Calling Lake

Calling Lake Provincial Park is located in north-central Alberta on the shores of its namesake lake in a boreal forest region. The park provides access to one of Alberta's significant northern lakes, offering water-based recreation and wilderness camping experiences with sandy beaches and diverse wildlife.

The park supports moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, wolves, and coyotes. The lake and wetlands attract waterfowl including common loons, pelicans, and various duck species. Beavers create ponds that support additional wildlife, while forests host songbirds and raptors including ospreys and bald eagles.

Calling Lake features boreal mixed-wood forest with trembling aspen, white birch, and balsam poplar in deciduous stands, and white/black spruce representing conifers. Jack pine grows on sandy sites, while tamarack occupies wetlands. The understory includes willows, alders, dogwood, and berry-producing species.

The park's geology is dominated by sedimentary deposits overlying the Precambrian Shield. The Laurentide Ice Sheet deposited extensive glacial till and outwash sediments. Calling Lake occupies a glacially-carved depression with sandy shorelines from glaciofluvial processes.

The park experiences a continental boreal climate with short warm summers (18-25°C) and long cold winters (below -20°C). Annual precipitation averages 450-500mm. The lake typically freezes in late October/early November and remains ice-covered until late April or May.

The Calling Lake area has been inhabited by Cree communities for thousands of years. The name derives from the Cree practice of calling across the water. European fur traders arrived in the 18th-19th centuries, followed by homesteading and resource extraction in the 20th century.

Calling Lake Provincial Park was established to protect the lake and surrounding boreal forest while providing public access for recreation. Facilities have been gradually improved while maintaining natural character, becoming an important regional destination for fishing enthusiasts and wilderness campers.

The lake offers excellent fishing for northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch, plus boating, swimming, and water sports. Sandy beaches are popular in summer. Hiking trails wind through boreal forest. Birdwatching is rewarding during migrations. Winter activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

The park offers camping with both serviced and unserviced campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, and modern washrooms. A boat launch provides lake access. Day-use areas include picnic shelters and beaches. Accessible via Highway 813, with nearest full services in Athabasca. Operates May through September.

The park protects boreal forest habitat, maintains water quality in Calling Lake, and provides wildlife corridor connections. Sustainable recreation management minimizes environmental impacts. Fire management balances safety with ecological needs. Fishing regulations ensure sustainable fish populations.