Major city · Canada
Bentley
Skip Bentley as a base unless you want a cheap bed near Gull Lake: 1 night, or a 2-hour stop off Highway 12 between Lacombe and Rocky Mountain House.
Bentley is a town of about 1,100 people on Highway 12 in Alberta's Central Corridor, midway between Calgary and Edmonton and 15 minutes west of Lacombe. Its reason to exist for a traveller is Gull Lake: sandy beaches, Aspen Beach Provincial Park, and a paved path linking town to shore. The town itself is a main street of shops, a museum and a handful of restaurants. Most people see it in an afternoon; campers and lake-goers stay longer.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the lake; Dec–Mar for skiing and groomed trails
- avoid Oct–Nov and Apr (mud, closed concessions, nothing open)
- Airports
- YEG · YYC
- 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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 Bentley911 ▾
- 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 Bentley, 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
- SafetyVery safe.
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.
- AirportYEG Edmonton International (About 1 h 30 min by car via Highway 2 and Highway 12).
- 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)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast plate at a main-street restaurantC$12–18 (≈ US$9–14)
- BeerDraught beer in a saloonC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–35 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedCampsite (tent or RV, unserviced to powered), a night, per roomC$30 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMotel or B&B double room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or B&B double room, a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
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
- YEG Edmonton International (About 1 h 30 min by car via Highway 2 and Highway 12) · YYC Calgary International (About 1 h 45 min by car via Highway 2 and Highway 12)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Best
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Mar
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Dec
Best
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bentley: 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
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
8 rd
Feb
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
6 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
7 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
7 rd
Nov
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
7 rd
Dec
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
8 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. Bentley and Gull Lake are about a 5-minute drive apart and also linked by a paved walking path. Highway 12 runs east–west (Lacombe, Stettler) and Highway 20 runs north–south (Sylvan Lake, Rimbey). No useful public transit; taxis are limited, so plan your own vehicle or a rideshare from Lacombe or Red Deer.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20 min
Drive Highway 12 east, about 15 min
Barn and main-street stop; pairs well with a Bentley afternoon.
Door to door: About 25 min
Drive Highway 20 south, about 20 min
Bigger, busier lake town if Gull Lake is full or windy.
Door to door: About 35 min
Drive Highway 2 south via Highway 12, about 30 min
Best food, fuel and hotel choice in the area.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive Highway 12 west, about 1 h
Foothills gateway; worth it only if you are heading that way.
Medicine Lodge Ski Hill
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive Highway 12 west about 15 km (9.3 mi)Drive Highway 12 west about 9.3 mi (15 km)
14 runs, under 500 ft vertical; small, family-scale hill.
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.
Bentley town centre
Main-street motels and B&Bs; walkable to shops and the museum, 5 min drive to the lake.
Gull Lake east shore
Resorts, RV parks and campgrounds at the water; book ahead for July–August weekends.
Aspen Beach Provincial Park
Two campgrounds inside the park; the closest option if the beach is the whole point.
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$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × C$160 | C$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × C$70 | C$70 |
| Fuel, about 150 km of driving1 × C$20 | C$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$61 |
| Trip total≈ C$336 per person per day, bed included | C$671≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Breakfast plate at a main-street restaurant | C$12–18 (≈ US$9–14) |
| Pizza or pasta main | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Draught beer in a saloon | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Campground night, provincial park | C$30–45 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Fuel, per litre | C$1.40–1.70 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–35 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Lake water quality at Gull Lake is monitored and can post advisories in late summer: check Alberta Health Services before swimming.
- Beach and campground parking fills on July–August weekends; arrive before 10:00.Beach and campground parking fills on July–August weekends; arrive before 10:00 AM.
- Winter Highway 12 and 20 can ice up; check Alberta 511 before driving.
- Cell coverage is fine in town but patchy on back roads around the lake.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Alberta Health Services (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
- Road conditions (Alberta 511)
- 511
Pocket card
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BentleyBentley
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health advice (Alberta, 24 h)811
- Road conditions511
Embassy
No consulates in Bentley. US consulate general in Calgary; most other countries: consulates in Calgary or Vancouver, embassy in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Car hire, one day, compact: about C$70 (≈ US$55) plus fuel
- Fuel, Bentley to Red Deer and back: about C$15–20 (≈ US$11–15)
- Campground night, Aspen Beach: about C$30–45 (≈ US$25–35)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Is the water safe to swim in? — Is the water safe to swim in?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
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 Bentley. 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; Dec–Mar for skiing and groomed trails · avoid Oct–Nov and Apr (mud, closed concessions, nothing open) · month by month →
- 2 airports 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 and YYC: last sensible departure times, car-hire fallback, one overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: Bentley main street, Gull Lake east shore, Aspen Beach day-use and campgrounds.
- Place pages with verified hours (Bentley Museum, Aspen Beach, Medicine Lodge) and eat pages with last orders.
- Lake-quality and winter-road fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Bentley
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