be accessible.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.
Public Transportation
There are no public transport options available to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Campsites in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Alternate camping
Sir Winston Churchill Campground
Sir Winston Churchill Campground is the only campground for RVs in the park and is well-regarded as being a lovely place to call home during your stay. The sites at the campground are known for their privacy thanks to the leafy foliage that is located in between most sites.
In total there are 72 sites that you are able to choose from and more than a third of these are equipped with electrical hookups. Along with the ability to have power, other amenities in the park include wheelchair accessible sites, showers, an easily accessible boat launch, fire pits, flush toilets and a dump station. The park is also pet friendly but they must be leashed at all times.
Within the campground you should be able to get cell phone reception on most of the major networks but there is also a pay phone available if you need to use it. During the summer time the campground is known for being very busy so we recommend that you reserve a site online before you begin your journey to the park. Sir Winston Churchill Campground is open all year round.
Seasonal activities in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
In-Season
Swimming
Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is a superb destination for those who want to relax by the water during the summer time. The park has numerous white sandy beaches so you will have plenty of different areas to explore during your stay. There is no marked swimming area at the park and no lifeguards are on duty at any beach within the park. Because of this make sure that you use caution and swim to your abilities.
Boating
Once you have finished splashing around in the water, you have the chance to explore the waters in and around the park. There is a small boat launch that is available for you to use just off the causeway on the way into the park. This is the only boat ramp that you can use on the Big Island but if you have smaller watercraft such as canoes and kayaks they can be launched from the beaches. If you are wanting to rent a watercraft we recommend that you call ahead to the park office to make sure that you will have one available for when you arrive.
Picnicking
One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors and have a relaxing time during your visit to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is to pack a picnic and head to a picnic area. You have many different picnic options on the Big Island and there are five different picnic areas for you to choose from. Each area has differing amenities that include a mixture of picnic tables, playgrounds, firepits, toilets, water collection points and cooking shelters.
Off-Season
Fishing
Love to fish? If so you will love Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. The Lac La Biche fishery has been a major feature of the lake and community for well over a century. Since the 1890’s the lake has been fished commercially and it is also open for amateur anglers to try their luck at catching the big one. The major species caught within the waters include northern pike, walleye, yellow perch and burbot. Size and catch limits do apply so make sure to check out the rules and regulations before you cast out a line.
Hiking
Those who love to hike will be very impressed with the options that are available for you at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. There are numerous hiking trails in the park with the most popular being the mile and a half Long Point Trail that takes you to the westernmost tip of the island. One of the hidden gems in the park is the small remote beach that you can access by navigating the trail. All of the park’s trails are designed for hiking but if you are a keen cycler you can also take to some of the trails during good weather.
Birding
Lac La Biche and Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park has been designated an Important Bird Area due to its large populations of red-necked grebes and California gulls. The park has some amazing birding opportunities as at least 224 of the approximately 330 bird species in Alberta have been observed in the park. If you are on the look out for rarer birds keep an eye out for black-throated, green and bay-breasted warblers, olive-sided flycatchers, white-winged crossbills, Swainson’s and hermit thrushes.
