Sitting on the edge of Jessie Lake is the town of Bonnyville amidst clear lakes, sandy beaches, and forests abounding with wildlife. Bonnyville is the ultimate destination for the outdoor enthusiast.
With three 18-hole golf courses within a half an hour of each other the Cold Lake/Bonnyville region is a golfer's paradise.
Walk or ride along the 10 km Wetlands Trail around Jessie Lake, which borders the Town of Bonnyville. Muriel Lake M.D. Park's trail system provides a challenge to the seasoned hiker, biker or cross country skier. Nature lovers always enjoy Cold Lake Provincial Park 's excellent trail system. The 12 km paved Millennium Trail takes you through Cold Lake and onto 4 Wing, the trail also connects to the Heritage Trail along the lakeshore. African Lake Trail in Cold Lake is a 6.4 km nature trail ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
North Country Trails offers trail rides through the forest and meadows surrounding Cold Lake . Book your rides, lessons, summer camps or parties at 780-639-2234.
The 300 km multi-use Iron Horse Trail connects many of the area's natural gems and tourist attractions. Riders use the Iron Horse Trail to access countless kilometers of backcountry trails and cutlines that weave through the region's more rugged terrain. There are designated ATV trails at Muriel Lake 's Spring Beach Campground and Shelter Bay Resort on Marie Lake. Well-used trails are also located north of Crane Lake and Cold Lake.
The lush boreal forest and abundance of water bodies provide the perfect breeding ground for a wide variety of game. Whitetail and mule deer, moose, bear and a host of game birds, make every hunting excursion an adventure.
Stake out a spot on any of the local lakes, to reel in a monster Lake Trout or the "northern lobster," Burbot, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Lake Whitefish.
The Trans Canada Snowmobile Trail links up with the Iron Horse Trail on the east side of Cold Lake. Riders can use the 300 km Iron Horse Trail as a jumping off point to access the countless kilometers of backcountry trails and cutlines that weave through the region's more rugged terrain.
Muriel Lake M.D. Park, just outside of Bonnyville, has 10 km of groomed trails in a boreal forest setting. Cold Lake Provincial Park has 13.5 km of intermittently groomed trails and Moose Lake Provincial Park has 6 km of intermittently groomed trails. The Cold Lake Golf and Winter Club on 4 Wing Cold Lake provides kilometres of groomed cross country ski trails on the golf course.
Birdwatchers will find rare, unique species of birds to observe in the Bonnyville area. As Bonnyville is on the migratory path of many of the 320 bird species found in Alberta, 75% of them can be observed in this one area alone. Many rare birds such as whooping cranes, ospreys, bald eagles, golden eagles and yellow rails can be found in these natural settings. Between Jessie Lake, Moose Lake, Cold Lake, and Wolf Lake, birds such as pelicans, eagles, owls, herons, western grebes, thrushes and warblers can be regularly observed. Since these lakes are in such close proximity to each other, bird watchers literally find themselves surrounded in a bird watching paradise.
For those that love to completely immerse themselves in nature. Moose Lake is only a few minutes away. This National Park is home to a variety of natural outdoor activities. Families can enjoy camping, the sandy beach, swimming, boating, fishing and hiking. It is a full serviced park with fish cleaning stations, picnic areas, power hookups and many other facilities.
For indoor fun, the Bonnyville and District Centennial Center is a one stop shop for a large variety of entertainment. This large complex features a climbing wall, indoor playground, indoor track, indoor sports field, skating arena and movie theater.
