City of Cold Lake

Pristine waters, rugged wilderness, majestic wildlife and all the amenities to make your experience unforgettable. The small City of Cold Lake gets you away from big city madness within a short drive. Tucked away on the eastern border of the M.D. of Bonnyville, Cold Lake is the transition zone from the Aspen Parkland region to the Boreal mixed wood forest.

 

Known as the Jewel of the Lakeland for its awe inspiring sunsets and occasional northern lights, Cold Lake will warm you up. It is your one stop for outdoor fun and your chance to become Alberta’s beach bum! Spend a few days in the city and you’ll soon realize that you will want to come back for more! For more information on the City of Cold Lake visit their web site at www.coldlake.com.

Cold Lake Downtown

Downtown Cold Lake is the hub of the south section of the city. Shop till you drop and then relax with a coffee or smoothie.

You’ll find the best lingerie boutique in northern Alberta, a children’s clothing store that offers all the top brands, an accessory shop covering all the price points and a shoe store with an expansive selection. Once you’ve dressed yourself and the family, take a peek at the gift stores for home décor items.

Hamel’s Meats, just off the main drag, has an amazing selection. Their beef jerky is a “must try item”, as it was taken into space by one of our Canadian astronauts. Grand Square Cinema, a five screen movie theatre, is also located on this street, featuring the latest first-run movies.

Cold Lake Lakeshore

The Cold Lake Marina is a prime spot to watch out for the “Legend of the Kinosoo” or “big fish” that the Dene Suline and Cree believe to inhabit the depths of the lake.

The Marina offers daily, weekly and monthly berth rentals from May 1 to September 30. Security is provided. Call 780-639-3316 to book your berth. There is fuel, a pump out system, sail boat lifting mast and a fish cleaning station available for boaters. Fishing is allowed on the outside of the breakwater.

The Lakeside Grill is open year-round at the Marina serving lunch, dinner and weekend breakfasts. Ice cream and ice are available at the counter. Clarks General Store and Eatery, across from the Marina, will cook your catch – just give them advance notice.

On Lakeshore Drive is Janvier Gallery, featuring the work of Cold Lake First Nation artist Alex Janvier, one of Canada’s premier artists. Pick out a unique gift from Wild Rose Gallery and Gifts. The exquisite shop offers a great selection of Canadian made artisan gifts, as well as providing award winning custom framing. One block from the lakeshore is Marina Mall where you can stock up on all the necessities.

Lakeside Marine & Off Road has accessories, parts and repairs for boats, quads and sleds. They sell Lake Trout fishing tackle, bait, tubes, ropes and outboard engines.

Just a short walk along the lakeshore you’ll find Kinosoo Beach. A three block stretch of fine sand named one of the top 25 beaches in Canada by Canadian Geographic. Beach volleyball courts, a children’s playground, an ice cream stand and the occasional live performance help break up the long summer day.

Cold Lake Indoor Recreation

The Cold Lake Energy Centre boosts a field house, fitness and wellness centre, indoor walking/running track, and a children’s play area. A new arena is under construction. The field house is open for a variety of sports. The fitness centre features a Kinesis Circuit and Easy Line System. There are also a variety of fitness classes from yoga to Zumba. For schedules go to www.coldlake.com or 780.639.6400

 The J.J. Parr Sports Centre at 4 Wing Cold Lake contains an aquatic centre featuring a six lane competition pool, a zero entry leisure pool and waterslide. There is also a hot tub, sauna, fully equipped weight and cardio room, large gymnasium, three squash courts, one racquetball court, a smaller gym and two NHL size ice surfaces. The Mackenzie Leisure Centre also offers dance, music, art, gymnastics and fitness for youth and adults. For programming details call  780.840.8000 ext 7823.

 The Cold Lake Golf & Winter Club on 4 Wing houses a six sheet curling rink and banquet facilities as well as an 18-hole golf course. 780.594.5341 www.coldlakegolfandwinterclub.ca