Saddle Hills County is one of Alberta’s best kept secrets when it comes to summer tourism. Situated in the Central Peace Region along the southern banks of the Peace River, it has something for everyone whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or wildlife. Plan Your Trip To Saddle Hills County Today!
Saddle Hills County Top Summer Attractions List
1. Camping, Fishing, and the Great Outdoors.
If you love nature and outdoor recreation, you will be spoiled for choice in Saddle Hills County. The county has four campgrounds that offer a peaceful rural retreat in some of northern Alberta’s most scenic landscapes.
Spring Lake Campground is one of the most popular sites, attracting visitors from all over North America. It is the number one stop for fishing in the county, as the lake is stocked with rainbow and brook trout seasonally. You can also enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and skiing at this campground.
Hilltop Lake Campground is the smallest of the county campgrounds, with 10 back-in camping stalls. It is located in a secluded forest setting, with ATV friendly trails. The small lake is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Cotillion Park is located on the banks of the mighty Peace River, which boasts the best boating in all of the Peace Country. You can also enjoy the beach, the waterfall, the sheltered group area, and the playground at this park. Cotillion Park is also home to Music in the Park, a summer event featuring local bands and musicians.
Moonshine Lake is the only provincially run campground in the county, and the only one with powered sites and sewage disposal. It has a boat launch, a fish cleaning station, a beach, and trails for hiking. It is also home to Jack Bird Pond day use area, perfect for family walks, picnics, or bird spotting.
2. Greenhouses
Saddle Hills County is home to many beautiful greenhouses, open from early spring until late fall. They offer an assortment of bedding plants (flowers and vegetables), hanging baskets, perennials, fruit bushes, gifts, pick-your-own fruit, and much more. You can also catch some of the vendors at local farmers markets in the area.
Some of the greenhouses you can visit are:
Daisy Hill Home & Garden, Anne’s Greenhouse, Bay Tree Bloomers, Peace River Petals
3. Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun activity that involves using GPS devices to find hidden containers called geocaches. Saddle Hills County runs a number of geocaches throughout the area, allowing you to explore hidden gems that you would otherwise drive past unknowingly. All of the Saddle Hills geocaches were designed by local artisans and are a pleasure to encounter after a long search. Some of them even contain trackables which have travelled far and wide.
4. Wildlife
Saddle Hills County is an outdoor person’s paradise when it comes to wildlife. The county is well known for big game hunting such as elk and bears. Hunting licenses are available at the Bay Tree Store. If you prefer to observe wildlife, you will also find a host of beautiful species in the county such as deer, moose, foxes, coyotes, wolves, beavers, otters, bald eagles, hawks, owls, ducks, geese, and many more.
One of the best places to spot wildlife is Jack Bird Pond day use area where you can see various birds and waterfowl.
5. Golf
If golfing is your game, you should visit Chinook Valley Golf Course in Woking. This 9-hole course offers a challenging and scenic experience for golfers of all skill levels. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at their restaurant or book their clubhouse for your next event. Chinook Valley Golf Course is open from May to October and welcomes visitors from near and far.
6. Eat & Drink
Visitors can find snacks and hot food at the general stores in the county, or enjoy a sit-down meal at the Chinook Golf Course restaurant. Whether you crave pizzas from Bonanza General Store, or pasta salads from Bay Tree General Store, you will not be disappointed by the delicious options available.
Saddle Hills County is a destination that will delight you in every season, but especially in the summer time. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the beauty, diversity and adventure that this region has to offer. Book your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable vacation.
