The Ultimate Paddling Road Trip West of Edmonton

Looking for a summer road trip that combines quiet lakes, wildlife, fishing and small-town stops? Head west of Edmonton along the Highway 13 corridor and explore three distinctly different paddling destinations: Battle Lake, Twin Lakes and Buck Lake.

Whether you have one day or an entire weekend, this route offers calm water, beautiful scenery and plenty of places to eat, shop and stay along the way. Kayaks and paddleboards are available to book online through West Country Rentals, with self-serve rental stations located right at each lake. All three lakes are located in the County of Wetaskiwin.

Battle Lake: Explore a Long, Scenic Shoreline

Set in a narrow, forested valley surrounded by rolling hills, Battle Lake is a beautiful destination for paddlers who want room to explore. Its long shape makes it easy to follow the shoreline, discover quiet inlets and choose a route that fits the length of your rental.

The lake is especially enjoyable for kayak fishing. Fish species reported in Battle Lake include northern pike, yellow perch, lake whitefish, burbot and white sucker, with lake whitefish traditionally being a significant catch. Powerboats are permitted but are subject to a maximum speed of 12 kilometres per hour, helping preserve the lake’s relatively peaceful atmosphere.

Paddlers may also see water lilies, loons, pelicans, herons, grebes, ducks and bald eagles along the lake.

Battle Lake highlights:

• Long, narrow lake with plenty of shoreline to explore
• Good option for paddling and fishing
• Rolling hills and heavily treed surroundings
• Birdwatching and wildlife-viewing opportunities
• Suitable for anything from a short outing to a longer paddle

Twin Lakes: Clear Water and No Motorboats

For a calm, uncomplicated day on the water, Twin Lakes is hard to beat. Located just off Highway 13 near Winfield, this small but remarkably deep lake is known for its clean, clear water and quiet setting.

No motorboats are permitted, making Twin Lakes particularly welcoming for paddleboarders, families and first-time kayakers. Because the lake is compact, you are never far from shore, yet there is still enough room to circle the lake, explore the edges and settle into the peaceful surroundings.

The public park includes a dock, day-use facilities, washrooms and camping, although the park can become busy on warm summer days.

Twin Lakes highlights:

• No motorboats
• Clean, clear and unusually deep water
• Rainbow trout fishing
• Compact size that is approachable for newer paddlers
• Quiet conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding and relaxing on the water

Buck Lake: Wildlife, Fishing and a Paddle to Rat Lake

Buck Lake is the most expansive and varied stop on this road trip. With more than 21 miles of shoreline, numerous bays and a mix of wetlands, open water and developed shoreline, every paddle can offer something different.

Watch for beavers, loons, pelicans, blue herons, mallards and other waterfowl as you explore the lake’s protected bays. Anglers can also combine their paddle with a morning or evening of fishing.

One of the best routes begins near the Buck Lake rental station. Paddle beneath the bridge and continue toward the Rat Lake conservation area, passing bird habitat, active beaver lodges, quiet coves and a nearby beaver dam. The return trip can be completed in approximately two hours under suitable conditions, making it a manageable adventure without committing to an entire day on the water.

Buck Lake highlights:

• Extensive shoreline and many routes to explore
• Diverse birdwatching and wildlife opportunities
• Excellent lake for combining paddling and fishing
• Sheltered bays for shorter excursions
• Scenic route beneath the bridge toward Rat Lake

Things to Do Along the Way

The lakes may be the centrepiece of the trip, but the local stops help turn it into a complete road-trip experience.

Buck Lake Mercantile & Café

The Buck Lake Mercantile & Café offers fresh meals, coffee, sweet treats, groceries and other essentials. You can stop for breakfast before launching, enjoy lunch between activities or pick up food after returning your rental. The location also offers pottery and clay-glazing activities. (Buck Lake)

Buck Lake Artisans’ Gift Shop

Browse locally made gifts and artisan products and take home something that reflects the character of the Buck Lake area. It is a worthwhile stop for anyone who enjoys supporting small businesses and regional makers.

Grey Owl Meadery

Complete the day with a visit to Grey Owl Meadery, located along Highway 22 near Buck Lake. The family-run meadery produces award-winning honey wines and offers a tasting room, patio and food service during its summer season. Check its current hours before visiting. (greyowlmeadery.com)

Pendryl Pizza

Located just west of Highway 13 near Winfield, Pendryl General Store & Pizza Parlour serves pizza, sandwiches, baked goods and other convenient road-trip food. Orders can be called in ahead for pickup, making it an easy post-paddle dinner stop. (pendrylstore.com)

Scotch & Soda Mobile Café

Start the morning with coffee and something to eat from Scotch & Soda Mobile Café, located at the Winfield Truck Stop on Highway 20. It is a convenient stop before heading to Twin Lakes or continuing west toward Buck Lake.

Winfield General Store

Stop in Winfield for road-trip snacks, cold drinks, ice cream and any supplies you may have forgotten. A classic small-town store is also a good place to ask about what is happening locally during your visit.

Places to Stay

Make it a weekend and give yourself time to paddle more than one lake.

Glamp Good

Located on 160 private acres of boreal forest near Winfield, Glamp Good offers solar-powered, off-grid glamping accommodations surrounded by nature. It is an especially convenient base for exploring Twin Lakes and the surrounding area. (Glamp Good)

Pure Awareness Glamping and Yoga

Pure Awareness combines rural accommodations with yoga, wellness experiences and a peaceful countryside setting. Summer yoga sessions may take place in its open-air pavilion, with other retreats and experiences offered throughout the season. (Pure Awareness)

Bear Creek Cabins

For a rustic Alberta experience, Bear Creek Cabins offers traditional western-style cabins on a working cattle ranch. Activities may include hiking, horseback riding, pony rides, farm animals and other ranch experiences. (Bear Creek Cabins)

Hidden Springs Retreat & Guesthouse

Located on 160 acres of rolling parkland east of Winfield, Hidden Springs Retreat & Guesthouse offers a quiet rural setting for individuals, couples and groups looking to slow down and spend more time in nature. (Travel Alberta)

Plan Your West-Country Paddle

Choose one lake for a relaxed day trip, or book a weekend and experience all three. Start with the long, winding shoreline of Battle Lake, enjoy the clear motor-free water at Twin Lakes and finish with wildlife watching and a paddle toward Rat Lake at Buck Lake.

West Country Rentals provides self-serve kayak and paddleboard rentals at all three locations. Book online, receive your access instructions and arrive ready to get on the water. Paddles, personal flotation devices and required safety equipment are included. (West Country Rentals)