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Lakeland County
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Explore Lakeland County in Alberta for clear lakes, boreal forests, Indigenous and Métis heritage, paddling, camping and northern outdoor life.

Lakeland County is best understood today as the former municipal district that, together with the former Town of Lac La Biche, became Lac La Biche County in 2007. In travel terms, the name still conveys the character of this part of northeastern Alberta: a broad, forested district of lakes, wetlands, boreal woodland and historic settlements roughly midway between Edmonton and Fort McMurray. Visitors come for quiet water-based recreation, Indigenous and Métis heritage, mixed-forest landscapes and the long northern days of summer.
Read more about Lakeland County
The county’s geographical focus is Lac La Biche, one of Alberta’s larger lakes, whose shores and islands support boating, fishing, paddling and birdwatching. Around it lie smaller lakes, muskeg and spruce- and aspen-dominated forest, while the landscape becomes increasingly open and agricultural towards some southern communities. Lac La Biche is the principal service centre, with Plamondon and several rural settlements providing different perspectives on the area’s French-Canadian, Métis, Indigenous and later immigrant histories.
Water defines the most distinctive visitor experiences. Lakeland Provincial Park protects a network of lakes and forest in the county’s eastern part, with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, camping, hiking and wildlife observation. Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park occupies an island in Lac La Biche and is reached by causeway, offering camping, beaches, trails and access to a lake environment shaped by both recreation and conservation. Conditions vary considerably by season: summers are suitable for paddling and camping, while winter brings ice, snow and shorter daylight hours.
The region’s cultural history is equally important. Lac La Biche Mission, on the shore of the lake, preserves the setting of one of Alberta’s earliest Catholic mission communities and reflects the movement of missionaries, voyageurs, Indigenous peoples and Métis families through the western interior. Nearby museums and cultural institutions help explain the area’s fur-trade connections, religious history, settlement patterns and changing relationship with the boreal environment. These stories should be approached as layered histories rather than as a single pioneer narrative.
Lakeland County is not a compact resort strip: distances between lakes, parks and settlements are substantial, and a vehicle is useful for reaching dispersed sites. The reward is a slower journey through a region where forest roads, open water, campgrounds and community facilities are closely linked. Local food is generally shaped by northern Alberta’s wider traditions, with freshwater fish, wild game, preserves and home baking appearing alongside nationally familiar Canadian fare.

When is the best time to visit Lakeland County?

Best: June–August · 23–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-535
February-329
March332
April1136
May1944
June (best)2358
July (best)2664
August (best)2655
September1948
October1142
November337
December-332

Getting to and around Lakeland County

How to get there

Lac La Biche County is in northeastern Alberta, between Edmonton and Fort McMurray. Most visitors arrive by road, using Alberta Highway 63 and connecting routes towards Lac La Biche; Edmonton is the principal major airport gateway, well outside the county. Fort McMurray International Airport is another possible northern gateway, also outside the county and generally more useful for visitors approaching from the north. There is no regular passenger railway service serving the destination, so international visitors should plan a road journey from an airport, usually with a hired car.

Transportation

A car is the most practical way to explore the county because communities, lakes, historic sites and provincial parks are widely separated. Lac La Biche provides local services, while rural public transport and taxi availability are limited compared with Alberta’s larger cities. Main roads are generally straightforward, but distances, wildlife, winter conditions and occasional services between settlements require planning. Paddling and walking are important within the parks, yet they do not replace road transport between sites. Check road and park conditions before setting out, especially during snow, wildfire or severe-weather periods.

Explore Lakeland County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Lakeland County

Dining in Lakeland County is centred on Lac La Biche and the smaller communities, with restaurants, cafés, takeaways and straightforward family establishments serving the needs of local residents and travellers. The regional food character reflects northern Alberta rather than a sharply separate cuisine: freshwater fish, wild game, hearty soups, preserves, home baking and grilled meats are natural complements to the area’s forests and lakes, although availability varies by season and business. Visitors may also encounter French-Canadian and Métis culinary influences alongside the broader Canadian menu of burgers, sandwiches and comfort food. Local shops and markets can be useful places to look for baked goods, seasonal produce and preserves, while self-catering is sensible for camping or longer stays in the parks. Accommodation kitchens and picnic facilities make it practical to carry provisions, particularly when exploring beyond Lac La Biche. Tipping in restaurants follows normal Canadian practice, and advance checking is sensible for smaller rural businesses whose hours and menus can change.

