A family-friendly hike near Nordegg
An easy hike for the whole family along the shores of Goldeye Lake for those looking to stretch their legs.
After a crazy summer, we finally had a chance to head out for a couple of days of family fun. We’d originally planned to do the second mine tour but they had closed for the season the day before. Making new plans on a lazy day we decided to head out for a short family hike. We hadn’t spent much time at Goldeye Lake before and since we’d often heard about it we decided to give it a try.
Maybe our expectations were too high but we were a little disappointed with this hike. While pleasant and a great option for an evening stroll, we found that this walk didn’t offer views or an experience as good as nearby Fish Lake.
We would definitely recommend this trail if you’re staying at the campground or just looking to stretch your legs on the way through.
At a Glance
- Distance: 2.4 km return
- Elevation gain: ~30 m
- Challenge Level: Easy
- Trail type: Loop
- Congestion: Moderate
- Management: Goldeye Lake PRA & Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
- Other Trail Uses: None
Trailhead: The Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area is approximately 11 km west of Nordegg and 83 east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11. The trail starts in the day use area of the campground.
We all have our part to do to keep this place special. Planning ahead is key to ensuring that we all continue to enjoy adventures in the Nordegg & Abraham Lake region. These are a few of the things you can do to help:
- Minimize your impact by using existing sites, fire rings and toilets instead of creating your own.
- Know about current fire bans, make sure that your fire is completely out before you go and buy firewood instead of cutting down trees. Remember that shooting fireworks is not allowed in the region.
- Keep your site clean and your food stored inside your vehicle to help keep our wildlife wild. Always use bear-proof garbage bins.
- While alcohol is now permitted in some Alberta Parks day-use areas, none of those are in our region. Alcohol is only allowed at registered campsites.
- Be mindful of your neighbours and other visitors, including keeping noise to a minimum.
- Be prepared for adventures in a remote area. Explore within your skills to reduce the strain on our volunteer search and rescue team.
- Remember that cell service is limited. We recommend carrying a satellite communicator, like a Zoleo, on your adventures.
- Support local businesses and communities in Cline River, the Bighorn and Nordegg.
Information provided here may be inaccurate or outdated. Always make sure to obtain current information before going on your adventure.
The trail guide
Goldeye Lake Trail
- 0.0 km | Trailhead at the day use area
- 0.3 km | Fire Guard for the Goldeye Centre
- 0.4 km | Goldeye Centre dock and stairs
- 0.6 km | Second Fire Guard
- 0.7 km | Straight at the junction with a trail merging from the right
- 0.8 km | Boardwalk across the marsh
- 1.0 km | The trail re-enters the forest
- 1.9 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
- 2.0 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
- 2.4 km | Back at the trailhead
The Journey
The trail starts at the north east corner of the day use parking lot. Follow the hiking trail sign past the day use picnic area and into the forest.
After 300 metres the trail emerges along the lake shore. From there you will pass the fireguards that were built around the Goldeye Centre along with the stairs to the centre and their dock. They now offer canoe rentals which seemed very enticing on a warm afternoon. The Goldeye Centre is a private facility, please respect their property and stay on the trail through this section.
Shortly after the second fireguard, the trail heads into the forest. The trail merging from the right at 0.7 km leads back to the Goldeye Centre, continue straight ahead. A 100 metres later the trail emerges from the forest into the marshland. As you follow the boardwalk take a few minutes to enjoy the view and appreciate this sensitive and ecologically significant area.This is probably the best part of the hike.
From there the trail heads back into the forest, offering glimpses of the lake along the way. At 1.9 km there is a junction. The main trail is straight ahead. I believe that the trail to the right is the Goldeye – Dryhaven connector described in David Thompson Highway – A Hiking Guide. The trail to the left leads to the lake shore.
Shortly after this junction there is a bridge over the Black Canyon Creek. Stay on the main trail to return to the trailhead. The path to the right immediately after the bridge appears to lead to a set of waterfall. We’ll check it out on a future trip and update. If you’ve taken this path please let us know in the comments below.
The Return Trail
The trail returns to the day-use area next to the dock. The perfect spot to enjoy a break after your hike.
The People
All the stories we share are by locals, whether they live here or love our region and contribute to making it an amazing place.
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