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Chip Lake, Alberta

Child standing on the shore of Chip Lake with a large piece of driftwood as a walking stick.

If you’ve ever driven on the Yellowhead Highway around Wildwood and Entwistle, you’ve no doubt noticed a massive lake along the north side of Highway 16. During a recent road trip we actually saw a sailboat on this lake and I was intrigued so, decided to take the kiddies on a road trip to Chip Lake.

Chip Lake

Getting to Chip Lake

Chip Lake makes a great day trip from Edmonton – it’s about an hour and a half drive along Highway 16, which is just enough for a short movie for the kids. There is approximately 25 km of gravel before hitting the campground area. But this view along the road in is pretty sweet.

Fishing at Chip Lake

We saw someone fishing from the shore while we were there. He said you can expect to catch pike and burbot here. Always check Alberta Fishing Regulations before heading out.

Shore fishing at Chip Lake

Boats on Chip Lake

There is a natural boat launch for your canoe, kayak or paddle board as well! Some folks were out on the lake with a board and some floaties when we were there.

Boat launch at Chip Lake

Playing in the Water at Chip Lake

We hung out on along the lake for a bit. I wouldn’t call it a “beach” per-say but the kids enjoyed throwing rocks, wading in – carefully – as you never know when a lake can drop off. There was some debris & rocks along the shore as well, so be sure to be careful where you step. A little further out into the water it gets sandy, so the kids enjoyed that!

Sisters stand on the shore of Chip Lake
Chip Lake

Chip Lake Playground

We spent a bit of time playing on the classic wooden playground, too. The kids love these older playgrounds.

Chip Lake Playground
Swings at Chip Lake playground

Self Registration Campground at Chip Lake

Self registration booth at Chip Lake

Chip Lake is self-registration. I noticed a pair of outhouses, and even some wood available for campers.

Campsite at Chip Lake

There are smaller tenting sites, larger open sites and then also group sites for camping, though there is no power. At $25/night it’s super affordable!

Group camp site at Chip Lake

Noise at Chip Lake

You couldn’t hear the highway but you could hear the train when it came through which was actually pretty neat during the day (maybe not in the middle of the night if you’re a light sleeper).

This lake is HUGE! There are lots of ducks and along the way there, even an Elk farm.

I can’t imagine a sunset here. I bet it would be fabulous!!

A Great Edmonton Day Trip

At a little over an hour and a half drive west, it was a great lake for a day trip from Edmonton. One of our paddle boarding/kayak mamas is considering a trip there with her trailer!

For more day trip ideas, check out some of our other posts:

Chris is one of the only mama’s with a “day job”. Mom of 2, a 8 & 10 year old, she works as a admin for a local bakery. She loves cider, hanging out with good people and writing about her feelings. She currently resides in our Capital City, however she grew up on a farm north east of the city and never forgets her farm girl roots.
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