Spruce Island Lake NA

Spruce Island Lake is surrounded on three sides by Crown Land including the Black Bear Grazing Reserve to the West and NW. Crown Land to the NE and East is undesignated. The site is rated as an adventure due to the disturbances. The leaseholder strives to mitigate damage but faces challenges from overuse by vehicles.

Horseshoe Lake in its fall colours, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.
Horseshoe Lake in its fall colours, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.
Approximate boundaries of the site (magenta lines) relative to nearby Crownland; image courtesy of Westlock County Map, Spruce Island Lake NA.
Approximate boundaries of the site (magenta lines) relative to nearby Crownland surrounding the site on nearly all sides; image courtesy of Westlock County Map, Spruce Island Lake NA.

Deeply rutted and wet trails makes this site passable only during very dry weather and while balancing on the central windrow left by the passing ATVs. Thus it is rated an adventure destination because of its highly disturbed and current single use state.

Fast 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, Protected Notation Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Overall (2 out of 5) A beautiful site that has been deeply rutted with OHVs.
  • The local Crown Leaseholder, Pembina Drift Busters Snowmobile Club strive to reduce the damage but it is probably a losing battle on their part.
  • Access is open to the public off season (April 1 to November 30). Foot access is not recommended in season by the Alberta Snowmobile Association due to the presence of riders and groomers [2].
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 106 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 6; Access: Granted; Develop: Limited Development. ; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: Single Season: Heavily rutted trails that are likely impassable in wetter seasons because of the ground moisture. Little to no remediation done to date. Foot and self-propelled access is being confirmed but probably okay.
Trail Classification System with examples - YEG-Ville.
Trail Classification System with examples – YEG-Ville.
  • The Drive Out: Rolling farmland makes up most of the drive out. Downtown Westlock is a jump back in time to small town Alberta and worth a visit
  • The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking access is being confirmed at time of writing.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2025-09-29. Weather: Coolish with high teens and an overcast sky.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Looking North from the staging area into the main ATV Access into the site, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.
    Looking North from the staging area into the main ATV Access into the site, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.
  • Detail of the entrance signs on the staging area, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.
    Detail of the entrance signs on the staging area, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.
  • Beavers playing tree dominos, South of Horseshoe Lake, looking North, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.
    Beavers playing tree dominos, South of Horseshoe Lake, looking North, Spruce Island Lake NA, 2025-09-29, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Spruce Island Lake NA | SAPAA.
  2. Chris Brooks, “ASA – Spruce Island Lake NA,” October 1, 2025.

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.