Chain Lakes (62.6 km)
The Chain Lakes—North Chain Lake, Middle Chain Lake, and Magee Lake (South Chain Lake)—are located north of Clive in central Alberta, spanning Ponoka and Lacombe Counties. Connected by Parlby Creek, which serves as their inflow and outflow before joining the Red Deer River basin, the lakes provide habitat for wildlife and recreation. North Chain Lake, managed by Ponoka Fish and Game, is the smallest and narrowest. It receives water from upstream lakes and is accessible via Range Road 250A, where Ponoka County maintains a small recreation area. Middle Chain Lake, the longest, lies between North Chain and Magee Lake, with Chain Lakes Park providing public access on the western shore and 3 km of maintained trails. Magee Lake, the widest and southernmost, borders the Magee Lake Natural Area, with a recreation area on its western shore maintained by Lacombe County. The lakes support Northern Pike and occasional Yellow Perch, with boreal and parkland ecosystems offering seasonal highlights such as Canada violet carpets in the spring. Recreational opportunities include birdwatching and paddling.
Access: Head north on Highway 2A from Lacombe, turn right onto Township Road 412. After 21 km, turn left onto Range Road 243 and continue to the Magee Lake parking area.
Partners: Ponoka County, Lacombe County, Ponoka Fish and Game, & Lacombe Fish and Game
Alberta Discover Guide: No
The Chain Lakes—North Chain Lake, Middle Chain Lake, and Magee Lake (South Chain Lake)—are located north of Clive in central Alberta, spanning Ponoka and Lacombe Counties. Connected by Parlby Creek, which serves as their inflow and outflow before joining the Red Deer River basin, the lakes provide habitat for wildlife and recreation. North Chain Lake, managed by Ponoka Fish and Game, is the smallest and narrowest. It receives water from upstream lakes and is accessible via Range Road 250A, where Ponoka County maintains a small recreation area. Middle Chain Lake, the longest, lies between North Chain and Magee Lake, with Chain Lakes Park providing public access on the western shore and 3 km of maintained trails. Magee Lake, the widest and southernmost, borders the Magee Lake Natural Area, with a recreation area on its western shore maintained by Lacombe County. The lakes support Northern Pike and occasional Yellow Perch, with boreal and parkland ecosystems offering seasonal highlights such as Canada violet carpets in the spring. Recreational opportunities include birdwatching and paddling.
Access: Head north on Highway 2A from Lacombe, turn right onto Township Road 412. After 21 km, turn left onto Range Road 243 and continue to the Magee Lake parking area.
Partners: Ponoka County, Lacombe County, Ponoka Fish and Game, & Lacombe Fish and Game
Alberta Discover Guide: No
