Vacation rentals in Wabamun Lake

Less than an hour from the city of Edmonton, Wabamun Lake sits in the province of Alberta and is one of the most popular of the lakes in the area for its plentiful opportunities to swim, picnic, or go boating. Its name is derived from the Indigenous Cree word for mirror, due to its still and particularly reflective waters.

Every summer, the lake’s wide, sandy shores are punctuated with umbrellas and towels from swimmers looking to enjoy the warm water, while winter sees no less traction when snowfall brings skiers, snowshoers, and ice fishers. In the grassy land surrounding the lake there are plenty of beach volleyball courts, biking tracks, hiking trails, nature walks, and picnic spots. Within the village of Wabamun you’ll find a large dragonfly sculpture; the town is known for attracting a large population of these insects, which hatch here every summer. You can help honor their presence at the annual two-day Dragonfly Festival, which includes live music, all-ages games, and even a car show.

Wabamun Lake is at its most popular during the warmer months of the year, when people often look for cabins for rent in the Edmonton area. During summer, you could spend hours on the shoreline under an umbrella or enjoying a picnic lunch, and the water is clear and warm enough for swimming. The Seba Beach Farmers’ Market, 20 minutes’ drive away in the village of Seba Beach, is held weekly from May until September, where you can buy a selection of local produce, plants, preserves and pickles, and arts and crafts. Spring can bring cooler weather, but is still warm enough to be a lovely time for hiking, fishing, and sampling some of the region’s produce at local restaurants.

Autumn can start to get quite cold, and there may be snow towards the end of the season, though this is a good time for those who enjoy seasonal birding, as various species migrate down south for the winter. The winter months tend to see a lot of snowfall, bringing chilly temperatures that are ideal for ice fishing on the lake.

Wabamun Lake Provincial Park

On the northeastern shore, Wabamun Lake Provincial Park offers top-tier birding spots and is home to a diverse range of bird species, including mallards, hooded mergansers, and bald eagles. You may also see migratory herons or kingfishers around the lake. You can take a dip in the water here, or go canoeing, paddling, or powerboating before enjoying a picnic.

Wabamun & District Museum

Situated within the former United Church, the Wabamun & District Museum is filled with exhibits of local artefacts, toys, equipment, and tools. Displays show how the area around the lake has evolved from a place of heavy industry and fishing and canning into a year-round holiday destination.

Alberta Beach

Just 20 minutes away by car, the village of Alberta Beach on Lac Ste. Anne offers a lovely day trip from Wabamun Lake. Visitors come here year round to explore the soft sandy shores, picnic on the grassland, and enjoy festivals featuring yoga, local produce, and live music. You can also learn more about the area’s history at the Alberta Beach Museum.