Protected Areas
Explore Central Alberta's Protected Areas
Explore Central Alberta's Protected Areas
Rules and Amenities for all Parkland areas
|
Rules:
Hiking allowed Day use only No open fires Foot access only Dogs: Please note that protected areas are some of the last remaining places where wildlife can live their lives in peace. Dogs frighten, chase and even kill wildlife. Please respect the wildlife and do NOT bring your dog (leashed or unleashed) to these areas. Hazards: livestock may be present intermittently on some sites, leave gates as you find them. Consent Prior to Entry: May be required on some sites (dogs must be under control, preferably on a leash, at all times). |
Amenities:
Bathrooms: Most have no bathrooms available, there are some exceptions. Trash: Most have no garbage facilities. Please bring your trash home. Parking: Most have limited parking, or parking along ditches near area Hazards: Tripping and falling, wild animals - be prepared, bring bear spray. |
Mitchell Pond (3.0 km)
This site is conveniently located in the heart of Red Deer City. Access is possible on foot only, and while most paths are paved, some are dirt. It takes about 20 minutes to walk here from Heritage Ranch. Upon reaching the pond, you'll discover a large earth island with trails accessible via a bridge. A sizable dock on the south side is ideal for fishing and wildlife viewing. In Waskasoo Park, visitors will find bathrooms, picnic tables, a children's playground, and a gazebo. Additionally, there are areas for disposing of and recycling used fishing line. Please be aware that swimming is not allowed at this location.
Access: Located in Red Deer, travel northwest on Highway 2. Take the exit to Heritage Ranch and park. On foot, follow the paved path leading to Waskasoo Park.
Partners: ACA, AEP, City of Red Deer, Nutrien, SysGen Solutions Group
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-3
Braithwaite (11.6 km)
Located just north of Penhold, this conservation site stands as a sanctuary for wildlife. With the landowner’s permission, visitors can explore this property and embrace the wonders of nature, ensuring the continued protection and conservation of this location. Keep an eye out for the elusive grouse and have the chance to encounter its distinct calls.
Access: Travel west of Penhold on Highway 592. In 4.2 km, veer right onto Calgary and Alberta Trail (Range Road 283A) and continue for 4.8 km.
Partners: AFGA, Zone 3 Fish and Game
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-11
Braithwaite (11.6 km)
Located just north of Penhold, this conservation site stands as a sanctuary for wildlife. With the landowner’s permission, visitors can explore this property and embrace the wonders of nature, ensuring the continued protection and conservation of this location. Keep an eye out for the elusive grouse and have the chance to encounter its distinct calls.
Access: Travel west of Penhold on Highway 592. In 4.2 km, veer right onto Calgary and Alberta Trail (Range Road 283A) and continue for 4.8 km.
Partners: AFGA, Zone 3 Fish and Game
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-11
Cygnet Lake (12.8 km)
This area spans both sides of Highway 11 and features wetland and marsh habitat. While there are no trails, you can use a small kayak or raft to access the lake. The lake has a greenish hue from the shore, and you can spot waterfowl like the Eared Grebe and Sora. Land birds like the Common Grackle and Red-winged Blackbird are also present. Walking along the shore and cattails reveals nesting waterfowl, so please tread carefully and avoid disturbing nests. This location is suitable for naturalists and road-side viewing (from the ditch). However, due to its proximity to a busy highway, visitors should exercise extreme caution. It's important to note that this site may not be family-friendly.
Access: From Red Deer, travel west on Highway 11 towards Sylvan Lake. After 9 km, park in the ditch by the bridge. Exercise caution near the highway.
Partners: Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC)
Alberta Discovery Guide: E3-40
This area spans both sides of Highway 11 and features wetland and marsh habitat. While there are no trails, you can use a small kayak or raft to access the lake. The lake has a greenish hue from the shore, and you can spot waterfowl like the Eared Grebe and Sora. Land birds like the Common Grackle and Red-winged Blackbird are also present. Walking along the shore and cattails reveals nesting waterfowl, so please tread carefully and avoid disturbing nests. This location is suitable for naturalists and road-side viewing (from the ditch). However, due to its proximity to a busy highway, visitors should exercise extreme caution. It's important to note that this site may not be family-friendly.
Access: From Red Deer, travel west on Highway 11 towards Sylvan Lake. After 9 km, park in the ditch by the bridge. Exercise caution near the highway.
