Crimson Lake offers great fishing opportunities for perch year round! You will also find great trout fishing opportunities at Twin Lakes, just down the road!
Fishing licenses are required by law in Alberta. To buy a license, you must have a WiN (Wildlife Identification Number) card.
You can obtain a WiN card and fishing license online through Alberta RELM or at many sporting goods stores, convenience stores and gas stations. MyWildAlberta.com has a listing of private license issuers.
Youth under 16 years, persons over 65 years and First Nations people do not require a fishing license.
Be aware of the fishing regulations for Crimson Lake, including catch limits and seasonal restrictions. Check the details in the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations.
Hiking
There is a 10 km trail around Crimson Lake shoreline. In addition there is a 6.5km trail that connects Crimson Lake and Twin Lakes and several smaller 0.5-2km trails throughout the park.
The trails at Crimson Lake Provincial Park are considered easy walking on well-groomed, grassy trails, with very little elevation gain.
The Wolf Track, North Woods, and Fallen Timber trails are also open in winter for cross-country skiing, and the Sandpit trail offers great snowshoeing opportunities.
Swimming
The designated swimming area and beach can be found at the Crimson Lake Campground Day Use.
There are no lifeguards at the beach. However, you can borrow a lifejacket from the Lifejacket Loaner Station, located at the registration booth.
Please note that dogs and pets are not permitted on the beach.
Birding
Crimson Lake is home for a large variety of birds. Waterfowl and shorebirds such as loons, sandhill cranes, mallards, and common goldeyes can be seen on the lake at any time of day.
Stroll through the forest to look for mountain bluebirds, gray jays, red-breasted nuthatches and birds of prey soaring sitting a top the spruce trees.
Wildlife Watching
Whitetail deer can be seen in the campground, along roadsides or in the forest grazing on grasses and shrubs.
The occasional Lynx, Coyote, and Black Bear can be seen inside the park. Ensuring clean campsites, and knowledge of wildlife safety is essential while visiting our parks!
Skunks, marmots and red squirrels can all be spotted with a little luck and a lot of patience.
