Salters Lake

Back to Northwest Quadrant – YEG-Ville.

Salters’ Lake, located just 1 km south of the Town of Onoway and west of Range Road 21 is an excellent lake for fishing. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout, and is open to the public for fishing all year. The lake is aerated in order to support the fish population. Onoway Fish & Game Club operates and maintains the facility. Boats are allowed on the lake, electric motors only. Boat launch and pier are available for public use [1, adapted]. Please note the surrounding land is private.

The Fast Facts

Who Was Jack Salter?

Jack Salter, for whom the lake was named by the provincial government in 1983, immigrated to Canada from Wales and settled in the Onoway area in 1923. At this time, he would have been only 22 and had already survived the First World War having volunteered (and lied about this age) in 1914.

Jack focused on raising sheep for which he received numerous awards and recognition – including having the lake named after him. Jack passed in 1985 [2, adapted].

Sign warning of thin ice on Salter's Lake.
Warning on Salter’s Lake for those who venture beyond the dock.
  • Name/Owner: Salters Lake / Onoway Fish & Game Club
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: The lake is worth a drive bay in Onoway. The aeration systems are impressive. The site is popular for ice fishing. If you go on the ice, be sure to exercise appropriate caution and ice safety. Not an all day destination, but one to round out a day out shoeing or with the family.
  • Map Reference, Location and WGU:
    • Central Alberta Backroads Map Book, p. Wabamun Lake (p. 44), Cell F3.
    • 53′ 41″ -114′ 11″. Take Range Road 22 South from Onoway to Township Road 544.
    • Wayne Gretzky Driving Time & Distance: 50 Minutes & 67 Kilometers
  • Rating and Description:
    • Difficulty Level & Safety: Not rated if you stay on the docks and land; High Beginner if you venture out on the ice. Ice safety is the only consideration for the area.
  • Links:
  • The Drive Out:[PENDING]
  • The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking.
  • Kid Rating: If you have kids, they will probably enjoy walking on the dock. Exercise appropriate caution and safety considerations if you let your children go on the ice.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
    • First done: 2020-12-11.

Notes and Reference

  1. Thomas, Mary, and Hacienda Consulting. “(Onoway) Nature Tour.” Town of Onoway. Accessed December 5, 2020. https://www.onoway.ca/visitors/nature-tour.
  2. “Onoway Museum – Jack Salter – Hometown Hero.” Accessed December 15, 2020. http://www.onowaymuseum.ca/Hometown%20Hero/salter.html.

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