If you're looking for a strip of sand on some Alberta water to enjoy, Wabamun is our new go-to for a local beach destination.
Less than an hour out of Edmonton on highway 16, the Provincial Park is fairly well signed.There's a big parking lot when you find the swimming space and it's fairly close to the water.
The beach is easily accessible for anything on wheels (wheelchairs, strollers, wagons) and there is a lot of amenities nearby as well. There's a great play structure just off the beach. Flush toilets, as well as outhouses are close by as well. Shower facilities are close, as is a few picnic spots with the bbq pits. Off to the side are some beach volleyball nets.
The beach is small but good. It had been raked the night before so it was super clean. The swimming area is roped off and at the ropes, the water was only at my waist. I did see some people swimming past but it was a cloudy day and I didn't stay in the water for very long. For the most part, the bottom of the lake was sandy, except for a bit of seaweed.
We saw a gentleman fishing off the dock by the boat launch. A Park Ranger did approach him to make sure he had his fishing licence so make sure you're prepared as well if you're there to fish, by having all of your documents in order!
There was a shack as well that had a sign for hot dogs (and other items I'm sure) but it wasn't open when we were there. read more