With all its beautiful bright colours, autumn is the perfect time to visit Smoky Lake, the pumpkin capital of Alberta.
Top Things to do in Smoky Lake
Pumpkin Park – Take a stroll and check out the large famous concrete pumpkins up close!
Iron Horse Trail – Adventure year-round on Alberta’s longest multi-trail system. With over 300km of trails that takes you through stunning scenery, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, quadding, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.
Smoky Lake Museum – Located on the north side of town, learn about the area through artifact displays and historical photographs.
Smoky Lake Golf Club – You can’t miss this hidden gem, with four sets of tees, impressive elevation changes and picturesque scenery, the golf course has something for everyone.
Corn Maze – One of the most exciting, and sometimes challenging, ways to enjoy the fall harvest is by tackling a corn maze with friends and family! Be sure to check it out during the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair!
Go to Métis Crossing, a Must-See Attraction…
The first and only major Métis Cultural Centre in Canada is a special thing. Come for the experience to learn the rich history of the Métis, through daily guided tours and a wildlife park home to rare white bison, wood bison, plains bison, elk, and Percheron horses. Stay for the rich, culinary food that celebrates the culture of the Métis people.
Eat & Shop
Savour the flavours of tasting local.
Alpine Prairie Goods – Customers love the delicious smoothies, but be sure to also try their tasty freeze dried snacks!
Betsy’s Burger Shack – Want a big, juicy burger with all the fixings? Donair? Milkshake? Betsy’s Burger Shack is where you’ll find these and many more delicious menu options including the legendary Shack Attack burger.
GoFer Liquor Store – With over 600 different brands of wine always in stock and coolers full of cold beer, the GoFer Liquor Store is the largest liquor store in Smoky Lake and has something for everyone’s taste buds! Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 7 days a week!
Grant Miller Motors – No one likes car problems. Stop at Grant Miller for all your automotive needs.
Great Bear Café – Grab a nice hot meal and take a photo with the giant bear!
Old Fashioned Bread Bakery & Deli – Stop by this family-owned shop for a selection of delicious Ukrainian baked goods.
Serben Farm Store – Find a selection of locally made products such as artisan cheese, perogies, soups, canning, ready-made meals and more. Plus, they have an online store!
Smoky Lake Farmers’ Market – Grab your produce and other local goodies from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays until December.
Smoky Lake Home Hardware – Your store for hardware, paint, electrical, fishing tackle and more!
Smoky Lake Inn Restaurant – It’s daily specials of a wide variety of delicious dishes, and a lounge with VLTs will serve your dining and entertainment needs.
Places to Go Around the Region
Whether it’s your first time, or you know the area, these spots are wonderful places to see.
Vilna
Cyrs Store – offering a great selection of gifts, ornaments, and home décor
Largest Mushrooms – Bring your camera when you visit Vilna’s Mushroom Park, site of the World’s Largest Mushrooms.
Bellis
Heritage Corner Shoppe –is a treasure trove of gifts, antiques, collectibles and much more located off Highway 28 between Smoky Lake and Vilna.
Waskatenau
The Gathering Place Co-op – purchase locally grown farm-fresh products, pre-made or frozen meals, or a place to enjoy a hot meal in their comfy, cozy, country restaurant. Be sure to check out the online store where made-from-scratch frozen meals and preserved items can be ordered and delivered to Edmonton and areas north of the city.
Your Guide to the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Festival…October 5-8, 2023
Friday, Saturday and Sunday Events above are taking place in the Town of Smoky Lake. (Please note the Sunday Perogy eating contest has been cancelled.)
Pumpkin growers of Alberta and surrounding provinces bring their pumpkins, squash and gourds to the world famous Smoky Lake Great White North Pumpkin Fair and Weigh-Off.
This year is special with extended events taking place over 4 days!
Be sure to join Metis Crossing for their Harvest Sunday Brunch before going to the Sunday Pumpkin Fair Festivities taking Place in the Town of Smoky Lake.
See more Metis Crossing details below under Where to Stay.
On Saturday, guests can enjoy the Show & Shine, featuring cars and trucks from all over Alberta. The kids can play at the petting zoo, or go for a ride at the midway. Be sure to shop at the amazing Farmers Market & Artisan Market. Watch Threshing Demos, the ever-popular Pumpkin Drop, get lost in the Corn Maze and more!
Family Day is on Sunday with all kinds of fun activities including a Farmers Market, Artisan Market plus…
Click to see all of the posters for the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair Event Listing and follow their Facebook page for more updates and details.
Better yet, purchase a digital copy of the Pumpkin Fair Guide (in lieu of admission they are selling their program for $5.00).
Where to Stay…
Métis Crossing Lodge, Campground and Sky Domes – You’re likely to be tired after your day of adventuring. Luckily, Métis Crossing has options for all travellers. Opened this July, the Sky Dome’s transparent ceilings are perfect for star gazing, the historical Lodge will immerse you within this special land, or the Campground, located on a traditional Métis river lot where you’ll enjoy wide- open spaces, blue skies, and the gorgeous North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Paradise Cove Resort and Northern Lights RV Resort – Near Vilna, camp year-round with power hook ups available and all over needed amenities.
Smoky Lake Inn – Are you looking for modern accommodations but with a historical twist? This fine hotel is located in town and offers affordable rates and beautiful rooms.
Super 8 – Located right on Highway 28, this hotel is able to accommodate travellers, with parking for all size vehicles including big rigs and busses.
For more Information…
- Stay up to date on the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair
- Plan a trip to the Smoky Lake region:
- Use our new Smoky Lake region video to plan your trip!