Partners: Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC)
Alberta Discovery Guide: E3-40
Mary and Cliff Soper Natural Area (15.8 km)
Generously donated by the Sopers in 2017, this 25-acre natural area provides a veritable haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Upon arrival, you'll find a parking lot, a washroom facility, and some garbage bins, for your convenience. Embark on an enchanting journey along the winding paths that meander through the lush forest, where towering spruce trees and graceful aspen trees create a captivating canopy above. As you delve deeper into this natural wonderland, you'll have the privilege of encountering a diverse array of wildlife, including the Barred Owl, Mountain Bluebird, and Red-tailed Hawk.
Access: From Blackfalds, travel east on Township Road 394 2.7 km. Pull into the parking lot, located on the south-side of the gravel road.
Partners: Lacombe County
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
TransCanada Trail (17.2 km)
Meticulously crafted by the TransCanada Trail, a non-profit organization and registered charity, this particular section traverses the landscape between Blackfalds and Lacombe, spanning an impressive length of 8 kilometers. Along this scenic route, you'll have the pleasure of walking past Lacombe Lake, home to an array of waterfowl species, such as the Red-necked Grebe and Common Loon. As you continue your journey, the trail meanders past the Kuhnen Park, inviting you to immerse yourself in its natural allure.
Access: from Red Deer, set your course northward on Highway 2A. Veer westward onto Township Road 400, also known as Lakeside/Sargent Road. Along this scenic route, there are areas for parking.
Partners: Lacombe County
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Kuhnen Park (17.6 km)
Donated by the Kuhnen family in 2015, prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the exquisite sanctuary located north of Blackfalds. Upon arrival, you'll be delighted to find well-maintained washroom facilities, ample parking, and convenient garbage receptacles, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Let the trails guide you through the forest, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. As you wander, be prepared to encounter a diverse array of captivating wildlife, including the Baltimore Oriole, Red-tailed hawk, and Turkey Vulture. The property itself possess a large pond in the southern reaches, complemented with scattered marshes and forested areas adorned with white spruce and trembling aspen trees.
Access: Travel north from Blackfalds on Highway 2A. In 2.7 km, turn left onto Township Road 400 and then right onto Range Road 272. The entrance to Kuhnen Park is located on the left-hand side of the gravel road.
Partners: Lacombe County
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Boulder Lake - ACA Fish Stocking (18 km)
This location offers an excellent habitat for waterfowl and frogs, such as the Horned Grebe and Wood Frog. The lake is surrounded by a mix of grassland, forested areas, and pasture for grazing cattle. On-site amenities include five fishing docks and a publicly accessible outhouse. However, it's important to note that the site lacks tree coverage for shade, so it's advisable to consider this aspect before visiting on a hot day. The boundary of the site is marked by fencing, and it's worth mentioning that the Blind Man River cannot be accessed from this property.
Access: To reach this location, travel west of Blackfalds on Aspelund Road / Township Road 394 for 2.4 km. Then, make a left turn (south) onto Range Road 275 and continue for 2.5 km. Finally, turn west into the parking lot. Please be aware that this property can only be accessed from Aspelund Road. Despite GPS directions that might suggest Range Rd 275 from Red Deer, it's important to note that a privately owned bridge along that route is inaccessible to the public.
Partners: ACA, AFGA, LFGA
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-174
This location offers an excellent habitat for waterfowl and frogs, such as the Horned Grebe and Wood Frog. The lake is surrounded by a mix of grassland, forested areas, and pasture for grazing cattle. On-site amenities include five fishing docks and a publicly accessible outhouse. However, it's important to note that the site lacks tree coverage for shade, so it's advisable to consider this aspect before visiting on a hot day. The boundary of the site is marked by fencing, and it's worth mentioning that the Blind Man River cannot be accessed from this property.
Access: To reach this location, travel west of Blackfalds on Aspelund Road / Township Road 394 for 2.4 km. Then, make a left turn (south) onto Range Road 275 and continue for 2.5 km. Finally, turn west into the parking lot. Please be aware that this property can only be accessed from Aspelund Road. Despite GPS directions that might suggest Range Rd 275 from Red Deer, it's important to note that a privately owned bridge along that route is inaccessible to the public.
Partners: ACA, AFGA, LFGA
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-174
Fleming Slough (18 km)
The property includes large and shallow wetlands throughout its location, and is surrounded by cultivated fields. In the distance, earth islands can be seen erupting from the water’s surface. This space provides ideal habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl, including the Black-necked Stilt, Pied-billed Grebe, and Sora. From the road, hundreds of birds can be observed, marking it as a perfect location for wildlife onlookers.
