One of Alberta Parks’ signature parks, Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park was established in 1966 to protect Marten Mountain (the easternmost foothill in Alberta), amazing and extensive natural sand beaches, and a rare road-accessible sand dune and wetlands complex at Devonshire Beach. In 1993 a new gem was added to the park’s crown: the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory, which is one of a handful of boreal bird observatories in the world.

This park has two campgrounds: Marten River and Devonshire Short-Stay, as well as Group Use Areas. Over 35km of trails provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing; 25km of these are part of the Trans Canada Trail. Swim, soak up the sun, or build sandcastles on beautiful natural sand beaches at Devonshire and Marten River Campground. A variety of habitats ranging from foothills to mixed wood forest, from wetlands to shorelines to ancient sand dunes offer plenty of opportunities for viewing wildlife, especially birds. The lake provides great fishing, paddling, and windsurfing prospects; you can also launch a motorboat at the municipal boat launch south of the park for boating and waterskiing. Golf lovers will enjoy the Gilwood Golf and Country Club’s 18-hole golf course within the park.

Take in a bird observatory tour at the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory, and don’t forget to stop by the park’s Visitor Information Centre, the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation. Here, you can play with the interactive exhibits and ask friendly staff about birds, wildlife, and wildflowers you’ve seen or heard. Fun and fascinating interpretive programs are offered at various locations throughout the park Tuesday through Sunday in July and August.