5 Things to Do in Smoky Lake
November 27, 2021
Métis Crossing is located 1.5 hours northeast of Edmonton and 10 minutes South of Smokey Lake on the Victoria Trail. If you are looking for a fun, educational, family friendly, roadtrip outside of Edmonton, look no further than Métis Crossing. When you visit the crossing you can experience wide-open spaces, traditional Métis art workshops, signature experiences, Métis farmyard animals, camping, and coming soon – The Lodge at Métis Crossing! While you are in the area, we also encourage you to explore everything that Smoky Lake has to offer. Keep reading to learn about 5 things to do in Smoky Lake Alberta.
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The Pumpkin Capital of Alberta
You might be surprised to learn that Smoky Lake is the pumpkin capital of Alberta. When you visit Smoky Lake, one of the first things you will likely notice are the 6 giant pumpkins displayed at the edge of Pumpkin Park. Smoky Lake’s Pumpkin Park features large concrete pumpkins that make for the perfect stop to take a photo with these famous giant pumpkins. The Park is also considered the launch point for many planning an adventure down the famous Iron Horse Trail.
As mentioned above, Pumpkin Park is a common launching place for those heading out on a walk, ride, or run along the Iron Horse Trail. The trail is the longest completed section of the Trans-Canada trail in Alberta. The trail is symbolic of the region’s history. In fact, you can still see some of the ruts left behind by history. In the 1900s this route was used by CN for its train–endearingly referred to as the Iron Horse. In 1999, people from across The Lakeland came together to preserve this historic route so that enjoyment of this trail and park system lasts for generations to come. So, if you are looking to get outside, consider going for a walk in the footsteps of our ancestors during the peak of the fur trade, where a Red River Cart likely journeyed down the corridor that is now known as Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail.
If you are in town during the summer, you might be able to catch the Smoky Lake Stampede! The stampede is a local rodeo event that includes barrel racing, roping, barback riding, saddle bronc, and of course, bull riding! Outside of the rodeo events there are also fun events for the whole family including a bale pushing contest, a donut eating contest, a dunk tank, and powder puff.
The Smoky Lake Golf Club is the perfect place for a round of golf just a short drive from Edmonton. Located just outside the town of Smoky Lake, and 116 km northeast of Edmonton, Alberta. This 9-hole course is well maintained and features beautiful and challenging greens. Over the years members have made improvements and the course keeps getting better and better.
The CN Museum is located on West Railway Drive and Wheatland Avenue, near Pumpkin Park. This museum offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience life as a pioneer in the Smoky Lake region. This museum shares the history of the Smoky Lake community and its people.
On your next roadtrip out Edmonton, we hope that you will make a stop in Smoky Lake on your way to visit us at Métis Crossing!
