Major city · Canada
Slave Lake
Give Slave Lake one full day and one night: the beach and bird centre are the reason to come, and there is no second day of town sights.
Slave Lake is a small northern Alberta town of about 6,650 people on the south shore of Lesser Slave Lake, 281 km north of Edmonton by Highway 44 and Highway 2. It works as a one-night stop on the Edmonton–Peace River run or as a weekend base for the lake, the provincial park beaches and the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation. Two nights is the practical maximum unless you fish or hike seriously.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug; late May and early Sep for the bird centre
- avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, snow, short days)
- Airport
- YZH
- Nights
- 1–2
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 Slave Lake911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Slave Lake RCMP (non-emergency)780-849-3045
- Health Link Alberta (24 h nurse line)811
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 Slave Lake, 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
- SafetySlave Lake is a small, quiet town and violent crime against visitors is rare.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 780-849-3045 Slave Lake RCMP (non-emergency) · 811 Health Link Alberta (24 h nurse line)
- 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.
- AirportYZH Slave Lake Airport (Charter flights only; the nearest scheduled gateway is Edmonton (YEG), 281 km (175 mi) south by road.).YZH Slave Lake Airport (Charter flights only; the nearest scheduled gateway is Edmonton (YEG), 175 mi (281 km) south by road.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
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)
- Sit-down mealPizza or a main courseC$15–28 (≈ US$11–25)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast in a hotel restaurantC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- BeerDraught beer in a barC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedChain hotel double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedChain hotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
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
- YZH Slave Lake Airport (Charter flights only; the nearest scheduled gateway is Edmonton (YEG), 281 km (175 mi) south by road.)YZH Slave Lake Airport (Charter flights only; the nearest scheduled gateway is Edmonton (YEG), 175 mi (281 km) south by road.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−9°C (15°F)15°F (−9°C)
Feb
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
not flagged
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
May
Best*
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (67°F)67°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (69°F)69°F (20°C)
Sep
Best*
15°C (58°F)58°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
−2°C (29°F)29°F (−2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−8°C (17°F)17°F (−8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (−20°C (−3°F)−3°F (−20°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Apr (7). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Slave Lake: 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 (15°F)15°F (−9°C)
−20°C (−3°F)−3°F (−20°C)
10 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
8 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−11°C (13°F)13°F (−11°C)
8 rd
Apr
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
7 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (38°F)38°F (3°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (67°F)67°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Aug
20°C (69°F)69°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Sep
15°C (58°F)58°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (29°F)29°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Nov
−2°C (29°F)29°F (−2°C)
−10°C (13°F)13°F (−10°C)
10 rd
Dec
−8°C (17°F)17°F (−8°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
10 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
You need a car. The town is spread along Highway 2 and the lake is 15–20 min north; there is no useful public transit. Two local taxi firms cover short hops in town. Fuel up in town before heading to the park or Highway 88.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park and Devonshire Beach
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive north on Hwy 88 and park roads, about 15–20 min from town
The 7 km (4.3 mi) sand beach is the main reason people stop here; go in the morning for calm water.The 4.3 mi (7 km) sand beach is the main reason people stop here; go in the morning for calm water.
Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive 19 km (12 mi) north of town off Hwy 88Drive 12 mi (19 km) north of town off Hwy 88
Open late May to early Sep daily, then reduced weekday hours; check before a winter drive.
Marten Mountain and the Pelican Mountain range
cautionDoor to door: About 40–60 min
Drive northeast from town on gravel roads
Rough roads and no services; go with a full tank and daylight.
Westlock
skipDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive south on Hwy 44, about 2 h
A fuel-and-food stop on the way to Edmonton, not a day out.
Athabasca
skipDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Drive via Hwy 2 and Hwy 44, about 2 h 30 min
Better as an overnight on a different loop.
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.
Main Street South / Highway 2
The hotel strip: Slave Lake Inn and Conference Centre, Lakeview Inns & Suites and Holiday Inn Express are all here, walkable to food and drink.
Town centre (2 Ave)
Smaller motels and the main eating cluster; quieter, a short drive from the highway.
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Campground near the beach, 15–20 min drive north of town; book ahead for summer weekends.
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
| Chain hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Fuel, Edmonton return (about 560 km)1 × C$90 · check | C$90 |
| Boat launch or park day fee1 × C$15 · check | C$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$61 |
| Trip total≈ C$333 per person per day, bed included | C$666≈ 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) |
| Breakfast in a hotel restaurant | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Pizza or a main course | C$15–28 (≈ US$11–25) |
| Draught beer in a bar | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Hotel double room, summer weekend | C$105–220 (≈ US$80–160) |
| Fuel, per litre | C$1.40–1.70 (≈ US$2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long and cell coverage thins on Highway 88 north of town: carry water and a spare tyre.
- Wildfire season (roughly May–Sep) can close highways and force evacuations; check Alberta wildfire and highway status before driving north.
- Winter runs to −20 °C (−4 °F) and below with snow from Oct; drive for ice and watch for moose and deer at dusk.Winter runs to −4 °F (−20 °C) and below with snow from Oct; drive for ice and watch for moose and deer at dusk.
- Many kitchens close by 21:00 and some places shut early on Sundays: eat before 20:00.Many kitchens close by 9:00 PM and some places shut early on Sundays: eat before 8:00 PM.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Slave Lake RCMP (non-emergency)
- 780-849-3045
- Health Link Alberta (24 h nurse line)
- 811
Pocket card
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Slave LakeSlave Lake
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health Link Alberta (24 h nurse line)811
- Slave Lake RCMP (non-emergency)780-849-3045
Embassy
No consulates in Slave Lake. The nearest US consulate is in Calgary; most other countries have embassies in Ottawa or consulates in Edmonton and Calgary.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi across town: C$10–20 (≈ US$8–15) (check)
- Edmonton → Slave Lake by Cold Shot bus: about 4 h, fare check with the operator
- Fuel, Edmonton return: about C$90 (≈ US$70) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Is there a table for two? — Is there a table for two?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Tipping is expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
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 Slave Lake. 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–Aug; late May and early Sep for the bird centre · avoid Nov–Mar (deep cold, snow, short days) · 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
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YEG: last bus and shuttle options field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street South hotels, 2 Ave eating strip, the provincial park beach, the bird centre.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (bird centre, beach, boat launch, campground) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wildfire and winter-storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialSlave Lake Region tourism
- officialBoreal Centre for Bird Conservation
- officialSlave Lake Airport
- officialCold Shot bus lines
- secondaryWikivoyage: Slave Lake, revision 5262689 (CC BY-SA 4.0)