I know, I know - you’re probably thinking, what beach? Alberta has beaches? We’ve spent the last ten summers finding the best beaches in Alberta, the best road trips from Edmonton and the best places to explore in Alberta. We’ve had hundreds of beach days, at local beaches, and at far-away treks.

Cold Lake Kinosoo beach, Allen Beach Resort and Brightsand Beach (close enough to Alberta) top our list for day trips where we leave early, spend the day at the beach, grill dinner on the sand, and head home with the kids sleeping in the car (or find a cheap hotel to spend the night and do it all over).

Allan Beach Resort (Near Stony Plain)

Nearest to the city, this private sandy beach on Hubbles Lake will cost you an admission price but it's also one of the best. The water is generally clear and Clean, the beach sand is soft and comfortable and the kids can play for hours. There's a bit of a trek to the beach, so bring along a wagon, or a lot of kids hands carrying everything you need for the day. Watch for an opening announcement for the day use area.

Wabamun Lake

Great for kids, but not so much for adults if you've been spoiled with clear water, it's a close-to-the-city day trip destination with sand for the kids to enjoy, a large grassy area for families to spread out, and water that's warmer than most of the beaches in Alberta. It's not our favourite, but it's the closest, and so we end up here multiple times through the summer. The kids will enjoy hopping off the dock into the shallow water near the beach area.During the summer on the weekends, the capacity fills up quickly so if you're going to snag yourself a spot on the beach you better head there early, before 10AM.

Long Island Lake Beach

This day use park near Westlock is another local lake that comes with an entry fee, but it's one of the best alberta beaches. Inexpensive for a day use pass, it’s a popular spot on the weekends so get there early, or use the reservation system implemented in 2021. This is a favourite for the kids in our family because of the soft sand, playground right on the beach, clean water and giant tires to climb in and around while you lay on the beach. Your kids are going to love the floating dock.

Brightsand Lake (Saskatchewan)

Venture three hours to Saskatchewan for an incredible lake experience with the kids. There’s a playground right on the beach, you’ll have easy access to concession and the water is clear, and refreshing. There’s a nominal fee for day use to cover upkeep and parking.

Aspen Beach on Gull Lake

During the summer, enjoy one of Alberta’s best lakes at Ebeling Day Use, where you will find a large sandy beach, playground, boat launch, and concession. Spend a few nights in Brewer’s or Lakeview campground and take advantage of a separate boat launch, laundry facilities, and sites - if that’s your jam. If not, it’s close enough to Edmonton to be back home in your bed at a reasonable hour.

Kinosoo Beach at Cold Lake

Affectionately known as the beach with the Zipline, the beach three hours from Edmonton is a great one to discover this summer. Well within our limits for a day trip with the kids if we leave early enough, it's one of those beaches that feels like a resort, if you ignore the fact that the water is so cold. The kids don't mind the water, the sand is great, and there are nearby food and drink concession, with plenty of space along the sand (a full three blocks!) and docks to jump off of.

Sandy Beach Near Lloydminster

Sandy Beach Lake Regional Park has both private cabins and residences as well as public usage areas, and is at the south end of Sandy Beach Lake. It offers day use picnic sites, a modern children's play area and play equipment, ball diamond, 9-hole par 35, sand green golf course, fully serviced camping sites and group camping area, boat launch, firewood for sale, concession with drinks, snacks, ice cream treats, washroom and shower facilities, newly renovated hall & kitchen facilities for rent, picnic shelter for rent, and of course a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area.

Ebeling Beach at Gull Lake

Gull Lake. Just two hours away from Edmonton, you’ll find a sandy oasis at Gull Lake. It’s a great kid-friendly option for young families because the water remains shallow for what feels like forever until you reach the lake. In addition, there’s a playground near the beach for kids to run back and forth between, and warm water, with concession on site (in case you forget something at home).

Devonshire Beach

Devonshire Beach is a big stretch of sand near Slave Lake, with camping nearby. It's a great weekend destination for families because of the wide open space and shallow water. Years ago, there were annual sand competitions at the lake, we hope those make a comeback in the future.

Shaw's Point Resort at Lesser Slave Lake

Shaw's Point Resort is located on the north west end of Lesser Slave Lake, 25 miles northeast of High Prairie, Alberta on Highway #750. There's camping, a restaurant, market and even kids movie nights (restricted currently due to COVID).

Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is one of those hidden places, tucked away outside of Jasper. The trail is marked but if you’re not looking closely, you’ll miss it. Though it’s not officially an activity that the location suggests, it’s so much fun. There are small ledges and cliffs of all sizes to jump off of, into take-your-breath-away cold water, so we suggest visiting on a very hot day. Even young children (if they’re brave enough) can join in on the fun, just ensure that they’re jumping in safely.

Goldeye Lake

Near Nordegg, there are lakes, and lakes, and lakes, and lakes. Goldeye Lake is only one in the area that you’ll find with sandy beaches, perfect for exploring. You could start at Goldeye, find local lakes in the area, and make your own private beach at one of the lake shores. There’s a conveniently located campground, on the beach. It’s a great add-on if you’re exploring David Thompson highway area, or doing the kid-friendly Siffleur Falls hike.

Quarry Lake, Canmore

Known by the locals as a place to cool off when it's hot out, it's a great way for visitors to cool off after a long day of exploring and hiking. The lake is warm enough to swim in, with a small sandy area for kids to play. You can't beat the view, it's an incredible place to swim in the area.

Jasper Lake, Jasper

Not a lake at all, Jasper Lake is about thirty kilometres outside of the townsite, and so shallow that you can walk across the entire lake during the summer months. New this season, is a great pull-off parking area for families to enjoy the sandy stretch of beach, shallow water, and logs to sit on or picnic. The water is incredibly cold, but it's a fun adventure to try and make it across the lake.

Newly implemented parking lanes on the side of the highway make it easier than ever to park, explore, and walk the full way across the lake.

Kinbrook Island Provincial Park

Kinbrook Island Provincial Park is an incredible campground, but also a nearby day trip for families adventuring through the hoodoos this summer at Dinosaur Provincial Park. Just under an hour away from the campground, it's a refreshing spot - but don't expect a sandy beach. The beach is a mix of rocks, shells and sand, and we suggest water shoes for everyone in the family. The swimming area is fantastic and there are amenities near the sand, like bathrooms, barbecues and playgrounds. The water is cold, refreshing, and it’s a must-explore if you find yourself in Southern Alberta.