The park has a wide, sandy beach that is still suitable for sunbathing, picnicking and building sandcastles.
There are numerous forested picnic spots near the beach, many that are suitable for family groups.
A playground is located near the beach.
Miquelon Lake is strongly influenced by fluctuating water levels tied to rainfall and snowmelt. Current low lake levels make it more suitable for non-motorized aquatic activities such as kayaking and canoeing. There are no launching facilities for power boats.
Lake levels are very shallow along main park shorelines: traversing mud and silt before reaching open water and not hitting bottom is usually required.
Miquelon Lake is fed by surface and subsurface springs which are high in naturally-occurring salts and sulfates.
Lower lake levels have concentrated the salts and sulfates. This diminishes water quality for swimming and contributes to odours in summer.
The highly saline water also prevents establishment of fish populations, however the lake is a thriving ecosystem for a wide range of birds and other wildlife.
For more information about the lake, check out the interpretive exhibit in the visitor centre.
Pets are not permitted on the beach.
Swimming is not advised
The condition of the lake is not favourable for swimming. This is due to large amounts of vegetation, algae (not blue-green algae) and high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria.
Biking & Hiking
Miquelon Lake Park has an interconnecting trail system, located among the park's knob and kettle terrain. Trails are marked on the park map and have directional signs at trail junctions.
Park trails are suitable for hiking or mountain biking.
Shoreline Path is paved - suitable for any bike, rollerblades, strollers and wheelchairs.
Use caution when hiking or biking on the park's road network: watch for traffic and moving vehicles.
Birding
Miquelon Lake is a birdwatcher's paradise. Over 200 species of birds can be found here. The park is designated as one of Canada's Important Bird Areas.
During spring and fall migrations, ducks and waterfowl congregate regularly on the lake. Both trumpeter and tundra swans can be found alongside cinnamon teals, goldeneyes, and snow geese.
Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and goshawks circle the skies during the day. Nighthawks and owls prowl the night. The park is a nesting ground for Alberta's great horned owl.
A wide variety of shorebirds call Miquelon Lake home.
The park also features many songbird species including ovenbirds, pewees, grosbeaks, thrushes, finches and yellow warblers.
Miquelon Lake Park is a wild landscape, home to a variety of other wildlife ranging from reptiles and amphibians to large mammals like moose, dear and elk. Coyotes are common residents here. Occasional visits by black bears, cougars and wolves are possible.
Be sure to follow respectful wildlife watching guidelines when viewing or photographing them.
Give them space, secure attractants and keep a clean campsite or picnic site.
Explore aquatic and winged life around Grebe Pond or try matching tracks to animals. Paint a beautiful water colour landscape or search for constellations in the sky.
The backpacks include everything you need to start your own nature discovery and are available during summer.
Nearby
There's an 18-hole golf course adjacent to the park (not in the park and not operated by the park).
Further Adventures and Discoveries
The park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and offers excellent night-sky viewing opportunities. Consider visiting the Hesje Observatory to enhance your night sky viewing experience in the park, owned and operated by the University of Alberta.
Use Miquelon Lake Provincial Park as your base to explore more of the Beaver Hills Biosphere and nearby Camrose County. Consult these tourism links for more activity ideas and suggestions.
