Relax. Breathe. Listen. with everything that the beautiful M.D. of Bonnyville has to offer! Here’s our list of top things to do in the M.D. of Bonnyville.
Glendon
The place to go is Pyrogy Park, home of the World’s Largest Pyrogy. The park is equipped with picnic areas, washroom facility and gazebo, two modern playgrounds, including a zip line, and of course, the must-see giant Pyrogy.
Exciting Events
Plan to attend the Glendon Parade, Derby & Mud Bogs on August 12th, and the Perogy Festival & Glendon Cruise Night on September 9th. For more events visit villageofglendon.ca.
Parks, Trails & More…
Bring your ATV and travel down the Iron Horse Trail as it works its way through Glendon. There is now a paved portion of the Iron Horse Trail that runs through the village making it great for walks, bicycling and wheelchairs. Set up camp at Minnie Lake M.D. Parks – a small, warm lake with a beach, swimming platform, ice cream shack and playground. It has everything you need for a lazy summer afternoon. Just 30 minutes down the road is Wolf Lake M.D. Park perfect for a rustic backcountry camping experience. For a complete list of activities and adventures throughout the area, check out the Adventure Guide online at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
Bonnyville
Tour the Past…
A statue of Angus Shaw, a late 1700s fur trader and explorer, stands guard at the Bonnyville & District Museum, where you can relive the adventures and witness the hardships of life in the fur trade. It also features the pioneering families of the area.
Go Golfing!
The kids will get the best shower from the Big Moose at the Splash Park (4100 Lakeshore Drive). Book a tee time and swing your clubs at the Bonnyville Golf & Country Club.
Enjoy the Outdoors!
Go birdwatching at Jessie Lake, which is home to hundreds of shore and songbirds (including Great Blue Herons, cranes, ducks and eagles). Viewing platforms and a 10 km interpretive trail enrich your experience.
From Vezeau Beach you can take the Moose Lake Trail going northeast that will take you all the way around the lake to the junction with the Iron Horse Trail along Highway 660. The Iron Horse Trail continues through Bonnyville where you can go ATVing or horseback riding.
For a truly unique experience Rocky Meadows Country-Getaway, north of Bonnyville, offers an exceptional escape! It is much more than just a campground. You can have some fun playing a round of “farm themed” mini-golf with the family, picking in-season berries to take home with you, and stocking up on some farm fresh jams, jellies and fudge. This unique getaway is 13 km north of Bonnyville off Hwy 41 near the Beaver River.
Want to get outdoors? Recharge and Chill in Bonnyville.
Go Camping!
#TakeItToTheLake in the M.D. of Bonnyville, which operates 12 campgrounds in the Bonnyville and Cold Lake Region, including Chicken Hill Lake, Moose Lake and Muriel Lake – all within 20 minutes of town. Be sure to bring your toys and enjoy some family fun. On the west side of Bonnyville you can camp at the Vezeau Beach M.D. Campground. The M.D. of Bonnyville Visitor Information and Interpretive Centre (VIC) is located in the Shaw House on the shores of Moose Lake, adjacent to the Vezeau Beach M.D. Park and the newly constructed dual-vehicle boat launch. Other amenities include a jumping pillow for kids, electronic recharging station, along with the Trading Post to purchase souvenirs and more! Plus, learn some history about the area when visiting the Centre.
Exciting Events
Plan to be in town for the Rodeo and Chuckwagon Races and Jennie’s Diner Show & Shine and Swap Meet in June. Watch for fun events at the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre. Plan to do your Christmas shopping at the Bonnyville Craft Show on November 4, and the Cold Lake Craft Show on November 25. For other community events visit town.bonnyville.ab.ca.
Eat, Shop, Drink
You’ll find a multitude of shops, eateries and hotels along Highway 28 and all the way through Bonnyville.
Jennie’s Diner & Bakery, a Classic 1950s restaurant at the corner of 51 Ave & 51 St. A local favourite is the Neighbourhood Inn, complete with dining, a pub and a great patio.
Be sure to pick up some award winning cider at Journey North Cider Co, located five minutes west of Bonnyville on Highway 28. Their cranberry cider was a Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition gold medal winner, as well as an Alberta Beverage Awards best in class.
