Chickakoo Lake Recreational Area

[PENDING FACT CHECK ON FAT BIKING, REQUIRES FINAL EDITING]

Back to North West Quadrant – YEG-Ville.

Chickakoo has a wide variety of trails across its 480 acres of woodland and lakes. Many are easy and excellent for a beginner snowshoer or families with members who have short little legs. They become increasingly difficult but never exceed the Beginner level because of their width and the amount of traffic on them.

The Fast Facts

Name Unknown, Destination Well-Known

The origin of the name Chickakoo is unknown. The 1920 Field Notes of the Dominion Land Survey were the first to record it [1]. Over the years, the park has become very well-known as a destination close to Edmonton and the surrounding estate communities.

There are 11 kilometres of multi-use-trails. In the winter, they are track-set but wide enough for walking and snowshoeing. In the summer, walking, mountain biking, and equestrian. Facilities include washrooms, picnic areas, fire pits with firewood supplied, a gazebo, a playground, and a launch for non-motorized boats. No swimming allowed. Dogs are welcome on leash [1, adapted].

[GRAPHIC]

  • Name/Owner: Chickakoo Lake Recreational Area / Parkland County.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: It is definitely a destination. The area is large and with a diverse set of trails ranging from easy to moderately challenging. Because the trails are track set, snowshoeing is easy. Washrooms, tables and other facilities make a full day visit worthwhile.
  • Map Reference, Location and WGU:
    • Central Alberta Backroads Map Book, p. Edmonton (p. 45), Cell [A4].
    • 53′ 37″ -114′ 04″;
    • Wayne Gretzky Driving Time & Distance: 39 Minutes & 48 Kilometers.
  • Rating and Description:
    • Difficulty Level & Safety: Low Beginner to Beginner. While the front trails are easy, the trails in the back of the property are more challenging and further from your vehicle.
    • Comments
  • Links: See Notes and References.
  • The Drive Out: Access via Highway 16 (then North on Highway 779 and West on TWP 540). For a different vista, trying coming in from the North on 779 or the west on 540.
  • The Other Shoe: Many people walk the trails year round and this is a favourite mountain biking destination in the summer. Fishing is permitted and the lake is aerated in the winter. Fat biking in the winter depending upon snow conditions. Dogs must be on a leash.
  • Kid Rating: An excellent location for kids to spend some time in nature. Small ones will enjoy the playground and lake near the parking lot. Older ones can venture further.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes: Been there too many times to count.

Notes and Reference

  1. Kelland, Roland. “Potter Asks – Origin of Alberta Place Names West of Edmonton and North of Hwy 16,” December 21, 2020.
  2. “Parks, Trails and Natural Areas,” December 8, 2020. https://www.parklandcounty.com/en/live-and-play/Parks-Trails-and-Natural-Areas.aspx.