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Best bars in Lakeland County

Evenings in Lakeland County are generally quiet and community-oriented rather than built around a major nightclub scene. Lac La Biche has the widest choice of pubs, casual bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, while smaller communities tend to offer fewer venues and earlier closing patterns. Traditional hotel bars and relaxed local establishments are more characteristic than large dance clubs, and outdoor recreation, community events and conversations over a meal often shape the evening. Visitors staying in provincial parks should expect dark skies and limited late-night services rather than organised nightlife. Alcohol can be purchased and consumed only in accordance with Alberta law, and responsible planning is important when distances between communities are considerable. Seasonal festivals or local performances may add activity at particular times, but arrangements change, so current information should be checked locally rather than assumed.

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Best nightclubs in Lakeland County

Evenings in Lakeland County are generally quiet and community-oriented rather than built around a major nightclub scene. Lac La Biche has the widest choice of pubs, casual bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, while smaller communities tend to offer fewer venues and earlier closing patterns. Traditional hotel bars and relaxed local establishments are more characteristic than large dance clubs, and outdoor recreation, community events and conversations over a meal often shape the evening. Visitors staying in provincial parks should expect dark skies and limited late-night services rather than organised nightlife. Alcohol can be purchased and consumed only in accordance with Alberta law, and responsible planning is important when distances between communities are considerable. Seasonal festivals or local performances may add activity at particular times, but arrangements change, so current information should be checked locally rather than assumed.

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Best shops in Lakeland County

Shopping in Lakeland County is practical and locally focused, with the broadest selection in Lac La Biche and smaller ranges of services in Plamondon and rural communities. Visitors will find everyday supplies, outdoor equipment, groceries, cafés and locally oriented independent businesses rather than a large urban retail district. For distinctive purchases, look for regional food products such as preserves, baking and other shelf-stable provisions, as well as locally made crafts or Indigenous and Métis cultural items sold through established community or cultural channels. Farmers’ markets and seasonal community events can offer produce, baking and handmade goods, but their dates and participating vendors vary. Outdoor recreation shops are useful for fishing, camping and paddling supplies, while grocery stores are important stops before travelling into the provincial parks. Souvenirs are more likely to reflect the lake country, boreal landscape and local heritage than luxury retail, so visitors should allow time to browse community businesses rather than expect a concentrated shopping centre.

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Lakeland County essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), used throughout Alberta and the rest of Canada. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established businesses in Lac La Biche and other larger communities, but smaller rural establishments, campgrounds, markets or remote service points may have limited connectivity or payment options. Carry some Canadian cash for contingency, and do not rely on mobile payment alone when travelling into park or backcountry areas. Exchange rates vary, so international visitors should check their card provider’s fees rather than carrying large amounts of cash.
Safety
The main practical risks are associated with distance, weather and outdoor conditions rather than sightseeing in built-up areas. Drive cautiously on rural roads, watch for wildlife and expect reduced daylight and icy surfaces in winter. Around lakes, use appropriate flotation equipment and take changing wind and weather seriously; cold water can be dangerous even in summer. In forested areas, follow fire restrictions and respect warnings about smoke or wildfire. Ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects are common in warm months, so protective clothing and repellent are useful.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies, as in the rest of Alberta. Give a clear location, road name, nearby community, campground or lake, since mobile coverage can be inconsistent in rural and forested areas. Visitors undertaking longer paddling, hiking or winter trips should leave an itinerary with someone else and carry navigation, warm clothing, water and a charged phone or alternative communication device. For current wildfire, road and park emergencies, follow instructions from Alberta authorities and park staff rather than relying on informal online reports.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect posted access rules, private property, Indigenous and Métis cultural places, wildlife and provincial park regulations. Do pack out rubbish, keep fires within designated arrangements and ask before photographing people or cultural activities. Do not assume that an apparently empty shoreline is public land, and do not approach wildlife or feed animals. At heritage sites, treat buildings and artefacts carefully and read the interpretation before drawing conclusions about mission or settlement history. Tipping and everyday public etiquette generally follow Canadian practice rather than a special local code.
Local Tips
The best way to understand the area is to combine a cultural visit in or near Lac La Biche with time on the water or in the forest. Plan supplies before travelling to the parks, and download or carry navigation information because reception can be uneven. Summer gives the longest days for camping and paddling, while autumn brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage; winter visitors need proper cold-weather equipment and flexible plans. Ask local businesses or park staff about current access, fire restrictions, fishing rules and conditions instead of assuming that last season’s arrangements still apply.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey there[Hey ther]
GoodbyeSee ya later[See ya lay-ter]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[No prob-lem]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thanks a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[Par-don me]
How are you?How's it going?[How's it goe-ing?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[Good. And you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[Do ya speak English?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[Can I see the men-oo, please?]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[I'm a vege-tar-ian]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill, please?[Can I get the bill, please?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Leave me alone![Leave me a-lone!]
Call the Police!Call 911![Call nine-one-one!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doc-tor!]
I'm lostI'm turned around[I'm turned a-round]
I'm illI'm not feeling well[I'm not feel-ing well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just brows-ing]
How much is it?What's the price?[What's the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's way too pricey[That's way too pry-see]
Can you lower the price?Can you knock down the price?[Can you knock down the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[What time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morn-ing]
AfternoonAfternoon[Af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[Eve-ning]
YesterdayYesterday[Yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[To-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[To-mor-row]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me on the map?[Can ya show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[A tick-et to ...]