Shop at the weekly Farmers’ Markets for local produce, baking, goodies and more. For an ag-tourism experience in the M.D. of Bonnyville visit Charlotte Lake Farms or 350 Farms.
North of Ardmore, plan to go shopping at Treasures of Yesterday with over 3000 sq ft of display space featuring all things vintage, antiques and collectable. Franchere Sporting Goods located on Highway 660 west of Bonnyville is your local source for all things hunting and fishing, with rentals at Franchere Bay Recreation Area. If you’re needing a tune up on your marine engine including Sea-Doo repairs, give L & D Marine Rentals a call to book your appointment.
Cold Lake
The City of Cold Lake, located 3 hours east of Edmonton, is surrounded by natural beauty from its clear blue waters with sandy beaches, to the rugged forest backdrop. It’s a four-season playground that attracts those with a sense of adventure.
Explore History
You may see jets in the skies on weekdays, but you can also see historical and current aircraft displayed on pedestals at CFB 4-Wing Gateway Park, and at the main downtown intersection in Cold Lake. History buffs won’t want to miss the Cold Lake Museums. It is a multi-theme museum located on the old site of 42 Radar Squadron at the top of Radar Hill Road. The separate buildings house an Aboriginal Gallery, a Heritage Gallery, an Oil & Gas Gallery, and an Air Force Museum. There are also outdoor displays of aircraft and a radar dome.
Attractions
The Energy Centre is the hub of activity. This state-of-the-art facility hosts sporting events, concerts, trade shows, and more. Casino Dene is where you can play, dine, unwind, and stay. It features over 250 slot and VLT machines, table games, poker tournaments and live entertainment. It’s located 7 km south of Cold Lake on Highway 28.
More Golfing!
For the avid golfer, enjoy the Grand Centre Golf Club or the Cold Lake Golf & Winter Club nestled just off Veteran’s Drive on Canadian Forces Base 4 Wing Cold Lake.
Explore the Outdoors!
Surrounding the Cold Lake Museum, the Cold Lake Bike Park & Trails has 6 km of mountain bike trails for all skill levels including a pump track, jump features, and more. The Beaver River Trestle south of Cold Lake is a highlight of the Iron Horse Trail. The trestle is 1/2 km long and 60 metres high. Cold Lake Provincial Park also has an 11.5 km trail system for hiking and mountain biking. The Municipal District of Bonnyville operates the popular Cold Lake M.D. Park, a lakeside campground right in the city limits. If you want a less urban setting, check out Crane Lake M.D. Parks, or for an intimate lakeside camping experience book a site at Ethel Lake M.D. Park.
Before you hit the trails, get geared up with Mach 1 Sports. Your #1 sporting store for BMX, Mountain Bikes, Fatbikes and E-bikes, plus scooters, skateboards and more!
Exciting Events
Some major 2023 events planned for this summer include: Aqua Days on August 5, Extreme Mudfest August 17-20, and Cold Lake Car Show on August 18-20. Come September long weekend don’t miss Feast At The Beach – a family-friendly event filled with food and music on the shores of Cold Lake. Kinosoo Beach is the ideal location to host all of the festival goers. A range of food trucks from across Alberta will be serving up delicious food. Sit on the beach or in the beer gardens and listen to the amazing bands and music. For families, there is a Kid Zone which offers endless entertainment for kids. There is something for everyone at Feast at the Beach!
On the southside of Cold Lake, enjoy many great events during the year from the Cherry Grove Agricultural Society including Motorcycle Ride for Dad in June, and a Car Show on September 4.
Reach to the skies with Aerial Adventures at Kinosoo Ridge Resort
Nearby, get adventurous at the new Aerial Adventure Park at Kinosoo Ridge! It is a 4-level customized climbing structure featuring a range of climbing elements that will challenge both adults and kids. In the winter at Kinosoo Ridge, take to the hills and go skiing and enjoy the tubing park at Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort. It is Northeast Alberta’s premier downhill ski facility!
Just a short drive away
Roadtrip to Ardmore, west of Cold Lake, and you’ll find fun at the Ardmore Golf Course and Mini Golf.
