Long Island Lake

Back in early June, I took a trip up to Long Island Lake, which is about 30 minutes north of Westlock. This shouldn't be confused with Island Lake, or Long Lake (Forfar Recreation Area) or Long Lake Provincial Park, all immediately to the east by Athabasca.

Public access is through the Long Island Lake Municipal Campground and requires a $10/car (plus GST) day pass. The lady operating the gate said that the day use area can fill up by 10 am on a summer weekend. It was unclear to me (1) when the campground opens and closes for the season or (2) whether there is access to the boat launch of the campground is closed, so I'd call ahead if you are planning on an early- or late-season visit.

The campground was nice with a nice sandy boat launch and parking and pit toilets 200 feet away. There is also a lovely beach and swimming area (picture below). The water was crystal clear (could see down between 6 and 8 feet pretty much everywhere in the lake) with no signs of algae. 

The lake is shaped like a pot, with the handle extending from the south-east corner. In the middle of the main lake area is an island (long, as it happens). It looks like you could access the island (which is hilly, treed, and full of rose bushes) from several spots on the west side.

I paddled around the perimeter of the lake counter clock-wise. It was about a three-hour paddle at a moderate pace. There were lots of loons and ducks and fish but nothing too notable.

From a paddling perspective, the island in the centre and the long reach to the south-east (which ends at Larkspur) were the most interesting parts.

The surrounding countryside is mostly aspen forest which comes right to the edge of the water. There were folks out fishing and it looked like there were pike and perch in the lake.

The days area (below) includes a large beach, a swimming area, two docks, a floating platform, and some playground equipment. No food or drink on the beach was the rule that jumped out at me. There are picnic tables in shady grass at the back.

Overall, a very nice lake and I'd go back (maybe in the autumn when the leaves are turning). The beach would make for a nice day trip if you liked to swim and such. Weekends are again much busier.