The homesteaders way: Hwy 13 Winfield to Alder Flats
- Distance one way: 42.5 km
- One way drive time: 31 minutes
- Road trip time frame: ½ day to full day
Nestled between Breton and Rimbey the tight knit community of Winfield was once a bustling logging town and a staging area for homesteaders heading west to the communities of Minnehik (Buck Lake) and Alder Flats. It is now known for its annual “West of the 5th Rodeo”.
This 42.5 km route from Winfield to Alder Flats is a 31 min drive or a 2hr and 4 min bike ride. You could do either and still leave the road trip feeling satisfied.
Starting in Winfield, begin at the Lions Park, across from the historic mainstreet. Here you can read about the history of the community at a kiosk located at the park. Heading out of the community on the Hwy 13 exit you can poke into a parking area on the West side and read about the role that the railway played in the development of the community.
Heading west on Hwy 13 it isn’t long before you are at the Pendryl General Store. The community of Pendryl has historic significance for homesteaders heading West as this was often a safe haven to wait out bad weather or terrible road conditions before heading further west into the bush. The store is located at the summit point on the road and offers expansive views of the surrounding farm lands.
Continuing West you will soon come upon the turn to take your to Calhoun Bay Provincial Recreation Area and campground. There isn’t any beach, but you can launch small boats, and the campsite is well treed.
Continuing on Hwy 13, on the right side of the road is the first of two entries into the community of Buck Lake. Buck Lake, was historically known and Minnehik and was used, as a commercial fishery, and a method for transporting logs to nearby sawmills. The lake is still a hot spot for fishing enthusiasts and for Rodeo fans the weekend of the Buck Lake Stampede is one social event you do not want to miss.
Lakeshore Drive in Buck Lake offers views of the lake, and will take you past the community campground,boat launch area and stampede grounds. If you find yourself hungry then grabbing a bakery bun at the Buck Lake Mercantile really hits the spot.
Taking Range Road 63 south will get you back on to Hwy 13. Heading West you will come to the junction of Hwy 22 and Hwy 13. If you turn South you will find tourist attractions such as a golf course and a meadery but if you continue West you will come to the community of Alder Flats. Here you can grab some grub, and if you are feeling nature drawn continue beyond the community to the Rose Creek Trails for a hike. The trails are not well signed so try not to get lost.
The joys of winter camping
Last winter some gals and I embarked on a trial cross country skiing/winter camping adventure on the Pembina River. The experience was amazing and left me wishing that winter was not coming to such an abrupt end.
The back 40
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