Island Lake Campground Details - Alberta Provincial Recreation Area

Island Lake

41 Sites

PROVINCIAL RECREATION AREA

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Island lake sits at the peak of the mountain pass at the Alberta/BC border along Crowsnest Highway #3. Rocky Mountain Sheep and Moose are often seen in the area which is at the foot of Sentinel Peak.

First off, let's get the bad things about Island Lake out of the way ... The CPR mainline tracks run parallel to the campground where the island campsites are. A forest area between the tracks and the main camping area helps lessen the train impact. ... Oh, and it's oftentimes a little breezy.

If you can overlook those minor things ... Island Lake can be a great, convenient just-off-the-highway stop, or a fun camping experience. If you love to fish and explore, Island Lake is a gem with some nice secluded areas at the south and west sides.

No firewood available on site. Large sites, 20 minutes from town, no potable water, 2 bathroom buildings (non-flush). Trailer Dump is available in Blairmore.

You are expected to bring your own water. Government of Alberta regulations require that water from pumps/taps like the one located here NOT be used for drinking, cooking or washing (including brushing teeth and washing dishes). Water from the pump/tap onsite can only be used for purposes like putting out a campfire.

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2021 Rates

All sites are first-come first-serve
Payment by cash or personal cheque only.

CAMPING SITE:

$23

/ unit / night

Checkout time is 2pm
Maximum 16 day stay

Campground Info

Open:

June 1 - October 15

Operator:

Alberta Parks

Phone:

403.627.1165

Location

15 km. West of Crowsnest Pass – On Crowsnest Highway #3 at the Alberta/BC border.

Island Lake is an easy campground to miss from either direction.

You travelling from the East: (from Alberta)
As you pass the large paved parking area at Crowsnest Lake, you will then pass the bible camp on your right and then cross over a small bridge. The Island Lake turnoff is your next right.

You travelling from the West: (from BC)
As you cross into Alberta down the hill and past the lakes, the entrance to Island Lake Campground is left, just across from the "Crowsnest Pass Welcomes You" sign.

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Activities

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A 2.5km (unofficial) trail around the lake is a good, moderate hike with varying terrain and some rough areas. In the spring parts of the trail may be impassable. In the fall when the water is low, you can walk along the shoreline around an interesting small island just off highway 3, and you can walk out on gravel bars far into the lake.

A crystal clear mountain stream runs under the bridge at the east end of the campground. You can walk along the edge for a little bit, and there are short trails in the bush. It is a short walk to Crowsnest and Emerald Lakes. There is, quite often, a hot dog/food vendor in the Crowsnest Lake parking area throughout the summer.

Across the highway is access to some great hiking/biking trail areas such as Gargantua cave. These trails across the highway are not 'casual' trails, but rather, Moderate to Extreme rated trails for experienced persons only.

DO NOT CROSS THE HIGHWAY ON FOOT.
DANGERS: BLIND SPOTS, WIDE SHOULDERS, BC DRIVERS.

Many interesting sites are a short drive away including Crowsnest Lake, Emerald Lake, Window Mountain Lake, Crowsnest River with great fly-fishing in many locations, 18 hole golf course, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Bellevue Underground Mine Tour, Crowsnest Museum.

For more info on places to go, visit GoCrowsnest.ca.

Rules and Regulations

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Maximum 16 day stay in all Provincial Recreation Areas

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Firearms are prohibited within Provincial Recreation Areas.

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Bathroom facilities are of the outhouse variety,
no flush toilets or showers are available.

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Each sleeping unit on site must register and
fee per/unit paid.

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Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

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Quiet time is 11:00 PM. No Visitors after 11:00 PM

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Speed limit is 20 km/hr unless otherwise posted.

This information is intended as a general outline of the regulations under the Alberta Provincial Parks Act which deals with recreational activities in provincial recreation areas. These rules are subject to change without notice.

View the Alberta Provincial Parks Act to review the complete regulations.