Birch Lake Alberta Canada

Birch Lake Clearwater County, Alberta

Birch Lake is a quiet, scenic lake located in Clearwater County, Alberta, Canada, surrounded by expansive Crown land and natural forest. Offering year-round access and a peaceful setting, Birch Lake is a favourite destination for locals and visitors seeking fishing, paddling, and low-key outdoor recreation away from busy provincial parks. Summer weekends can get busy, but this is generally a less visited lake.

Its undeveloped surroundings and four-season appeal make Birch Lake ideal for families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Alberta’s public lands without getting too deep into the backcountry. 

Location

Birch Lake is located in Clearwater County, south west of Rocky Mountain House, within Alberta’s west-central region. The lake is accessed by unpaved county roads and is surrounded by provincial Crown land, providing a sense of space, privacy, and connection to nature. Nearby Burnstick Lake is always the busier of the two. With both being so close together, you can explore 2 lakes in 1 day!

Why Visit Birch Lake

Birch Lake stands out for its natural setting and easy access. Unlike heavily developed recreation areas, the lake remains undeveloped and is bordered by public land, making it ideal for visitors who value simplicity and open space. Listen to the call of the beautiful loons that frequent this body of water.

Highlights include:

• Year-round access

• Surrounded by Crown land

• Calm water suitable for paddling

• Fishing opportunities- Stocked Trout Lake

• Quiet, uncrowded environment

• Easy access for day use or extended stays on surrounding Crown Land

Four Seasons at Birch Lake

Spring

Spring brings ice-off, returning wildlife, and peaceful shoreline conditions. It’s an excellent time for fishing and birdwatching before the busier summer season. Winter ice is usually melted by the beginning weeks in May. Birch Lake is annually stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown trout. The road from Burnstick Lake Rd to the Birch Lake parking lot is best under dry conditions, as it is pretty hilly on the drive in, and can get quite wet and muddy. 

Summer

Summer is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and relaxing on the public dock provided. The calm waters and surrounding Crown land create a natural setting perfect for families and those seeking a remote outdoor adventure. Connecting nearby trails are great for summer SXS and ATV rides. 

Fall

Autumn offers crisp air, changing foliage, and reflective lake views. With fewer visitors, fall is a favourite season for anglers and photographers. Hiking the surrounding area and connecting to Crown Land trails is a very rewarding activity during the fall season. 

Winter

Birch Lake remains accessible in winter and is commonly used for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and other winter recreation. The frozen lake and surrounding Crown land provide wide-open views and a peaceful cold-season atmosphere. Be careful on the walk down from the parking lot to the lake, as it can get quite icy and is not a flat approach.  Nearby trails are great for snowmobiling. 

Things To Do at Birch Lake

• Fishing (open water and ice fishing)

• Canoeing and kayaking

• Paddleboarding

• Swimming during summer months

• Wildlife viewing and birdwatching

• Snowshoeing and winter walks

• Enjoying public Crown land recreation

Fishing at Birch Lake

Birch Lake is a well-known local fishing spot throughout the year. Anglers should always consult Alberta fishing regulations for current seasons, limits, and bait restrictions. But generally, stocked trout ponds and lakes are open year round in Alberta. 3 species of trout are found here.

Accessibility and Amenities

Birch Lake offers relatively easy access and a natural, low-development environment. There is a steep hill from the parking lot to the lake below, and the shoreline is majority tree covered. This lake is best used and accessed with a small personal non-motorized watercraft. Non gas powered motors may be permitted. 

Amenities are limited, which helps preserve the area’s quiet character and makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience on public land. Seasonally, nearby Burnstick Lake Campground has a small store well stocked with snacks and bait items during the summer. Alternatively, Sundre & Caroline are nearby communities with all amenities required. 

Keep In Mind

• ✔ Birch Lake is Day Use only

• ✔ Year-round access in Clearwater County

• ✔ Backroad access

• ✔ No Camping or Open Fires (Camp and have fires (when permitted) in the surrounding Crown Land areas)

• ✔ Steep hill to access lake

• ✔ Close to Rocky Mountain House, Caroline & Sundre