Summer Recreation

Biking Boating Fishing

Golfing Hiking Horseback Riding

Sightseeing Swimming

Water Skiing Wind Surfing

 

 

 

 

Biking

• Some trails here are suitable for mountain biking.  Other trails are good with any bike.
• Bike rental is available during peak season in the Elkwater Lake area.

Boating

Elkwater Lake (located adjacent to Elkwater townsite)

• Largest body of water in the park (4 kilometres long, 3 kilometres wide, maximum depth of 10 metres)
• All types of boats allowed - including motorized boats, jet skis, paddle boats, sail boats, canoes
• Suitable for water-skiing and wind surfing
• Boat rental open during peak season in Elkwater Lake area
• Marina stalls available for rent on Elkwater Lake

Reesor Lake & Spruce Coulee Reservoir (located 10 km east of Elkwater)

• Only non-motorized boats allowed
• Excellent choices for canoeing or paddling
• Boat launches at both Reesor Lake & Spruce Coulee Reservoir

Fishing

• Elkwater Lake has naturally occurring perch and pike.
• Reesor Lake and Spruce Coulee Reservoir are stocked annually - rainbow trout in Reesor Lake and brook trout in Spruce Coulee Reservoir.
• Michelle Reservoir and Bullshead Reservoir (located 20 minutes from Elkwater Lake) are other popular fishing areas.
• Check the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for details on regulations and restrictions.
• Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Elkwater Service Station.

Golfing

• Elkwater Park Golf Club - nine holes, grass greens
• Lakeside Mini-Golf

Hiking

• More than 50 kilometres of trails, ranging from natural to paved to boardwalk
• Trail guide available online or at the Visitor Centre

Horseback Riding

• Horseback riding is allowed within Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park-Alberta with a permit from the Park Administration Office.
• The West Block in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park-Saskatchewan offers an equestrian campground and trail system.
• Historic Reesor Ranch offers "Cowboy Comfort with Atmosphere and Western Hospitality".  Horse-related activities include two-hour horseback riding excursions, buggy rides, and wagon rides.  Day visitors are welcome but must book in advance at 306-662-3498.

Hunting

• Hunting is limited to the fall elk hunt which is done for elk management purposes.
• More info on hunting in Alberta's provincial parks

Off-Highway Vehicles

• Off-highway vehicles are NOT ALLOWED in the park.  This includes snowmobiles, dirt bikes and 3-wheelers.

Sightseeing by Vehicle

• Visit the highest point in the Cypress Hills for spectacular views on the west driving route.
• The east driving route is a 60-kilometre loop. You can continue to Fort Walsh National Historic Site on the Saskatchewan side of the interprovincial park.
• Driving Routes Map

Swimming

Elkwater Lake

• Large designated swimming and beach area
• Unsupervised beach - Swim at your own risk!
• Spring-fed lake, clean and very refreshing

No beaches Reesor Lake or Spruce Coulee Reservoir - swimming NOT recommended

Water Skiing

Elkwater Lake

• Water skiing popular on Elkwater Lake
• Launch from the West-End Day Use area
• Area located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the main beach area

NO motorized boats or water skiing at Reesor Lake or Spruce Coulee Reservoir

Wind Surfing

• On Elkwater Lake