Go to the Beach!
Explore more than 400 square kilometres of water on Alberta’s seventh largest lake and enjoy the beauty of the Cold Lake Marina and Kinosoo Beach. Named one of Canada’s top 25 beaches by Canadian Geographic Magazine, Kinosoo Beach is a three-block stretch of fine sand on Cold Lake’s north end.
How to get here? After you enter Cold Lake’s main shopping areas, keep heading north on Highway 28. You’ll go past the Tri-City Mall and past the turn off to Highway 55. Keep following Hwy 28 all the way to Lakeshore Drive and Cold Lake Marina.
Follow Lakeshore Drive further north to reach the main beach where you’ll find the Splash Park, beach volleyball courts, a playground, a rope off swimming area and a concession with ice cream, burgers and snacks. Where to Park? Street parking is available along 1st Avenue and Tamarack Street right along the beach front. Come early on sunny days as parking fills up quickly.
Wicked Watersport Rentals is your one-stop shop for having a wicked experience on Cold Lake located right at Kinosoo Beach. Explore the hidden bays and coves of Cold Lake with a boat rental located at the Cold Lake Marina. A day at Kinosoo Beach wouldn’t be complete without paddling along the shores on a single or double kayak, a stand-up board, or a 4-person pedal boat. With a certified instructor, take to the skies on their Flyboard! Or enjoy the scenic lakefront on one of their electric scooters or bicycles. Come winter, catch the big one comfortably from one of their fully equipped solar operated ice shacks.
Go Fishing
Brian Hamilton of Hamilton House Inn & Adventures knows all the secret spots on Cold Lake for fishing. Book half day or full day fishing packages. Whether it’s summer or winter fishing tours, or simply looking for specialized lures and bait, check out Anglers Bait Tackle & More, located on-site at Evergreen Birch Lodge Resort. Enjoy the waters by booking a luxury boating tour on a 30ft cabin cruiser with various packages available from Edgewater Experiences.
Great Places to Stay in Cold Lake!
In Cold Lake there is a great selection of brand name hotels to local favourites like the Lakeland Inn or Hotel Dene located right next to the Casino Dene. The unique accommodations sets Cold Lake apart from other destinations. Experience the very best and award-winning accommodations available right here!
Waterfront Harbour Bed & Breakfast is close to the marina on Lakeshore Drive with awesome views of the lake. This is where comfort and sleep are top priority with stunning panoramic lakefront views and delicious breakfasts! Relax in one of five unique rooms with their own private bathroom to satisfy individuals, couples and families.
Nearby, you can rent fully self-contained suites and cottages overlooking the marina at Edgewater Cottages & Suites, where a variety of Experience Packages are available.
Just 3 minutes east of Kinosoo Beach, you will enjoy tranquility throughout the 142 acres at Evergreen Birch Lodge Resort. Here, you will not only take a load off and relax, you will also reconnect with yourself and nature in a very comforting, and natural setting.
On the southside of Cold Lake at Cherry Grove, a pure woodland oasis awaits you. Hamilton House Inn & Adventures features a private wilderness lake for you to enjoy. Take in the fresh air and relax in an outdoor hot tub. Explore the hiking and biking trails or book a fishing charter. These unique stays are excited to welcome you!
Eat, Drink, Shop!
Grab a coffee at Beantrees Café as you shop downtown Cold Lake for great finds like Polished Pumpkins Children’s Boutique, and Puur Athletics. A must stop is Dobbin’s – a candy, gift and toy store featuring unique & retro candies. The kids will be overjoyed! To bring back memories of years gone by, stop into Fad’s Vintage and check out all of the antiques and collectibles.
Dine by the Lakeshore at any of these delicious choices: Jonny Waffles, Clark’s Eatery and Mamacita’s or try the patio dining at Cold Lake Brewing and Distilling Co.
Need more Inspiration for your Trip? We’ve got you covered!
- Videos – Be inspired to Go East of Edmonton
Take a Roadtrip and Play the Roadtrip Adventure Game!
Looking for new places to Go East of Edmonton?
Call us at 1-888-632-8755
or email info@goeastofedmonton.com