History of Lakeland County

Indigenous homelands and lake networks

The Lac La Biche area lies within the long-established homelands of Cree, Dene and Métis peoples. The connected lakes, rivers and forest provided routes for travel, fishing, hunting, trapping and seasonal gathering, while knowledge of the terrain shaped movement through the boreal environment. Indigenous presence predates written records by many thousands of years, and contemporary communities remain central to the region’s identity. The landscape should therefore be understood not as an empty wilderness later opened by outsiders, but as a lived and travelled cultural environment.

The fur trade and the name Lac La Biche

Lac La Biche became an important inland meeting point during the expansion of the fur trade in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The French name, meaning ‘lake of the doe’, reflects the terminology used by explorers and traders, while Indigenous and Métis knowledge made movement and survival in the region possible. Canoe routes linked the lake country with the wider Athabasca and North Saskatchewan systems. Trading, transport and seasonal work encouraged the growth of a mixed population whose cultural influence remains visible in local history.

Lac La Biche Mission and Catholic settlement

Roman Catholic missionaries established a mission at Lac La Biche in the nineteenth century, creating one of the earliest permanent Catholic mission settings in what became Alberta. The mission operated within a complex world of Indigenous communities, Métis families, missionaries and commercial travellers. Its buildings and surviving landscape illustrate the practical realities of religious and agricultural settlement in the northern interior. Today, Lac La Biche Mission National Historic Site preserves this chapter while also prompting visitors to consider the wider effects of mission activity and colonial change.

Métis communities and agricultural change

Métis families played a significant role in the region’s transport, harvesting, farming and trading economy. As colonial administration expanded in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, land use changed through surveys, settlement and the development of agricultural communities. French-speaking and other immigrant settlers added further cultural layers, particularly around places such as Plamondon. Farming has never erased the importance of the lakes and forest: fishing, trapping, forestry and seasonal work continued alongside agriculture, creating the mixed rural economy associated with the area.

Roads, resource development and modern government

Twentieth-century roads, improved communications and expanding public services connected the lake district more closely with Edmonton and northern Alberta. Forestry, oil and gas, construction, public administration and service industries became important alongside agriculture and tourism. Political boundaries also changed as local municipalities were reorganised. The former Lakeland County and the former Town of Lac La Biche were amalgamated in 2007 to form Lac La Biche County, the current municipal framework for much of the destination described by the older name.

Parks and the conservation of lake country

As roads and recreation developed, parts of the boreal lake landscape were protected for public enjoyment and ecological conservation. Lakeland Provincial Park became known for its interconnected waterways and canoe routes, while Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park protects an island setting in Lac La Biche. These parks represent a modern shift from treating northern land chiefly as a source of resources towards recognising its recreational, cultural and ecological value. They also preserve habitats important to waterfowl, fish and forest wildlife.

Lakeland County in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Lakeland County

Discover Lakeland County with Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, and local tips for an unforgettable experience.

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More about the Evendo app

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Welcome to Lakeland County, Canada, where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. With Evendo, your trip planning becomes a breeze. Discover must-see attractions like the serene Lakeland Provincial Park, the vibrant downtown area, and historic sites such as the Lakeland Heritage Museum. Craving local delicacies? Savor the flavors at renowned restaurants like The Lakeside Bistro and Maple Leaf Diner.

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