Appreciate Indigenous Culture –

Appreciating Indigenous culture is important and one of the niftiest things to do in Alberta’s Lakeland. Experience the birthplace of Métis Settlements right here in Alberta. Alberta’s Lakeland is home to one of the largest populations of Indigenous and Métis peoples in Canada, and is the proud home of Alex Janvier, one of two living members of the Indigenous Group of Seven artists, whose art you can see at Janvier Gallery on Cold Lake First Nation.  

Book a signature experience at Métis Crossing, a premier centre for Alberta Metis culture and education, or head to Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art & Artifacts in Lac La Biche to peruse more than 2000 modern and historic pieces of Indigenous pieces.

Bike a Trestle

Spend some time on Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail site to plan a fall excursion on horseback, ATV, OHV (off highway vehicle) or bike. Fall is arguably the best time to be on the trail, with yellows and oranges of fall colours slipping by and overhead, stunning light over the rolling hills, trestles and dunes. Peruse maps, staging areas, rest stops, attractions and more to put together a fabulous 1 to 3 day itinerary on what has been called Canada’s Hidden Gem of the West. 

One scenic 11.4km out and back section near Cold Lake makes for a great bike ride. It takes you over a picturesque wooden trestle that crosses the Beaver River. It is great for birding, hiking and mountain biking. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail can be accessed off Highway 28 south of Cold Lake just west of Casino Dene on Range Road 24. 

Escape From a Room

The ever increasing popularity of themed puzzle rooms has grown in Canada. Essentially, it’s a physical game in which your group of two to six or eight people must solve a series of riddles using clues and hints to escape before the time limit is up. 

Mythik Games in Bonnyville has rooms to test your ability in critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. Whether you are a family group of two to eight made up of different age groups, Mythik Games will give you the perfect escape night for your entire group. Besides escape rooms, the place has hundreds of board games, and great food and beverages on offer.  

Pandora’s Locks in Cold Lake has five different rooms for your team of two to six people. Pick from Wild West Saloon, The Collector, Roadside Motel, The Cabin, and oooh, The Botanist. 

If you and your colleagues, family or friends have never tried an escape room, book one for an hour and do it. If you have, you’ll know that they are all fun different and add a unique challenge every time. Best for ages ten and up. 

Sleep on the Waterfront 

Awaking to breakfast on deck with a panoramic view of the lake or marina sure sounds good, especially with fall mists rising off the water. Waterfront Harbour B&B is right in Cold Lake on the water.  

This more than 3000 square foot home has seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, so you might choose to overnight after your visit to the gallery or bike ride across the Beaver River trestle. 

Relax in the living room area with its large gas fireplace, in the sunroom, in the library with skylight and desk, or best of all, on the big waterfront deck. Local original artwork is on display and guests are often treated to fresh baked snacks in the evening.  

Alberta’s Travel Lakeland has numerous other accommodation options ranging from camping areas to bed & breakfasts to lakeside cottages and hotels.  Hundreds of activities beckon but for something different, start with the above 4 nifty things to do in Alberta’s Lakeland. Enjoy!