Clear Hills County is an easy-going place to enjoy winter’s outdoor comfort. Whether skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing or snowshoeing, there’s an abundance of ways to enjoy the large, diverse landscapes of the Clear Hills County.
- Ice Fishing
- Skating
- Sledding
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Cross Country Ski
1. Ice Fishing
Clear Hills County is the perfect place to throw in your hook with four stocked lakes to choose from. Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Yellow Perch and Northern Pike are the most common catches of the day found in the gorgeous Clear Hills County lakes.
Ole’s Lake
Ole’s Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located 6.5 km south of Highway 64 (towards the AB/BC border). The most popular species of fish caught in this gorgeous 15.5-hectare lake is Rainbow Trout.
Running Lake
Located 8 km east and 22 km north of Worsley, Running lake is the perfect place to catch Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. The 28.9-hectare lake is surrounded by forest and is a majestic place to spend the day. There are also some pretty gorgeous trails to explore, so bring your snowshoes along!
Sulphur Lake
Sulpher Lake is a 54.2-hectare lake located 30 km northeast of Hines Creek and is home to Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. So bring your grill and enjoy your delicious fresh catch on the lake.
Stoney Lake (aka Montagneuse Lake)
Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Yellow are popular species found in this massive 233.1-hectare lake located 20 km north of Hines Creek. This beautiful remote area is also a great place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on ungroomed trails.
2. Skating
Clearhills County is a great place to lace up your skates. Head over to the Worsley Indoor Area (north of the Worsley School) for public skating or shinny. If you want an outdoor experience, take a drive to Cleardale and enjoy their well-maintained natural outdoor environment ice rink located by the local school.
3. Sledding
Clear Hills County is the perfect place to visit if you love snowmobiling. Be sure to check out the 60 km of breathtaking backcountry on the Smith Mills Trail just north of Figure 8 Lake, or the 50 km Canfor Hines Creek Trail that starts at the Village of Hines Creek. These gorgeous trails are maintained and groomed by Peace Valley Snow Riders Association (PVSR) members and volunteers. The Canfor Hines Creek Trail is the only one on the network connected to a community where sledders can go for fuel, food, and a sled shop for repairs. PVSR has a network of four trails. View trail maps on their website.
4. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
The Whispering Pines Ski Hill is known as “Northern Alberta’s Best Kept Secret,” with 100% natural snow on 17 beautiful, groomed runs. Take your pick from snowboarding, skiing, or brush up your skills with their Snow School – either way, you will be gliding down the hill while taking in the gorgeous landscape that makes Whispering Pines a perfect place to spend the day. They are fully outfitted with a T-bar, chair lift and conveyer belt and also offer snowboard and ski waxing and sharpening at their rental shop. But, before you go, be sure to head to the ski chalet and indulge in their famous cinnamon buns.
Located 20 mins from Worsley down Township Road 870.
Hours of operation are Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
5. Cross Country Skiing
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of cross-country skiing while gliding on the 5 km groomed trail into the lush forest at the Whispering Pines Ski Hill. Be sure to sign in and sign out at the chalet before you head out on the trail or leave for the day. The trail is accessible during the hill’s regular operating hours and is free of charge.
Located 20 mins from Worsley down Township Road 870.
Hours of operation are Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Locations Mentioned in this Article
Clear Hills County is home to several small communities, including Bear Canyon, Cleardale, Worsley, and Hines Creek, among others, with miles of untouched wilderness between them — ideal for those who love experiencing unspoiled nature.
