Exploring Alberta’s Only Park of Islands: Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is a gem set in the sparkling waters of Lac La Biche. Alberta’s only park of islands offers sandy beaches, paddling, fishing, and amazing recreational and bird watching opportunities. Old growth forest is full of wildlife, while the shorelines are visited by countless species of birds. Fall asleep to the sound of loons and wake up to pelicans fishing in the bay. The friendly, nearby town of Lac La Biche has everything you need to stay a while.

Read more on ZenSeekers: On Island Time in Alberta

Things to Do at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park

When you’re on an island in the middle of a huge lake, it’s easy to get out on the water any time of day. Paddle to secluded white sand beaches on Birch and Currant Islands, or visit the Pelican Islands to see dozens of pelicans and cormorants. Rentals are available from the campground (canoes, kayaks, SUPs) or Off Road Rentals.

Bring your fishing rod as Lac La Biche is a great spot to catch big pike, walleye, whitefish, and burbot. Locals recommend fishing at the drop off near the Day Use Area with a five of diamonds spoon. 

If you like bird watching, get a free birding checklist from the campground office and pack binoculars! The park is a bird sanctuary and home to over 200 species of birds!

Hike or bike through old growth forest and watch for wildlife. Deer, moose, and foxes are common sights throughout the park. Boardwalk Beach and Old Growth Alley Trail were my favorite places. Kids will enjoy playing at the the playground and sandy beach (Camper’s Beach) near the campground.

For a pleasant half day bike ride, take the paved Lac La Biche Walking and Biking Trail in to town (16 km one way). Visit the beach and spray park at McArthur Park, David Thompson Monument, and have dinner at the Lac La Biche Golf & Country Club on the way back.

Partnership Disclosures: Thank you to Lac La Biche Community Futures, the MD of Bonnyville, ZenSeekers, and Travel Alberta for having me on the #TakeItToTheLake Expedition! All words and opinions are my own. As an Alberta Parks Ambassador, I receive free camping in the parks, but always provide my honest impressions.

Where to Stay

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park Campground has 15 cabins that sleep up to 8 people (max 6 adults), two tipis that sleep 4 people, and 72 forested power sites (reservable and first come-first served). Amenities include showers, a campground store and onsite canoe/kayak/SUP rentals. There is cell phone service in the park too!

Reserve your campsite or comfort camping unit (cabin/tipi) at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca.

Getting Here

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is located 2.5 hours northeast of Edmonton, 10 minutes from the town of Lac La Biche.

For More Information

Please see my story on ZenSeekers: On island time in Alberta and check out #TakeItToTheLake posts for more fun in Lac La Biche / Lakeland / Bonnyville MD!

What to Bring

See our Ultimate Camping Pack List for everything you need for a great camping trip!

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