Miquelon Lake is a birdwatcher's paradise. Over 200 species of birds can be found here. The park is designated as one of Canada's Important Bird Areas.
During spring and fall migrations, ducks and waterfowl congregate regularly on the lake. Both trumpeter and tundra swans can be found alongside cinnamon teals, goldeneyes, and snow geese.
Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and goshawks circle the skies during the day. Nighthawks and owls prowl the night. The park is a nesting ground for Alberta's great horned owl.
A wide variety of shorebirds call Miquelon Lake home.
The park also features many songbird species including ovenbirds, pewees, grosbeaks, thrushes, finches and yellow warblers.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is one of the Beaver Hills best places to see the night sky from. Wide open day-use areas and big open views past the lake looking to the north and west reward night time visitors with unobstructed dark sky viewing.
Consider checking out one of the Hesje Observatory’s drop-in nights for a guided experience of learning about the stars and getting a closer, up close look at many of them! The observatory is operated by the University of Alberta and is separate from Alberta Parks. View their website for more information and for contact details here: https://www.ualberta.ca/augustana/research/centres/amlrs/observatory/index.html
During cold winter nights, the night sky sparkles and aurora borealis is often seen. Thinking about observing the dark sky from the park? Please remember to obey all traffic laws and posted signage, dress for the weather and use public access areas of the park only.
Trails, Skating and Skiing
Alberta Parks will be maintaining a few short trails near the campground and shoreline path areas for cross country skiing beginning in December as conditions allow. Trails are likely to be groomed regularly throughout the winter. Trail conditions will be posted on the Miquelon Lake Provincial Park website.
Skating will be provided as conditions allow on maintained ice surface in the parking area near the park centre. Picnic areas on site are open, as are pit toilets. The park centre itself will not be open.
Snowshoeing will be available on the park’s many trails in the backcountry system, the Holdsworth Trail and the Shoreline Path. Snowshoe trails are user-maintained only in winter. Come prepared for the weather and frequently changing winter conditions
Visitor Centre
The Park centre and the Aspen Room will not have regular winter hours, and are open on a reservations basis only.
Though staff will be working in the park centre from time to time, their availability is not guaranteed. If needing to connect with park staff, or to reach Miquelon Lake Provincial Park with any questions, please 780-672-7274.or email: AEP.Miquelon.Bookings@gov.ab.ca in advance of your visit.
