Halfway Lake Natural Area – South

Halfway Lake (South Parcel) is only accessible during very dry conditions or when frozen. A brief survey of the SE corner showed moderate disturbances. Nearby are some interesting, abandoned buildings including log wood structures to the North.

Heading East through a 'winter wonderland', Halfway Lake NA - South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.
Heading East through a ‘winter wonderland’, Halfway Lake NA – South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.

Halfway Lake is broken into two parcels separated by about 6km. The Southern portion was surveyed in April and December of 2024. The Northern in November of that year. Both portions show signs of moderate disturbances caused by dumping, ATVs, poaching, and other human activities.

Great in Winter. The Snowmobile and ATV activities do make for excellent snowshoeing although on uneven trails. A particular section where the trail heads East from the Western boundary of the site was snow-covered and described as the ‘Winter Wonderland Section’.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

  • Winter Challenge Category: ADVENTURE; due to the wetness of the area. Only accessible during a very dry fall or in winter when frozen.
  • Worth Visiting
  • No Washrooms.
  • Not Kid Focused

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 3/5: This rating may improve with further exploration. Only the extreme SE corner was visited and this was heavily disturbed with ATV tracks and dumping.
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 62.0 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 4; Access: Granted; Develop: Traditional Trail. ; Maint: No Human Interventions. ; Season: Two Seasons: The ATV track goes through some very wet areas. Okay in the dry fall or winter, mucky in the Spring/Summer.
Trail Classification System with examples - YEG-Ville.
Trail Classification System with examples – YEG-Ville.
  • The Drive Out: Lots of interesting buildings and vistas en route.
  • The Other Shoe: Walking and biological pursuits noting the heavy disturbances.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2024-04-06. Weather: Overcast cool with temperatures near freezing.
  • 2024-12-29. Returned in winter conditions when the trails noted in April are passable on foot. Overcast, seasonably warm, -4C, with little wind.
  • Overall (3 out of 5) ATV tracks and braided trails make for a good 2-3 hour snowshoe. This area is inaccessible except during dry conditions.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • A single boundary sign on TWP 592B, looking South into the site, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
    A single boundary sign on TWP 592B, looking South into the site, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
  • A large jack pine dominates the NW corner of the site, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
    A large jack pine dominates the NW corner of the site, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
  • Looking South into the NA along an ATV track, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
    Looking South into the NA along an ATV track, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
  • Classic erosion caused by ATV tracks that become braided as former tracks are increasingly unpassable, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
    Classic erosion caused by ATV tracks that become braided as former tracks are increasingly unpassable, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
  • What appears to be a great horned owl and a likely a cedar waxwing; the owl was been kept at bay by the smaller bird, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
    What appears to be a great horned owl and a likely a cedar waxwing; the owl was been kept at bay by the smaller bird, Halfway Lake NA (South Parcel), 2024-04-06, P. Potter.
  • Looking West into the adjoining private land from the site's boundary, Halfway Lake NA - South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.
    Looking West into the adjoining private land from the site’s boundary, Halfway Lake NA – South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.
  • Looking North along the West boundary of the site, the track crosses the wet area, Halfway Lake NA - South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.
    Looking North along the West boundary of the site, the track crosses the wet area, Halfway Lake NA – South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.
  • Despite shedding its needs, this Tamarac Tree still retains snow very well, Halfway Lake NA - South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.
    Despite shedding its needs, this Tamarac Tree still retains snow very well, Halfway Lake NA – South, 2024-12-29, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Halfway Lake Natural Area | SAPAA.

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.