5 Best Lakes Near Strathmore AB: Enjoy Swimming & Fishing

With such a wonderful bounty of lakes in and around the town, it’s no wonder that many of the things to do in Strathmore are water-centric. The attractions of Kinsmen Park Lake, Chestermere Lake, and Crawling Valley Reservoir extend beyond their scenic beauty, offering possibilities for exploration. Apart from these well-known spots, lesser-known yet equally mesmerizing lakes like Dalemead and Eagle Reservoirs are waiting to be discovered.

Key Takeaways

• Kinsmen Park Lake offers live music, fishing, and water activities for recreational enjoyment.
• Chestermere Lake provides designated swimming zones, winter ice skating, and diverse water sports opportunities.
• Crawling Valley Reservoir is stocked with trout, pike, and walleye, which are ideal for fishing and beach activities.
• Dalemead Lake and Eagle Lake are known for their distinct fish populations, attracting fishing enthusiasts.

Kinsmen Park Lake

Nestled in the heart of the Strathmore community, Kinsmen Park Lake is a peaceful retreat for those seeking ultimate relaxation. Its walking path encircles the lake, offering a picturesque stroll amid lush greenery. Visitors enjoy sunbathing in the grassy areas surrounding the lake. There is also a dock and a water park with a splash pad. Although swimming and motorized boats are restricted, visitors can use the picnic pavilion and fish at the designated fishing area.

Additionally, Kinsmen Park serves as a hub for community life. The park and its lake are located just across Lakeside Boulevard from many of the condos in Strathmore, making it highly convenient and popular among homeowners here. Its amphitheatre provides an open space for cultural events, including summer concerts and plays. The park also hosts free events like Canada Day celebrations and has a playground for children. With ample parking and accessible washroom facilities, Kinsmen Park ensures a delightful experience for all who visit.

Chestermere Lake

Chestermere Lake, located 25 minutes west of Strathmore, offers visitors a wide range of water activities. The lake stretches nearly 5 kilometres through the Chestermere community and caters to both motorized and non-motorized water sports. Motorized watercraft enthusiasts can enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Those seeking a more relaxed experience can opt for non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats. Anglers with a valid fishing license can also try their luck in the lake, known for its sizable catches.

This man-made reservoir, initially constructed in the 1880s for irrigation purposes, now serves as a recreational haven for locals and tourists, offering a wide range of activities throughout the year. It’s also the site of the luxurious and highly sought-after waterfront homes in Chestermere. During the summer, designated swimming zones near the parks provide opportunities for a refreshing dip, although visitors should be aware that no lifeguards are on duty. As winter sets in, the fun things to do on Chestermere Lake don’t end; the area transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for ice skating and snowmobiling on its frozen surface.

Crawling Valley Reservoir

Crawling Valley Reservoir offers visitors diverse recreational opportunities, including camping, boating, fishing, and hunting amid natural beauty. Key highlights include a flourishing northern pike and walleye population, along with trout. Catch-and-release regulations ensure sustainable fishing practices. Visitors can also enjoy a vast beach area perfect for swimming and engaging in various water sports.

Boaters using Eastern Irrigation District reservoirs, like Crawling Valley, must register at the campground office. They must also submit a watercraft information form and a commitment to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Trailered watercraft must use designated spots for launch, while non-trailered watercraft have more flexibility but still need to check in at the campground office before launching.

Travellers can take Highway 1 east toward Newell County to reach Crawling Valley Reservoir from Strathmore. The estimated travel time is 1.25 hours.

Other Lakes Near Strathmore for Fishing

Anglers looking for prime fishing spots near Strathmore, AB, should check out Dalemead Lake and Eagle Lake. These lakes offer an array of catches, making them popular destinations for fishing enthusiasts in the area. They also provide a picturesque setting, with surrounding nature and wildlife that enhance the overall experience. Recreational fishing licences in the province are available at local retailers or online at AlbertaRELM.

Dalemead Lake

Dalemead Lake, sometimes referred to as Langdon Reservoir due to its location near the Langdon community, is located approximately 25 minutes away from Strathmore. Despite its small size, the lake stands out for its abundant perch, pike, and trout populations. Ice fishing is also popular here. Other reasons why Dalemead Lake is an excellent spot for anglers include:

• Abundant Pike Population: The lake is known for its plentiful pike, which provides anglers ample opportunities to catch this prized fish.
• Varied Fish Species: Besides pike, Dalemead Lake is home to Yellow Perch and Lake Whitefish, adding diversity to the fishing experience.
• Deep Waters: Despite its appearance as a slough, the lake's surprisingly deep waters offer hiding spots for fish, enhancing the challenge for anglers.
• Proximity to Calgary: Its proximity to Calgary and Strathmore makes it a convenient choice for a day of fishing.

To reach Dalemead Lake from Calgary’s City Centre, travellers can take Highway 2 south to 22X, then head east. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake welcomes visitors with a tranquil oasis surrounded by Alberta's wind-swept grasslands and vast skies. This shallow, moderately saline, and nutrient-rich lake boasts an average depth of nine feet, with a maximum depth of 16 feet. While dense aquatic plants limit shoreline fishing opportunities, anglers can cast their lines from boats or the weir at the south end of the lake.

Eagle Lake is a mere eight-minute drive east and south of Strathmore’s best neighbourhoods. Among other fish species, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and burbot populate the waters. There’s also a campground, public boat launch, and sandy beach at the southeastern shore.

Planning a Visit to the Best Lakes Near Strathmore, AB

Beyond its proximity to Calgary, one of the biggest advantages of moving to Strathmore is the abundance of lakes and vast natural spaces near the town. Planning a visit to the lakes close to Strathmore can be a great way to enjoy Alberta’s beauty. A fishing license is necessary for those wishing to catch rainbow trout, walleye, or pike in the lakes around Strathmore. By following these tips, anglers and water enthusiasts can ensure a successful and enjoyable lake trip in beautiful Alberta.