We are spending our summer exploring Alberta and that includes day trips to some of the best family friendly beaches in Alberta. We are going back to some of our favourites and checking out some new ones. With so many in Alberta I’ve rounded up 13 of the best, family friendly beaches in Alberta. This is definitely one list that you will want to keep on hand and add to your list of places to go this summer!
Where to find family friendly beaches in Alberta
Shaw’s Point Resort, Lesser Slave Lake, AB
4 hours North of Edmonton + 1 hour from town of Slave Lake
One of my most favourite beaches that I have been to in Alberta! Large sandy beach with volley ball courts. Boat rentals and store with all amenties also on site.
$10/ vehicle
Shaw’s Point Resort Website
Long Lake, Long Lake Provincial Park
1.5 hours North of Edmonton
Another family favourite when I was growing up! Love the beach, and the water is pretty great too! Grocery store and concession available close to the beach.
Long Lake Website
Cold Lake
The beach is right in town and has a park and spray park right by the beach too.
3 hours North East of Edmonton
Cold Lake Website
Whitecourt River Slides, Rotary Park
River slides (bring your own tubes for the best experience – tubes not available to rent), splash park, playground, public washrooms, and concession.
2 hours North-West of Edmonton
Rotary Park Website
Wabamun Lake, Wabamun Provincial Park
1 hour West of Edmonton
A large beach with a tonne of green space. Park is newer and kept the kids busy for close to an hour. Go early (especially if you want a picnic table and fire pit) it gets busy fast!
Wabamun Website
Quarry Lake, Canmore
4 hours South West of Edmonton
Known as the locals outdoor swimming pool with picnic tables and sandy beach. A little on the cooler side but nothing is better then some nice cool water on a hot summers day.
Quarry Lake Website
Buffalo Lake, Ol’MacDonalds Resort
1.5 hours South of Edmonton
Shallow water that kept thirteen kids 5 years of age and younger occupied for a long time! Campsite restaurant with ice cream, farm animals, merry go round, and a nice sandy beach with ice cream stand onsite! Bring a pail to catch little minnows, the kids loved it!
$10/ vehicle
Ol’MacDonalds Resort Website
Gull Lake, Aspen Beach Provincial Park
1.5 hours South of Edmonton
Lots of sandy beach space, and space to picnic with the family.
Aspen Beach Website
Sylvan Lake
1.5 hours South of Edmonton
I grew up going to summer camp at Sylvan Lake so this place is chalk full of memories! A great family beach with a large park on one end, and a sandy beach. Lot’s of picnic tables throughout the length of the lake. Beach is right in town so any and all amenities are available. There is even places where you can borrow life jackets for free!
Sylvan Lake website
Discovery Canyon (Not open in summer 2016 due to maintenance)
1.5 hours South of Edmonton
Perfect for kids! Area includes a small beach, spray pool, concession, washrooms, and more.
Can rent tubes for $5 plus a $15 refundable deposit (or bring your own for free!)
Discovery Canyon Website
Lake Newell, Kinbrook Provincial Park
As a kid we went here every summer! It’s Alberta’s largest man made lake with with a large sandy beach, volleyball courts, and walking paths.
4.5 hours South of Edmonton
Travers Reservoir, The Little Bow Provincial Park
4.5 hours South of Edmonton
The perfect set up for young kids. Beach is a horse shoe shape and surrounded by picnic tables with fire pits, and tons of trees for shade.
Travers Reservoir website
Do you have suggestions for other family friendly beaches in Alberta that’s aren’t listed here? I would love to know about them so I can add it to my list of places to explore!