The Brazeau Reservoir (dam) has long been a local’s destination for outdoor adventure. Just 40 minutes from Drayton Valley it is a perfect place for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
As you drive further west the trees get thicker, and houses fewer it becomes really clear that this is a “bring your own gear” destination. Your last opportunity to get any creature comforts is at the general store located in the Hamlet of Lodgepole.
The Brazeau Dam is surrounded by nature but it isn’t a naturally formed lake. The Brazeau Hydroelectricity project was a project undertaken by Calgary Power and completed in 1963. The dam broke up the Brazeau River into two parts known, by the locals, as the upper Braz and lower Braz.
This favourite summer go to spot fills up with spring runoff from the mountains and by July visitors are treated to large sand beaches, and clear blue water.
When coming face to face with an area so vast and wild it’s hard to come up with ideas on what to do in it. We just spent part of the week at the dam and like most wild places it becomes what you make of it. For me, when I looked over the large water way to the setting sun and all I could think was…paradise.
Well actually, I was thinking “Cheeseburgers in paradise”, well attempting to mentally sing. The only words I knew were…”Cheeseburgers in paradise.” I digress; on to the adventures.
Adventure 1: Catch a fish
The Brazeau Reservoir is home to rainbow trout, brook trout, perch, bull trout, lake trout, northern pike, whitefish, brown trout and cutthroat trout. Whether you’re fly fishing, trolling or spinning you have a good chance of getting a bite. There are several different fishing spots accessible by boat or land.
From the boat you can get on the Brazeau Dam from the boat launch located next to the provincial day use area. Another location is at the West Canal. Heading west for 4km on an unnamed road, signed for the West Canal Campground you will come across the West Canal provincial campground. Here you can also launch a boat.
Fishing by boat is a great way to experience the dam but for those not familiar with the area keep a close eye for deadheads (semi floating logs) and shallow spots.
Closer to the highway and visited by land fishers are the banks of the West Canal inlet and the small canal of the Brazeau Dam. These areas are walking distance from one another, being separated by a bridge on the Sunchild Road. While the Brazeau side is shored by rocks, the West Canal side can be muddy during the rainy season so make sure to wear rubber boots.
Adventure 2: Jet boating the Brazeau River
Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and lake boating at the Brazeau Dam are perfectly wonderful ways to explore all its natural splendour. But… if you are one of those crazy hybrids where adrenaline junkie meets natural explorer then accessing the upper Braz from the dam is your ticket.
The dam is a perfect jump off point for those looking to explore the upper Brazeau River. Every year the West Central Riverboat Association hosts an annual poker rally event. Leaving from the Brazeau Dam and heading up the upper Brazeau River. The event runs September and draws people from all over. Head on over to the West Central Riverboat Association facebook page for more information on the event.
Adventure 3: ATV trails
Surrounding the Brazeau Dam Provincial Recreation Area are a number of unmarked, unmapped ATV trails. Some stretch all the way back to the Elk River Road. Unfortunately to get a mental map of the area it is trial by error and errors do happen so bring tools and equipment if you happen to find yourself stalled in the bush. Also cell service is patchy in the area, so don’t rely on your cell phone to get you out of a jam.
Adventure 4: Island hopping
As the dam fills there are natural land bridges that get covered by water and create a series of little islands that can make for a day of island hopping fun. The largest one known by many names including “Pye Island,” is a beautiful location for a picnic with a cove lined with sandy beach, shallow entry to the water, and wind breaking trees makes this location a slice of paradise. This island can be accessed from the beach access of the Brazeau Reservoir campground.
West of this sandy cove is another small island, and heading northeast up the reservoir is another small island.
Checking out the islands can be a day trip or an overnight trip on the water for paddle enthusiasts.
Adventure 5: Scuba diving the dam
Scuba diving the dam is not high on the bucket list but it can be done. When I was taking my open water scuba diving course we hit the area early in the spring/summer season. Visibility was not great in the main Brazeau Reservoir but it was improved once we moved to the West Canal inlet as the natural current quickly moved debris.
Historically scuba diving has been done in the dam as part of rescue operations and training. But if you are looking for some deep water diving this place could fit the bill.
Extra: Drive the Sunchild Road
With nothing but a couple of gas stations, the Sunchild Road is a place where you can get lost in your own thoughts. Mountain views, wild horses, wildlife spotting and river crossings are all part of the experience. The Sunchild Road is an incredibly scenic way to drive to Nordegg or Rocky Mountain House.
Cell service is patchy, and amenities are few but this West Country after all and an amazing way to experience the transition to the Rocky Mountains by car.
Winter time at Buck Lake
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To market, to market: Shopping downtown Drayton Valley
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