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.
Five scenic bike rides near Drayton Valley
Here are five rides that are moderate in length, located on quiet secondary highways, and offer a variety of views not more than 40 minutes from Drayton Valley.
Blackmore Shooting Sports: Taking aim at an interesting date
Do you ever wonder if you have to be a good shot in order to have fun at a shooting range? As it turns out you don’t.
Golfing Drayton Valley
But there was lots to like. The course itself is in very good shape, in spite of our efforts to dig parts of it up with an over enthusiastic pitching wedge. And it was great to get out in some early morning sunshine.
A scenic ride with your kid – Drayton Valley to Rocky Rapids
The ride from Drayton Valley to Rocky Rapids and back is 16 km. There are a few not so small hills, and did I mention it’s 16 km!?!? Compound these seemingly insurmountable obstacles with the fact that Connolly Doerksen is only four years old. Most parents would say the bike trip was doomed for disaster.
