This Alberta small town with Cape Cod vibes and soft sand is a must-visit before summer ends
It's beach time!
A lake beach Alberta. RIght: Cold Lake Alberta.
This small town in Alberta gives a coastal vibe that summer dreams are made of. It has a beach with velvety soft sand, wide open water to look out on, and streets lined with cute local shops.
This Alberta beach town is the closest thing to Cape Cod vibes you can find in the province, so if you haven't had a good summer trip yet, jump in the car – it's road trip time.
From Calgary, it's about six hours by car to get to Cold Lake. From Edmonton, the drive is just three hours long, but wherever you're coming from, it's worth the journey.
Cold Lake is technically a city, but it has that small beach town feel to it. It doesn't have the hustle and bustle of big cities, but you will find amenities like lots of food options, accommodations, and things to do.
The main draw here, though, is Kinosoo Beach, which — according to Travel Alberta — has been named one of the "top 25 beaches in the country" before.
The beach is beautiful, with a big sandy area to lie out on, a concession stand, and a beach volleyball area. The lake here is also one of the largest in Alberta, so looking out onto it stretching into the horizon feels like you're on a coastal getaway.
The town has lots going for it, though. The waterfront promenade is especially picturesque — ideal for a sunset stroll with an ice cream in hand.
To start the day, you can head to Beantrees Cafe or Johnny Waffles for a waterfront view breakfast.
If you want to get out onto the lake, you can rent paddle boards, kayaks and pedal boats from Wicked Watersport Rentals. Or, you can just opt to have a relaxing day floating around.
Going beyond the borders of town, you can explore the many trails and scenic shores in Cold Lake Provincial Park. There are also camping sites within the park if you want to stay out in nature for your getaway.
If you're looking for something a bit closer to Calgary, the little town of Sylvan Lake is just an hour and a half from the city and also has a charming beachy feel to it.
There's even a cute lighthouse here, which adds to the coastal feel of the town.
If you really want to make the most out of the last bits of summer, though, you can check out our list of nine small towns in Alberta that make for stunning getaways.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.