Adventures in camping, paddling and history in Lac La Biche

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#TakeItToTheLake 


It’s not every day you can paddle your way around history. But you can in Lac La Biche County, home to one of Canada’s most unique provincial parks, Sir Winston Churchill Park, Alberta’s only campground that is on an island.

Our #TakeItToTheLake expedition took us around the island on paddleboards to explore why this is a must-do provincial park and region for fans of the outdoors, and anyone keen to learn more about Alberta and Canada’s history.

Watch Adventures in camping, paddling and history in Lac La Biche on YouTube.

The park was founded in 1952 and is known for birding and old-growth forests. If you want to discover this area like we did, meandering our way around the island on stand-up paddleboards, during this three to four-hour adventure you will no doubt see more than a few feathered friends.

Take It To The Lake this summer. Plan your Lac La Biche County adventure...

This region is known as an epicentre for the American white pelican. At the end of every April through mid-September, birders and wildlife watchers will see these magnificent creatures on display. They migrate north from the Gulf of Mexico where they winter, spending the summer in this lush zone around Sir Winston Churchill Park.

Pelicans
Photo: Doc Pow
Paddling past American White Pelicans on Alberta's only island-based provincial park.


If paddling isn’t your game, then take the six-kilometre hike around the island on the Old Growth Alley trail, a spot that is a beautiful example of a healthy and thriving eco-system.

“There hasn’t been a fire on the island for over 350 years,” says Jaclyn Denman, Alberta Parks Development officer for Sir Winston.

“A tree’s life-span with our winters is anywhere from 80 to 150 years, but that means there is lots of decomposition happening of past generations of trees that provide amazing nutrients for the eco-system of wetland and boreal forest that the island is comprised of.”

For Matt and Trisha Klein, a couple of locals, who got out paddleboarding for our cameras, this is their spot to come for a little “wind therapy.” “Coming off the water you feel so relaxed, it’s so calm on the water, and just that little bit of breeze. It’s about getting out and feeling that wind on your face,” says Matt.

Lac La Biche
Photo: Doc Pow
Lac La Biche is a mere 15 minutes by land from the provincial park (over a land bridge).

 

They don’t own paddleboards, but that doesn’t stop them. They simply call local outfitter, Off Road Rentals, a local Lac La Biche County business, which not only rents but delivers the gear to wherever you need it.

Norm Charest, founder of Off Road Rentals, knows Lake Country like the back of his hand and loves getting people out to explore the region.

“(This is) home to dozens of back- and front- country water-based adventures,” he says. That’s why his company’s paddleboards are inflatable and come with a backpack, perfect for this diverse landscape. Off Road also rents motorized toys, like ATVs and snowmobiles in winter. “I find here, 99 per cent of (our) outdoor adventures are hidden gems. Running a business that sees guests … get into these special places, it makes you feel good.”

Lac La Biche
Photo: Doc Pow
Off Road Rentals makes gear rentals in Lac La Biche easy, so #TakeItToTheLake this summer and relax

Not only is the Lac La Biche County an outdoors lover’s destination,  but it also has deep Indigenous roots, dating back millennia.

Be sure to stop into the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre. It offers a Spirit Program, which gives guests the chance to learn about the language and traditions of the Cree Nation. 

Tipi
Photo: Doc Pow
Young dancers learn about and share their culture through the Lac La Biche Native Friendship Centre.


As you can see from the video above, we had a chance to watch a youth dancing demonstration. Guaranteed, you’ll be impressed just like we were.

If you’d like to dig a bit deeper into a unique Indigenous experience, you can book one of two tipis at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park campground, a partnership with the Native Friendship Centre. This is definitely not roughing it. You’ll have a deluxe setup with your own kitchen and a proper washroom. The tipis have been erected in true Cree tradition with the support poles set according to north, south, east and west.

 
WHEN YOU GO

Lac La Biche County will help you plan a #TakeItToTheLake adventure you won’t forget

Check out the hiking options in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park

Make sure Off Road Adventures is part of your time in Lac La Biche County.

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