McGregor Lake Reservoir

McGregor Lake Reservoir is a recreation area and popular water sport destination located east of the community of Vulcan, Alberta, Canada in the Southern Alberta Foothills region of the Canadian Badlands.

In the early 1900s the introduction of a man made irrigation system consisting of reservoirs, dams and canals created a network of recreation lakes providing year round recreational opportunities throughout the region.

McGregor Lake, Travers Reservoir, Little Bow Provincial Park and Little Bow Lake Reservoir are all a direct result of the irrigation system called the Carseland-Bow River Headworks System.

McGregor Lake was created from two dams - a north and a south McGregor Dam. The water supply feeding into the lake is via the Oldman River and by a man-made canal funneling water in from the Bow River.

On the northwest section of is the McGregor Lake recreation area. The area is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating, camping and birdwatching.

Some of the birds sighted in recent years on McGregor Lake include white pelicans, snow geese, blue winged teals, northern shovelers, long billed curlews and double crested cormorants.

There is a campground and a day use area in the McGregor Lake Recreation Area with picnic tables, picnic shelter and fire pits. Both areas have access to a boat launch, sandy beach, swimming area, large grass lawns, playground and washrooms.

During the winter the lakes freezes and ice fishing is a popular activity. Must have a fishing license. Summer and winter people fish for perch, trout, whitefish and walleye.

How to Get to McGregor Lake Reservoir

Travel to the community of Vulcan, Alberta, Canada in the Southern Alberta Foothills region of the Canadian Badlands. From Highway #534 in Vulcan travel east to Highway #842. Travel north on Highway #842 to the McGregor Lake Recreation Area. In total it is about 27 kilometres to McGregor Lake from Vulcan.