Pembina River Natural Area

The Pembina River Natural Area is undisturbed, ideal for hunting and botanical interests, yet not suitable for hiking. The northern parcel requires landowner permission.

Amanita Mushrooms, Pembina River NA (South), 2025-07-03, P. Potter.
Amanita Mushrooms, Pembina River NA (South), 2025-07-03, P. Potter.

The Southern portion of the Natural Area adjoins both private land and the Majeau Lake Natural Area. It is largely undisturbed which means it is perfect for botanical pursuits or hunting and not so great for hiking, etc. I only poked around the Eastern edge but the rest looks just as densely forested. Great for the critters, hard to walk in!

The Northern portion requires landowner permission to access.

Fact Facts

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

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 1/5:
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 75 KM
  • Trail Classification: Overall (1 out of 5) Very pristine and ideal for hunting or botanical pursuits. Not really conducive to hiking, lots of bushwhacking. ; Rating: 4; Access: Granted; Develop: Non-Human. ; Maint: No Human Interventions. ; Season: All Season: Four season is being generous. Passable in the winter assuming the critters have packed the trails down enough to make it visible in the winter..
Trail Classification System with examples - YEG-Ville.
Trail Classification System with examples – YEG-Ville.
  • The Drive Out: The highways NW of Edmonton are full of pastoral vistas. Highway 33, the Grizzly Trail, is a narrow 2-lane highway but still very much worth driving.
  • The Other Shoe: Hunting and botanical pursuits. The area is wet enough that it likely supports healthy mushroom populations.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2025-07-03. Weather: Cool, overcast to rain, and unsettled. Later that day, a funnel cloud touched down in the area. Comments:

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium), Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
    Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium), Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
  • Posted sign on the adjoining property, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
    Posted sign on the adjoining property, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
  • Looking South along the East border of the site (on the right), Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
    Looking South along the East border of the site (on the right), Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
  • Wet area in the NE corner of the site, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
    Wet area in the NE corner of the site, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
  • Stand of birch trees near a wet area on the East side of the site, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
    Stand of birch trees near a wet area on the East side of the site, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
  • Thick forest ground cover of the site, looking East, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
    Thick forest ground cover of the site, looking East, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
  • Looking South along the West border of the site from TWP 573, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.
    Looking South along the West border of the site from TWP 573, Pembina River (South), 2025-07-04, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Pembina River NA | 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.