Located on the far west end of Wetaskiwin County in the heart of west-central Alberta is the hamlet of Buck Lake. Only being a 30 – minute drive from Drayton Valley it definitely makes the Backyard Bucket List.
The hamlet has century old roots that date back to 1910 when it was more commonly known as Minniehik and a haven from homesteaders, trappers and settlers. The rich history of Minniehik is closely tied to the land; sawmills, fisheries, farming and oil and gas were just some of the industries that have started and thrived in the area.
Buck Lake is now a backyard destination for much of central Alberta, drawing visitors from Red Deer, Calgary and Edmonton who are lured by the recreational opportunity the region has to offer.
During the summer the lake is a draw for anglers who like getting an early start on the season. In the winter the frozen lake becomes a destination for ice fishers, sledders, cross country skiers and skaters.
There are a number of access points to the Buck Lake including the hamlet campground located directly across from the Buck Lake Stampede grounds. On the east side of the lake is Calhoun Bay Provincial Recreation Area with access points to the lake from the campground, and on the west side of the lake is the Buck Lake Campground Provincial Recreation Area.
During a typical winter the lake is drivable by December but with the warmth of our current winter, people are opting to walk, sled or use ATVs to travel the lake.
The south side of Buck Lake is connected to Rat Lake. Along the edge tall cattails, and trees surrounding Rat Lake provide a nice natural windbreak if you happen out there on a colder day in winter and if you are a cross country skier the tall grasses make for interesting inlets that can be explored.
Last week on a beautiful minus 10 day, with no wind, and sunshine I dusted off the ol skis and set off for Buck Lake. Starting at the Buck Lake hamlet campground I traversed the edges of the lake on my cross country skis, under the Buck Lake bridge and along Rat Lake. On the northwestern edge of Rat Lake is a road access point to 5th Street. which allowed me to circle back to the hamlet campground.
It was a beautiful day and even under socially distanced circumstances, people were not shy to give a wave. That warmth carried through to the Buck Lake Mercantile where I purchased some oh so delicious bakery buns.
Beating the heat at the North Saskatchewan River
Just a 10 minute drive west of Drayton Valley is the Willey West campground and boat launch.
Fumbles and bumbles at Rose Creek
We were about 45 minutes into what turned out to be a very thick bushwack. I was mid-lunge and my ski was looking like a “U” as I tried to get over a fallen tree when my aunt asked, “How much weight do you think we can put on our skis before they break?” I paused, unweighted my ski and looked around to see if there was another way through.
Three trips for your winter wonder list
Snowshoeing is a fun way to get outside, stretch your legs and add a little interest to your snowy winter walks. With the Eagle Point Provincial Park and Provincial Recreation area right on our doorstep there are endless places to explore by snowshoe. But for those of you who are just getting started here are three of my favourite places to get you going.
Drayton Valley’s best photo spots
Natural Locations
This list could go on forever but if we limit it to three general location ideas we have; The lookout point overlooking Willey West from the Pembina Rotary Community South Trails, viewpoints along the Pembina Nordic single track trails, any number of playgrounds and bridge points along the walking trails located in Drayton Valley.
Don’t be afraid to lace up your hiking boots and get out in the great outdoors. Some of the best shots around the area are only accessed by foot. But, getting off the beaten path is not limited to nature walks; it can also mean meandering down a back alley, or an industrial area.
From rural to urban, natural to industrial Drayton Valley has much to offer for your next photo shoot.
