One Natural Area divided into three smaller pieces. The larger southern portion has an extensive trail system and is relatively undisturbed.

Northeast – Small and Unnoteworthy. North Cooking Lake is tri-sected by Wye Road and then again by range road 211a. I visited the site on two days. The first ‘Northeast’ is mid-size piece which is east of Wye road and south of range road 211a. The third portion is tiny, slightly larger than 3.25 hectares (8 acres) and not worth too much of a mention.

Southeast Portion is a quarter section in size (about 69 hectares or 170 acres). A road survey suggested limited ATV traffic into the area with most along the railway line on the western border. A shallow body of water, unnamed, parallels the train tracks. A boat was stowed near this lake likely for fishing or recreation. Foot traffic is seen throughout this section, likely locals walking dogs, etc. Beyond the trails, the forest becomes fairly dense.

Larger, Westerly Portion has a large wet areas bound by Wye Road. This area is an extension of Cooking Lake and is impassable in the summer (winter may allow for an ice crossing). There is a parking lot off Wye Road and Range Road 522. The trail system is well maintained (cleared and mowed). Beyond the trails, limited human disturbance with numerous intersecting animal trails except for the riparia area along the shores of North Cooking Lake where a well used quad track is located.

Snowshoe Destination from the various trails heading toward Cooking Lake. Wet in September, likely well frozen in the winter. A dilapidated hunting blind was noted close to the lake and the southeast corner of this section. A loop was completed by walking across private land to the south – not recommended although otherwise a loop is not possible. In the winter, it is likely possible to stay in the natural area by overlanding across the otherwise wet areas.

Single Minded Loop on Single Tracks. Because the maintained, wide trail does not really ‘Go’ anywhere, look for single tracks radiating from the main trail. These can be turned into loops down to the lake and then back again.

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 for extensive walking and exploration.
• None noted Washrooms.
• Good place for older kids who don’t mind a bit of rustic.

Area Details

• Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council.
• Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?:
  • 5/5: Well maintained trails that can provide a good day of adventures.
• Map Reference, Location and Wayne Gretzky Units: 33.9km
  • 53.4827, -112.99555.
• Trail Classification: Overall (out of 5): 5;
• Rating: 80; Access: All trails in Natural area; loop is difficult without entering private land, however.;
• Develop: Wide earthen track which has escaped the notice of ATVers.;
• Maint: Good and recent maintenance.;
• Season: Likely the trails are used by XC enthusiasts in the winter.:
• Appears to be maintained with power equipment.
• The Drive Out:
  • Whether you have kids or not, be sure to drive by the small regional airport and take a look at the mostly single engine planes.
  • North Cooking Lake used to be the center of the float and northern airplane industry. An element of this is still visible at the airport.
  • Beyond the airport, the NA is in the Beaver Hills Biosphere which has retained a reasonable amount of its origina naturalness or at least ruralness.
  • Some late summer moisture created a green landscape with numeroud pot-hole lakes spread throughout the undulating landscape. 
  • Antler Lake is another NA but is only accessible by boat or in the winter via ice. The summer village is very pleasant.
• The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking.
• Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2023-09-16. Weather: Warm but smoky; explored north of Wye Road portions.
  • 2023-09-23. Weather, windy and somewhat cooler from the prior weekend.
  • 2024-01-21. Weather, cold and snowy.

Notes and Reference

1. North Cooking 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.