The 5 Best Kid-Friendly Beaches Near Edmonton

Summer is finally here, and those warm, sunny beach days are calling for you! If you’re looking for sandy shores and clear water, there are a few kid-friendly beaches close to Edmonton that make for a fun and memorable day trip.

I’ve taken kids to all of them; each has its pros and cons. Here’s a helpful guide to beaches near the city that are worth the trip.

Gull Lake – Ebeling Beach Day Use

Ebeling Beach in Aspen Beach Provincial Park would be my first pick for toddlers and young children. The beach has soft sand, and the water is very shallow for a long way, making it safe for the little ones to splash and play. It also has a playground, picnic areas, a life jacket loaner station and a concession in the summer.

• Location: Near Lacombe, 140 km southwest of Edmonton

• Cost: Free

• Considerations: It can get crowded on weekends, and they turn away cars when the lot is full. Gull Lake is also susceptible to blue-green algae, so always check water advisories. No dogs are permitted on the beach.

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is Alberta’s go-to beach destination, and it is buzzing with summer activity. Clear water, long stretches of sand and close access to ice cream shops, cafes, public washrooms, playgrounds and a boat launch make Sylvan Lake a summer hot spot. The beach is backed by a long grassy park and has several picnic areas. The water in the swimming area is shallow, making it safe for kids to play. Adventurous kids will enjoy the Aqua Splash inflatable waterpark that is set up offshore.

• Location: Near Red Deer, 160 km southwest of Edmonton

• Cost: Beach access is free, but parking fees apply in some areas.

• Considerations: Sylvan Lake can get really busy, and beach tents are only permitted in grassy areas. Come early to secure your spot! Dogs aren’t permitted on the beach.

Long Island Lake Municipal Campground

Long Island Lake, as the name suggests, is long and narrow and has an island in the middle of it. It’s astonishingly clear for a prairie lake, and the best public access point is the municipal campground. It is well-maintained, offering a wide, sandy beach, clean water, a roped-off swimming area, and a swimming platform. Nearby, you’ll find a playground and giant tractor tires to climb on. 

• Location: Near Westlock, 130 km from Edmonton

• Cost: $10/vehicle day use fee and a $20 boat launch fee

• Considerations: No food, drink or pets are allowed on the beach, and only pit toilets are available. It gets busy on weekends, so come early to secure parking.

Wabamun Lake Provincial Park

Wabamun Lake is the closest sandy, swimmable beach to Edmonton with public access. The provincial park offers a nice day-use area with a beach, picnic areas, playground, washrooms, change rooms, boat launch and a summer concession. The swimming area is shallow, roped off, and generally weed-free. However, there are weeds outside the swimming area.

• Location: Near the Town of Wabamun, 70 km west of Edmonton

• Cost: Free

• Considerations: Wabamun has a large parking lot, but it still gets busy on weekends. Like other Alberta Lakes, it can experience blue-green algae blooms. Check for advisories or call the park office before heading out.

Allen Beach Resort – Hubbles Lake

Allen Beach Resort offers membership access to their private beach on Hubbles Lake. The lake is spring-fed and crystal-clear, and the resort maintains a wide, sandy beach and swimming area. The beach and lake are admittedly one of the nicest in the Edmonton area, but membership comes at a steep price. For example, you’ll pay $1,250 this season for a family of four. If you plan on going often and prefer a peaceful, uncrowded beach retreat all summer long, it could be worth the investment.

• Location: Near Stony Plain, 30 km west of Edmonton

• Cost: Seasonal beach membership required: $450 for adults, $225 for kids age 6 and up, and $1,250 for a family of four.

• Considerations: Beach memberships are expensive, but offer unlimited access to a peaceful, crowd-free beach on a clean lake all summer long.

For Everyone to Enjoy

Unless you pay for a membership at Allen Beach Resort, you can expect that most warm summer days will be busy at the beach. It’s important to remember that everyone is looking to have a fun day, just like you! Be patient and mindful of other beachgoers. Let’s share the space, respect other people’s belongings, pick up after ourselves, and avoid smoking or playing loud music in shared spaces. 

Make some memories with your family at the beach this summer, and don’t forget to pack sunscreen!