Wanisan Lake Natural Area

A pleasant slice of the Beaverhills Biosphere adjoining the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreational Area.

Signage on the Waskahegan Trail; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
Signage on the Waskahegan Trail; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.

Wanisan Lake is like an appendix to the much larger neighbour to the east, Cooking-Lake Blackfoot PRA. The trail through the area is part of the Waskahegan Trail complex although ATVs have also made their own impression on the landscape. Located in the NE-YEGVille quadrant to keep Elk Island National Park and adjoined areas in one quarter.

Warm but Degraded. A warm and sunny fall walk started at the south end where there is a parking that can hold upwards of a dozen cars. I took the westerly trail running north/south which has been degraded by ATVs as it runs along the riparian area of the lake; the track is rutted but passable. On the lake was a weather-worn duck blind, seemingly abandoned.

Loop or Out and Back. When leaving the parking area, if you stay right (east), you will be on the Waskahegan Trail and in/out of the Cooking Lake PRA. A few hundred metres in, stay left to get the shelter. A loop is possible by walking down to the lake and following the quad track or the out and back is about 3km.

Good Shape. Besides this and the other trails, limited human disturbances. Natural activity includes significant beaver cutting and numerous mounds, presumably caused by ants. A few downy masses were noted, likely from birds growing into their full plumage.

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: EASY-PEASY
  • Worth Visiting to see the beavers handy work and the larger riparian area near the lake.
  • A pit toilet at the shelter.
  • The wide trails make it accessible for even the surliest teenager you are dragging along.

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council and Protected Notation Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?:
  • 5/5: Worth driving out to and the larger PRA can make for a longer day. Alternatively, hang out near the shelter with smaller kids or older adventurers.
  • Map Reference, Location and Wayne Gretzky Units: 40.35km
  • Trail Classification: Overall (out of 5): 5; Rating: 80; Access: Granted; Develop: Earthen Track. ; Maint: Well maintained; Season: All Season: Well maintained by Waskehagan.
    • The Drive Out: The drive from Edmonton and surrounding areas is pleasant. Ample detours and alternative places to go and visit while en route or within ~30-minutes of this site.
  • The Other Shoe: Cross country skiing is likely in the winter.
  • Kid Rating: Great for kids to be exposed to nature in a safe setting. Be sure to have kids sign the guest book in the shelter. A fire pite at the shelter would be a great way to roast weiners or marshmellows.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • Waskahegan Trail notice at the start of the trail into Cooking Lake PRA; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Waskahegan Trail notice at the start of the trail into Cooking Lake PRA; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Wanisan Lake Stopover hut built by the Waskahegan Trail Association initially in 1979; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Wanisan Lake Stopover hut built by the Waskahegan Trail Association initially in 1979; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Track through the bull rushes; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Track through the bull rushes; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Down from a fledging; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Down from a fledging; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Second duck blind structure on the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Second duck blind structure on the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Abandoned duck blind on the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Abandoned duck blind on the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Recent beaver handy work on a birch tree; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Recent beaver handy work on a birch tree; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • A well worn beaver trail from the forest area to the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    A well worn beaver trail from the forest area to the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • One the larger of dozens of dirt mounds found along the lake; P. Potter, Wanisan Lake NA, 2023-10-08.
    One the larger of dozens of dirt mounds found along the lake; P. Potter, Wanisan Lake NA, 2023-10-08.
  • Sample of the quad trail running north/south through site; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Sample of the quad trail running north/south through site; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Single track trail heading roughly west towards the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Single track trail heading roughly west towards the lake; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Abandoned building, south of NA; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Abandoned building, south of NA; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
  • Parking area at the north terminus of RR 204; ample parking for 10+ vehicles; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.
    Parking area at the north terminus of RR 204; ample parking for 10+ vehicles; P. Potter Wanisan Lk NA 2023-10-08.

Notes and Reference

  1. Wanisan Lake (PNT) Natural Area

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.

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