Alberta is home to several warm lakes that offer perfect conditions for swimming, free from the discomforts of leeches, swimmer’s itch, and blue-green algae.
While many of Alberta’s lakes are fed by cold mountain streams and glaciers, a few stand out for their warmer temperatures, making them ideal for summer recreation.
Lake Newell: Alberta’s Premier Warm Water Lake
Lake Newell is the largest and warmest man-made lake in Alberta, renowned for its clear and warm waters.
Located just 15 minutes from Brooks, it’s a hidden gem in southern Alberta, offering a sandy beach, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing, and popular motorized water sports like water skiing and wakeboarding.
Other Warm Lakes in Alberta
- Allan Beach at Hubbles Lake: A deep, spring-fed lake near Edmonton, known for its warm and clear water, making it a great spot for swimming and scuba-diving training.
- Lesser Slave Lake at Devonshire Beach: The largest lake entirely in Alberta, featuring a 1.5-kilometer sandy beach with famously warm waters for swimming.
- Island Lake: Located 20 minutes from Athabasca, known for its warm water by early July through the summer, and clean conditions ideal for non-motorized water sports.
- Ebeling Beach at Gull Lake: Offers a long and wide sandy beach with clean and shallow waters, making it safe for kids and a great spot for beach activities.
- Ol’ MacDonald’s Resort at Buffalo Lake: Features a large, well-maintained sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for family outings.
- Sylvan Lake: Known for its beautiful sandy beach and family-friendly shallow waters, Sylvan Lake is a hub of summer activities.
- Hardisty Lake: A hidden gem in the town of Hardisty with a beautifully maintained sandy beach and one of the cleanest lakes in Alberta.
Temperature and Seasonality
While specific temperature data for each lake varies, these warm lakes in Alberta are most enjoyable during the summer months, from June to August, when the water temperatures are ideal for swimming.
Lakes like Lake Newell and Lesser Slave Lake warm up significantly, offering comfortable swimming conditions that contrast with the cooler waters of glacier-fed lakes.
In Summary: Alberta’s Warmest Lakes for Summer Fun
- Lake Newell: The warmest and largest man-made lake in Alberta, ideal for a variety of water sports.
- Allan Beach at Hubbles Lake: A warm, clear lake near Edmonton, perfect for swimming and scuba diving.
- Lesser Slave Lake: Famous for its warm waters and sandy beach, reminiscent of oceanic shores.
- Island Lake: Warm waters by July, popular for non-motorized water sports.
- Ebeling Beach at Gull Lake: Clean, shallow waters with a wide sandy beach, great for families.
- Ol’ MacDonald’s Resort at Buffalo Lake: Shallow waters and a large sandy beach suitable for children.
- Sylvan Lake: A family-friendly lake with a mix of sandy beaches and grassy areas.
- Hardisty Lake: Known for its cleanliness and beautifully maintained beach, a true hidden gem.
These lakes offer a respite from the typically cooler waters found in Alberta, providing locals and visitors alike with excellent spots for swimming, sunbathing, and summer recreation.
Sources
- Like Where You’re Going: Offers detailed insights into the warmest lakes in Alberta for swimming. Read more
- Curiocity: Highlights Lake Newell and other warm lakes as top destinations for water enthusiasts in Alberta. Discover more
