Aspen Beach features an interconnected trail system that winds through wetlands and forested areas of the park, connecting Ebeling Beach Day Use Area, Brewers Campground, and Lakeview Campground.
Park trails are suitable for both hiking and biking.
You can enhance your experience by taking the paved trail that departs from Lakeview Campground and leads into the town of Bentley.
Birding
Gull Lake is an important stopover for many migrating birds but is also home to a large variety of species throughout the seasons, including white pelicans, herring gulls, and sandpipers.
Use a telephoto lens or binoculars to get a closer look.
Check out the viewing platform overlooking the wetland to listen for the male Red-winged Blackbird's "conk-la-lee!" song.
Fishing
Gull Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, pike, lake whitefish, and burbot.
Fishing licenses are required by law in Alberta. To purchase a license, you must possess a WiN (Wildlife Identification Number) card.
Youth under 16 years, individuals over 65 years, and First Nations people do not require a fishing license.
Be aware of the fishing regulations for Gull Lake, including catch limits and seasonal restrictions. Refer to the details in the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for more details.
Swimming and the beach
The park has a long, sandy beach that is still suitable for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles.
There are numerous picnic spots near the beach that are suitable for family groups.
There are no lifeguards at the beach; however, you can borrow a lifejacket from the Lifejacket Loaner Station, located at the kiosk near the concession building.
Gull Lake is strongly influenced by fluctuating water levels due to rainfall and snowmelt. Water levels at Gull Lake have historically fluctuated considerably.
Lake levels are very shallow along the park shorelines; traversing mud and silt before reaching open water and not hitting bottom is usually necessary.
Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Wildlife Watching
Mule deer can be seen in open meadows, along roadsides, or in the forest, grazing on grasses and shrubs.
Coyotes are seen most frequently at dawn and dusk. They can be heard yipping and howling in the evenings as the sun sinks behind the horizon.
Beavers can be seen working hard on their lodges along the edges of the lake.
Porcupines, skunks, weasels, and ground squirrels can all be spotted with a little luck and a lot of patience.
Be sure to follow respectful wildlife watching guidelines when viewing or photographing them.
Give them space, secure attractants, and maintain a clean campsite or picnic area.
