Between Edmonton and Calgary are a number of lakes that are well known for their recreational qualities. Pigeon Lake is one such body of water that is also excellent for cycling. Two routes are possible, the inner and outer loops.

Disclaimer

The rides and information are included here for my personal use only. See Welcome to YEG-Ville for cautions and terms of use. Maps and descriptions are subject to change.

1. Disclaimer
2. To and From Mulhurst
3. Two Loops: Inner and Outer
4. Pigeon Lake Outer Loop
5. Pigeon Inner Loop
6. Photo Memories

To and From Mulhurst

Pigeon Lake lies on a roughly Northwest to Southeast axis. Nevertheless, using a clock analogy is useful for describing the lake. By tradition, rides start and end in Mulhurst which is on the East or 3 o’clock position and goes clockwise. The reasons are simple.

• Good parking with a quiet and safe place to leave a vehicle.
• Small municipal park with a washroom and picnic shelter for apres-ride snack.
• The most challenging hill and boring part of the ride is South to Highway 13.
• Previously there was a good pub in Mulhurst.

Other potential starts and stops includes riding from the 6 o’clock position. There you can park at either Ma-Me-O beach (few services) or the Village (lots of services). As to which direction is best, I have always ridden clockwise. If I was to start at the South end of the lake then a counter-clockwise ride would make sense.

Two Loops: Inner and Outer

There are two loops available (with lots of variations, but I digress); an inner and outer. The outer loop is a standard road bike excursion. Mostly up on the table land so you don’t get to see the lake very often. The highways are quiet and safe.

The inner loop is my strong favourite and is one of Central Alberta’s best rides. You follow cottage roads and trails with some highway riding. The route is peek-a-boo meaning that you turn unexpectantly to stay near the lake. A gravel, mountain, or hybrid bike is recommended.

Both rides leave amenities once north of Highway 13. Riders must be self-sufficient if you have a flat tire or mechanical issue.

Pigeon Lake Outer Loop

• 60km – Outer Loop; first done September 24, 2023.
• Description: The loop starts and stops from Mulhurst. It is more or less a square going around the lake. 100% on pavement with good to narrow shoulders all in fair to good repair.
• Statistics: 59.1 kilometers · +/- 535M
• Ride With GPS link and Map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/135592096.
• CAUTION: The highways are mostly quiet but can have angry and aggressive families trying to get to the cottage so they can start relaxing.

Pigeon Inner Loop

• 60km – Inner Loop; first done ~2008.
• Description: The inner-loop of Pigeon Lake is a classic Central-Alberta ride taking you past cottages, the sounds of summer, history, and Aspen forests. Although only 60km, it is best enjoyed slow particularly given that the road surfaces is 50/50 asphalt and hard packed gravel trails. Well maintained hybrid or slick tired mountain bikes are best for this ride. Bring snacks and fluids to keep you going until back at Mulhurst.
• Statistics: 59.4 kilometers · +/-356M
• Ride With GPS link and Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47387562.
• CAUTION: In many ways, this is a more challenging ride than the outer loop. The changing road surfaces, frequent stops to enjoy the ambiance, and the peek-a-boo route finding makes it so. Thus, lower beginners are steered toward the outer-loop as the easier ride of the two.

Photo Memories