Discover Alberta’s Lakelands & Living History

Circle Tour: Cold Lake to Two Hills – Lakelands, Heritage & Prairie Charm

This circle tour links Cold Lake’s sparkling waters to Two Hills’ Ukrainian heritage, taking you through Métis settlements, prairie farmland, and historic trading posts along the way. It’s a route where history, culture, and natural beauty all come together — perfect for road trippers looking to slow down and explore.

🌊 Lakelands & Outdoor Adventure

At the northern end of your loop, Cold Lake is the star — crystal waters, sandy beaches, and trails that stretch for miles. A hotspot for boating, paddling, and fishing, it’s also one of Alberta’s most scenic lakes for photography.

South of Cold Lake, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park is a quieter gem — campgrounds, walking trails, and birdwatching opportunities tucked into the forest. Perfect for families or anyone looking to recharge by the water.

🪶 Indigenous & Métis Heritage

This route passes through communities rich in Indigenous history and contemporary culture. Stop in Elizabeth Métis Settlement or Frog Lake First Nation, where stories of resilience, culture, and community continue to shape the land.

Along the way, discover unique experiences that celebrate Métis heritage:

• 🛖 Pine Creek Stopping House Cabins — rustic stays that echo the history of early travellers.

• 🌅 Métis Crossing — Alberta’s premier cultural destination for Métis history, storytelling, and hands-on experiences.

• 🚩 Kikino Métis Settlement — home to the world’s largest Red River Cart, a powerful symbol of Métis identity.

• 🌲 Hideaway Adventure Grounds — an Indigenous-owned outdoor experience hub offering camping, workshops, and cultural programming.

Together, these stops highlight how the land

🏘️ Prairie Towns & Local Flavour

From Smoky Lake’s pumpkin fair to Vilna’s historic boomtown main street, the towns along this route are packed with character. Andrew, Hairy Hill, and Myrnam offer friendly cafés, quirky antique shops, and roadside photo ops that make road trips memorable.

Don’t miss Elk Point and Heinsburg — both tied to Alberta’s fur trade history, with parks and historic sites that bring the past to life.

🌟 Did You Know? Vilna was crowned Most Welcoming Community in the Best of Alberta Contest, and Two Hills holds the honour of winning the very first-ever Canada’s Most Rider Friendly Community Contest. Road trips here aren’t just scenic — they’re built on genuine prairie hospitality.

🚗 Roadside Stops & Hidden Gems

Keep your eyes peeled for grain elevators, heritage churches, and roadside oddities along the way. Lindbergh and Musidora are small but photogenic, while Bonnyville offers great places to refuel and grab a bite.

This is a drive where unmarked backroads often lead to your best stories.

📸 Pro Tip:

Catch the sunrise over Cold Lake or the evening light at Whitney Lakes Provincial Park — golden hour reflections here are some of the best in Alberta.

Maps: NE R5 & NE R6

Towns: Cold Lake, Two Hills, Bonnyville, Elk Point, Frog Lake, Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park, Vilna, Smoky Lake, Andrew, Willingdon, Ardmore, Spedden, Ashmont, Heinsburg, Lindbergh, Myrnam, Musidora, Sputinow, Beaverdam, Beaver Crossing, Beavallon, Fort Kent, Hairy Hill