Last updated on August 9th, 2023 at 07:37 pm
I spent summer 2021 really exploring some new areas of Alberta and I found myself lucking out with a lakeside spot at Chinook Campground, during the heatwave! A longer drive than we would usually do for front country camping, we were excited to explore a new spot. I, for one, had never been to the Crowsnest Pass area and I was excited to be able to swim comfortably in the lake water, unlike the lakes around Banff.
It turns out Chinook Lake Campground was the perfect spot to ride out the heatwave, easy lake access, shaded and private camp spots plus easy access and just a short drive to the nearest town in case you need extra supplies….or in our case, more ice! For the first time ever we even managed to sleep with the fly off of our tent without fear of rain or the cold!
The Chinook Campground
The Chinook campground has 92 sites spread across three loops. Loop A and B are at the top of the hill, above the lake. A trail brings campers down from these upper loops to the beach area at the lake, or you can walk or cycle down the hill. Just remember you have to go back up and it is steep!
At the bottom of the hill is loop C which offers some lakeside spots, all sites are within easy walking distance of the lake though without the hill climb! That being said, even the lakeside spots are perched up above the lake somewhat. The lakeside trail runs between the sites and the lake itself and these spots don’t have a dedicated trail to the lake, more just well worn paths from people cutting down the bank from the campsites.
We stayed in site 64 and had steps down to the lake trail and from there it was a short descent down to the rocky shoreline but there were some big steps for my little legs, it wasn’t cruisy and would be difficult for smaller children.
Each loop has drop toilets which appear to be cleaned daily. What I would say is that the two toilet blocks in the lakeside loop are shared with the day use area and parking and they weren’t the nicest I’ve ever used, I think mostly because they see so much action!
The day use area is pretty large with two areas to park and a green roundabout which plays host to picnic tables. There is a boat launch at the far end of the day use area, it also has a small beach area. The biggest beach area is at the bottom of the big hill, wading out the water stays shallow for a long time, making it a perfect spot for kids to play.
The lake is very busy by day, don’t expect to have it to yourself or for it to be a peaceful experience. The vibe is happy though and the energy is high which is great. Come early evening, the lake empties out and becomes completely silent. A perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset.
There are water pumps in the campground but Alberta Parks say it must be treated before drinking, so it’s definitely advised to bring your own water. There are also fire pits at every site, again you’ll need to supply your own firewood. When we stayed at the Chinook campground there was a sign saying a spot near the entrance was for the campground hosts, however it was empty during our stay.
The sites are well treed, providing plenty of shade from the hot sun as well as a good amount of privacy from your neighbors! The Chinook campground is very popular so you’ll want to make sure you book your site as early as possible, you can do so here. Previously there were first come first serve sites at Chinook campground, however as of 2020 the site is now fully reservable through the online system.
Things To Do Around Chinook Campground
The Chinook campground is the perfect spot for relaxing. I enjoyed lying on the lakeshore reading my book and watching the world go by. It’s an excellent spot for people watching.
The lake is busy with water sport enthusiasts, a perfect spot for paddleboarding. We took our canoe and although the lake is small it was a great time exploring the opposite shores. Swimming is also popular here, as the water temperature is cool but certainly not cold.
For anyone looking for something more on land, there is a short and easy hiking trail which goes around the lake offering beautiful views. Nearby there are a number of hiking trails as well.
Fishing seemed like a very popular activity at Chinook campground, we could see lots of fish right from the shore and had some success ourselves. There are lots of submerged old trees though so watch you don’t lose your lures! Don’t forget to fish at Chinook Lake you’ll need an Alberta Fishing License, you can get one online here.
A short drive back along highway 3 will bring visitors to the town of Frank, the home of Canada’s deadliest rockslide. If you haven’t seen it before, it is quite unbelievable just how much rubble came down and buried the original town in 1903. There is a great interpretive center here for anyone looking to find out more, you can get more details here.
Where Is The Chinook Campground
The Chinook Campground is located in the Crowsnest Pass area of Alberta. It is just under 40km from the junction of Highway 3 and Highway 22, near Lundbreck Falls. Follow Highway 3 and shortly after Coleman, Chinook Lake is signposted on the right hand side of the highway. From the highway it is approximately a 6km drive to the Chinook campground. It is clearly signposted the whole way, however not all the road is paved, so it can be a little rough in spots!