6 of the best natural swimming spots in Alberta to help you cool off
Summer is in full swing, and it will be heating up across the province this week. Luckily, we have tons of great swimming spots in Alberta to help cool off.
If you want to take your lake game to another level, there are a lot of places in the province to try paddle boarding.
But if all you want is a dip, these are the best spots to try.
Pigeon Lake
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A sandy beach with swimming areas marked off, plus some refreshments on site! You may even see some actual pigeons.
- Distance from Calgary: 250 km
- Distance from Edmonton: 108 km
Sylvan Lake
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This is one of Alberta’s go-to lakes for swimming during the summer, and it is easy to see why. The lakes are much warmer than those in the Rockies. Just make sure you get there early — this place fills up quickly!
- Distance from Calgary: 159 km
- Distance from Edmonton: 162 km
Quarry Lake
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This is a great spot on a hot day as the water temperature is slightly less frozen compared to its neighbouring glacial-fed lakes, which are painfully cold.
- Distance from Calgary: 104 km
- Distance from Edmonton: 391 km
Chestermere Lake
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This gem is just a 20-minute drive from Calgary, so it’s perfect for those late afternoons when you need to cool off.
- Distance from Calgary: 22 km
- Distance from Edmonton: 306 km
Horseshoe Lake
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The cold waters make this one of the best spots in Alberta to go swimming and cool off.
Also, if cliff jumping is your thing, this is one of the best spots in the province.
- Distance from Calgary: 545 km
- Distance from Edmonton: 392 km
Castle Falls
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Right by the border with BC, this gem has something for everyone, as it is a great fishing spot along with beautiful scenery to walk around and see.
If you aren’t quite the active type, no worries. The falls are lined with smooth, layered rocks that make for perfect lounging material.
- Distance from Calgary: 246 km
- Distance from Edmonton: 528 km
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