Slave Lake Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions of Slave Lake, Alberta, and plan a memorable vacation with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Slave Lake

Nestled in North Central Alberta, Slave Lake is a jewel of Northern Alberta. This vibrant town offers a plethora of options to explore the wilderness, cultural attractions, and local cuisines.

The town is named Slave Lake after the indigenous people of northern Alberta, the Slavey tribe, who once lived in the area. The Slave Lake wildfire in May 2011 devastated the town, but the locals came together to rebuild and restore their community.

List of Places to Visit in Slave Lake

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The town holds significant historical and cultural importance, and the attractions are perfect for history buffs. The Northern Alberta Historical and Railway Museum showcases the town’s history and portrays the Canadian Railway during the early 1900s. The Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory is a must-visit for bird lovers, where one can spot bird species from all over the world.

Natural Attractions of Slave Lake: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Slave Lake is surrounded by immense forests, waterbodies, and wildlife. The town is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. One can take a guided fishing trip to the Lesser Slave Lake, home to fish species like Northern Pike and Walleye. The Gilwood Golf and Country Club offers an 18-hole course, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Slave Lake

There are several hiking trails in and around Slave Lake. The Marten Mountain Viewpoint is a popular hiking trail that takes hikers through the lush green forest and stunning viewpoints of Lesser Slave Lake. The Trans Canada Trail, also known as the Great Trail, is a 27,000 km trail that passes through Slave Lake and is ideal for cycling and long-distance trekking.

Best Things to Do in Slave Lake: Activities and Tours

The town offers several activities and tours for visitors. One can take a guided ATV tour through the wilderness, explore the various walking trails, or book a helicopter tour for aerial views of Lesser Slave Lake. The Athabascan River also provides a route to explore the town on a canoe or kayak.

Week-Long Itinerary for Slave Lake

Day Activity
1 Visit the Northern Alberta Historical and Railway Museum and the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
2 Explore the Marten Mountain Viewpoint and the Big Lake Trail
3 Take a guided fishing trip at Lesser Slave Lake
4 Play golf at Gilwood Golf and Country Club and go on an ATV excursion
5 Visit the Athabascan River and book a canoe/kayak trip
6 Go on an aerial tour of the town
7 Relax at Lesser Slave Lake beaches and enjoy the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Slave Lake

Must-Try Dishes

Slave Lake provides an array of cuisines ranging from traditional Canadian dishes to modern international dishes. For a taste of the traditional Canadian experience, try the local Poutine dish at one of the local restaurants in town. The town also has several local food trucks that serve delicious burgers and sandwiches.

Local Beverages

Alberta is known for producing high-quality beer, and Slave Lake has several local breweries that serve an array of beer. One can also find locally sourced wines and spirits paired with delicious food in several bars and restaurants in town.

Where to Stay in Slave Lake: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Slave Lake provides several options for tourists to stay in, ranging from hotels and motels to hostels and guesthouses. The Big Lake Inn provides comfortable accommodation with options for a pool, spa, and gym facilities. For a more budget-friendly option, the Slave Lake Inn and Conference center provides quality amenities for a pleasant stay.

What to Buy in Slave Lake: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Fingers itching to buy local souvenirs? Slave Lake has several options for shoppers, ranging from unique Canadian handicrafts to locally produced artwork. The Slave Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays is known for its locally sourced and organic produce, homemade jams, and baked goods. The Jerky shop is a popular outlet for purchasing locally sourced beef jerky.

Local Culture and Customs of Slave Lake

The town’s culture reflects the traditions of the indigenous people of northern Alberta, the Slavey tribe. They have a rich cultural background that showcases their traditions through performances, arts, and lived experiences.

Best Time to Visit Slave Lake

The best time to visit Slave Lake is during early summer or late spring when the weather is pleasant, and the outdoors is in full bloom. June, July, and August are the peak tourist months and have a bustling town vibe with several events and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Slave Lake

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Pack enough layers to protect yourself from unpredictable weather changes.
  • Take extra safety precautions when exploring outdoor adventure activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter in or around the town.
  • Mess with the local wildlife.
  • Disrespect the indigenous people and their history.

Safety and Health

Safety in Slave Lake

Slave Lake is a relatively safe town for tourists, but like any other place, tourists must stay vigilant and take proper safety precautions when exploring the outdoors. It is recommended to carry a bear spray or any other self-defense tool if you plan on exploring the forests.

Health in Slave Lake

The town has several healthcare facilities that provide quality medical care for tourists in case of an emergency. It is advised to carry an adequate supply of medication for chronic illnesses to avoid any medical mishaps.

Getting to Slave Lake: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Slave Lake

The nearest airport to Slave Lake is the Edmonton International Airport, which is approximately 250 km away from the town. Alternatively, visitors can take a connecting flight from Edmonton to Slave Lake airport.

Bus Stations Near Slave Lake

The town has several bus services that connect the town to various destinations around the country. The Greyhound Bus Service runs daily from Edmonton to Slave Lake.

Other Options

The town also offers several car rental services for visitors who want to explore the region independently. Several taxi services are also available for those who need transportation within the town.

How to Get Around in Slave Lake

The town has several options for local transportation, including buses and taxis. Several car rental services are also available for exploring the outdoors. Alternatively, one can explore the town on foot or bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Slave Lake: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several neighboring towns and regions that are worth exploring during your visit to Slave Lake. Athabasca is a nearby town with several natural attractions and lakes worth visiting. Jasper National Park and Banff National Park are world-renowned attractions that are relatively nearby and are worth exploring.

Conclusion

Slave Lake is an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore the beauty of Canada’s wilderness and unique cultural heritage. The town is relatively small but packed with several attractions and activities that provide an immersive travel experience.

Lesser Slave Lake, as seen from Martin Mountain, with the town of Slave Lake, with the town of Slave Lake near the middle of the picture on the far shore Lesser Slave Lake, as seen from Martin Mountain, with the town of Slave Lake, with the town of Slave Lake near the middle of the picture on the far shore Canyon Creek flowing into Lesser Slave Lake Canyon Creek flowing into Lesser Slave Lake Main Street, Slave Lake as of August 2006 Main Street, Slave Lake as of August 2006 Lesser Slave River, near Slave Lake Lesser Slave River, near Slave Lake