Access: Head southwest on Highway 2A from Red Deer to Penhold. Turn right (west) onto Grey St, cross the railroad tracks and follow as the road curves south and then west for 1 km. A Habitat Steward sign is used to mark the location. There is a mowed parking lot, however, it should be advised to stay on the road since the property is privately owned.
Stakeholders: N/A
Alberta Discover Guide: N/A
Schroeder (18.8 km)
This remarkable site showcases a vast south-facing slope that boasts topography resulting in powerful updrafts, providing the perfect vantage point to witness the flight of soaring raptors. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Tree Canada, an impressive forest of 70,000 aspen and 30,000 white spruce trees now graces this location, enhancing its natural splendor. The area is abundant with wildlife, including the elegant Sora and an enchanting variety of other captivating waterfowl. Nature enthusiasts will find delight in the opportunity to engage in saskatoon and chokecherry picking, further immersing themselves in the rich offerings of this site.
Access: This 150-acre site is located approximately 17 km southeast of Red Deer. Take Highway 2 south, and travel 4.8 km east on Highway 42, then south on Range Road 271 for 3.2 km and east on Township Road 364 for 1.6 km.
Partners: ACA, AFGA
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-72
Radar Hill (19.5 km)
This conservation site features an old roadway that winds through its scenic landscape. Embraced by lush vegetation and serene ponds, this heavily treed area provides a diverse array of habitats for forest birds and waterfowl such as the Eastern Kingbird, the Red-eyed Vireo, and Blue-winged Teal. Visitors to this site will be captivated by the abundant wildlife and natural wonders awaiting their exploration. As you venture through this enchanting space, kindly respect the adjacent private property, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment.
Access: To access the site travel east out of Red Deer on Highway 595, and south on Range Road 260 until the very end of the gravel road.
Partners: ACA, AEP
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-12
East Stormwater Pond (23.2 km)
This conservation property is located in the City of Lacombe and is approximately a 30-minute drive from Red Deer. It is easily accessible beside the Lacombe Police Station. This site is both naturalist and family-friendly, offering easy accessibility on foot. However, please note that roadblocks at the entrance prevent on-site parking. The pond on-site has one dock and is stocked annually with trout, making it a great spot for anglers. You can also observe other species, such as the Northern Shoveler and Lesser Scaup, on the water. Please be aware that there are no bathrooms or garbage cans available on the premises.
Access: Travel east on Highway 2 and turn left onto Wolf Creek Drive. After 0.6 km, turn right onto 53 Avenue. Once you pass the police station, immediately pull into the entrance on the left-hand side.
Partners: ACA, AEP, City of Lacombe, LFGA, Nutrien
Alberta Discovery Guide: E3-162
This conservation property is located in the City of Lacombe and is approximately a 30-minute drive from Red Deer. It is easily accessible beside the Lacombe Police Station. This site is both naturalist and family-friendly, offering easy accessibility on foot. However, please note that roadblocks at the entrance prevent on-site parking. The pond on-site has one dock and is stocked annually with trout, making it a great spot for anglers. You can also observe other species, such as the Northern Shoveler and Lesser Scaup, on the water. Please be aware that there are no bathrooms or garbage cans available on the premises.
Access: Travel east on Highway 2 and turn left onto Wolf Creek Drive. After 0.6 km, turn right onto 53 Avenue. Once you pass the police station, immediately pull into the entrance on the left-hand side.
Partners: ACA, AEP, City of Lacombe, LFGA, Nutrien
Alberta Discovery Guide: E3-162
Len Thompson Trout Pond (24.1 km)
The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) diligently ensures that this pond is annually stocked with an abundant supply of trout, often coinciding with the highly anticipated May long weekend. As you embark on your visit, be sure to seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serenity of the surrounding environment, perhaps by partaking in a delightful picnic at one of the available tables. Moreover, don't overlook the chance to marvel at a truly remarkable sight—the installation of the world's largest fishing lure, which took place on-site in 2019. For an even more enriching experience, mark your calendar for the eagerly anticipated annual Youth Fishing Day, a cherished event held at this very location each June.
Access: From Highway 2A, turn E on Woodland Drive and then North on Len Thompson Drive to arrive at this pond, located in Lacombe.
Partners: ACA, AEP, City of Lacombe, LFGA, Nutrien, Thompson-Pallister Bait Company
Alberta Discover Guide: E3-163
