Lakes like Miquelon Lake are often called “prairie potholes” because they rely entirely on rainwater and snowmelt. Unlike their mainstream cousins that get their water from rivers or streams and drain it away just as easily, prairie potholes don’t have that luxury. Instead, they lose water only through evaporation, leaving behind a salty concoction of dissolved minerals.
You won’t find orcas or dolphins swimming around, but Miquelon Lake is still buzzing with wildlife. Beavers, who are usually all about damming rivers, spend their time here building fortress-like lodges. And while the saltiness of the water means you’ll spot some different species of plants and animals, the usual Alberta suspects like deer are still hanging out.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park offers more than just a salty lake. The park serves up 20 kilometres of treed walking trails that take you through immersive forests, with surprise views of lagoons and meadows around every corner. And with Miquelon being part of the 300-square-kilometre Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, your night skies will be as clear and star-studded as you can get.
But don’t worry, roughing it in nature doesn’t mean giving up modern comforts. The park centre has interactive displays, a snack shop to satisfy mid-hike cravings, and clean flush toilets (because no one wants to be too rustic). The park office has interactive activities and a shop for snacks, and the outdoor amphitheatre hosts entertaining productions produced by park staff, so you might accidentally learn a thing or two about the wild animals in the park. Although the lake is no longer suitable for swimming, the beach is still a great place to chill and watch the kids on the playground.
Pack your bags (and maybe a telescope) and discover the unique charm of this prairie pothole.
From Edmonton:
Take the Anthony Henday to Hwy. 21. Head east till you get to Joseph Lake Rd/Rge. Rd. 220. Head south till you get to Township Rd. 494/Rollyview Rd. Go east till you get to the park.
Drive time: One hour from central Edmonton
