Major city · Canada
Lac La Biche
Go for one night if you are already on Highway 55 between Athabasca and Cold Lake; skip the detour if the lakes and the 1850s mission are not your reason.
Lac La Biche is a hamlet of about 2,500 people in the Lakeland region of Alberta, 225 km northeast of Edmonton. It began in 1798 as a fur-trade post on a voyageur route and now runs on oil, forestry, farming and commercial fishing. Visitors come for the lake, the 1850s Oblate mission and Lakeland Provincial Park; there is no scheduled air service, so you arrive by car.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the lake, park and mission; Feb–Mar for ice fishing and cross-country skiing
- avoid Nov–Mar if you are not equipped for −20 °C (−4 °F) and snow; the mission is closed outside summeravoid Nov–Mar if you are not equipped for −4 °F (−20 °C) and snow; the mission is closed outside summer
- Airport
- YLB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Lac La Biche911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Alberta Health Services (health advice, 24 h)811
- Road conditions (Alberta 511)511
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lac La Biche, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyLow crime and a quiet town; the real risks are winter driving on Highway 55 and 63, thin cell coverage in the park, and wildlife on back roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Alberta Health Services (health advice, 24 h) · 511 Road conditions (Alberta 511)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYLB Lac La Biche Airport (No scheduled service; nearest scheduled airports are Edmonton (about 2.5–3 h by car) and Fort McMurray.).
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required: the town is spread out and the mission and park are outside the centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealFood-truck burger or sandwichC$10–16 (≈ US$8–12)
- BeerBurger and a beer at the golf clubabout C$10 (≈ US$8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–30 (≈ US$11–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMission entry (self-guided / guided)C$2 (≈ US$2)C$5 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel or shared bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$240 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YLB Lac La Biche Airport (No scheduled service; nearest scheduled airports are Edmonton (about 2.5–3 h by car) and Fort McMurray.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Feb
Care
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Mar
Care
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
not flagged
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (62°F)62°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
Nov
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Dec
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C) low), wettest Jul (92 rain days), driest Oct (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lac La Biche: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
19 rd
Feb
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−17°C (2°F)2°F (−17°C)
13 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
15 rd
Apr
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
−3°C (26°F)26°F (−3°C)
29 rd
May
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
3°C (38°F)38°F (3°C)
32 rd
Jun
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
64 rd
Jul
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
92 rd
Aug
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
10°C (49°F)49°F (10°C)
47 rd
Sep
16°C (62°F)62°F (16°C)
5°C (40°F)40°F (5°C)
32 rd
Oct
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
−1°C (29°F)29°F (−1°C)
0 rd
Nov
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−10°C (15°F)15°F (−10°C)
17 rd
Dec
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is effectively required: the town is spread out and the mission and park are outside the centre. Budget has a rental desk at 10040 101 Ave (Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00). Fuel up in town before heading east toward Cold Lake.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 2 h
Highway 55 east, about 150 km (93 mi)Highway 55 east, about 93 mi (150 km)
Air base town with a bigger lake and more services; pair with a fuel stop.
Athabasca
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Highway 55 west, about 95 km (59 mi)Highway 55 west, about 59 mi (95 km)
River town with a small museum; the nearest stop west on Highway 55.
Door to door: About 2.5–3 h
Highway 28 and 63 south, then Highway 55, about 225 km (140 mi)Highway 28 and 63 south, then Highway 55, about 140 mi (225 km)
Too far for a comfortable return day; use it as the gateway in or out.
Lakeland Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Drive east of town, then hike or paddle
Backcountry camping, canoeing and birding; bring water, food and insect repellent.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Highway 36 strip (100 Street)
Motels and the Ramada on the main road through town; easiest with a car and bags.
Downtown / 101 Avenue
Walkable to restaurants and shops; short drive to the lake.
Lakeland Provincial Park area
Backcountry camping east of town; bring everything, services are minimal.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$160 | C$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Rental car, one day1 × C$90 | C$90 |
| Fuel, about 250 km1 × C$35 | C$35 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$63 |
| Trip total≈ C$344 per person per day, bed included | C$688≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Burger and a beer at the golf club | about C$10 (≈ US$8) |
| Pizza or steakhouse main | C$18–35 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Food-truck burger or sandwich | C$10–16 (≈ US$8–12) |
| Mission entry (self-guided / guided) | C$2 (≈ US$2) / C$5 (≈ US$4) |
| Camping, unserviced site | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) per night |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter runs to −20 °C (−4 °F) and below with snow from November; check road conditions before driving Highway 55 or 63.Winter runs to −4 °F (−20 °C) and below with snow from November; check road conditions before driving Highway 55 or 63.
- The mission is open Victoria Day to end of August only, Wed–Mon 10:00–17:00.The mission is open Victoria Day to end of August only, Wed–Mon 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- No scheduled flights into YLB; do not plan a trip around the airport.
- Cell coverage is thin in the park and on back roads; download offline maps.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Alberta Health Services (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
- Road conditions (Alberta 511)
- 511
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Lac La BicheLac La Biche
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health advice (Alberta, 24 h)811
- Road conditions (Alberta 511)511
Embassy
No consulates in Lac La Biche; US, UK and other consulates are in Edmonton or Calgary.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Edmonton → Lac La Biche by car: about 225 km (140 mi), 2.5–3 habout 140 mi (225 km), 2.5–3 h
- Lac La Biche → Cold Lake by car: about 150 km (93 mi), 2 habout 93 mi (150 km), 2 h
- Lac La Biche → Athabasca by car: about 95 km (59 mi), 1 h 15 minabout 59 mi (95 km), 1 h 15 min
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- I need help — I need help
English is the working language; French is official in Canada but rarely needed here.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lac La Biche. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the lake, park and mission; Feb–Mar for ice fishing and cross-country skiing · avoid Nov–Mar if you are not equipped for −20 °C and snow; the mission is closed outside summer · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for Edmonton (YEG) and Fort McMurray: last rental-car desk hours, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: 101 Avenue restaurants, the Highway 36 motel strip, the lakefront and the mission.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Lac La Biche Mission, Lakeland Provincial Park, golf club) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.