How To Explore Elkwater Lake in Cypress Hills Provincial Park

Posted on 9 May 2025 by Nerissa McNaughton

Elkwater Lake offers an escape into nature with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a camper, a hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful day by the water, this destination is a must! 

A Glimpse into Elkwater’s History 

The Cypress Hills area has a rich history, shaped by its geography and cultural significance. Long before settlers arrived, the Indigenous peoples of the Plains utilized this elevated region for hunting and gathering. The rolling hills, some of the highest points between the Rockies and Labrador, became a haven for wildlife. Today, Elkwater preserves this legacy, offering a wilderness retreat steeped in natural and human history. 

Where Is Elkwater Lake? 

Elkwater Lake is located within Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Only a short drive from Medicine Hat (about 50 kilometers), the lake is easily accessible via Highway 41. Its high elevation makes it a unique geographical feature, rising above the surrounding prairie landscape and providing cooler temperatures in the summer. Visitors from Saskatchewan can also enjoy this interprovincial park, making it a regional treasure. 

Unique Features of Elkwater and Cypress Hills 

Surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and open meadows, the lake serves as a focal point for outdoor activities. Because it sits in a transition zone between prairie and forest ecosystems, visitors can explore a mix of flora and fauna, including deer, moose, and numerous bird species. Sunsets over the lake are especially stunning, casting a golden glow that reflects off the calm waters. 

Winter transforms the area into a snowy playground with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing, ensuring year-round appeal. 

Camping Around Elkwater Lake 

Cypress Hills Provincial Park and Elkwater Lake offers some of the best sites in the region. Options range from basic tent sites to fully serviced RV pads and cozy cabins.  

• Elkwater Campground (website): 
  • 78 RV-friendly sites with power and water hookups. 
  • Close to playgrounds, flush toilets, showers, and walking trails to the waterfront. 
  • Open year-round with winter camping options available. 
  • Ideal for families with access to interpretive programs and various activities. 

• Elkwater Hut Comfort Camping (website): 
  • Two cozy huts available year-round, each accommodating up to three people. 
  • Features include a single-over-double bunk bed, mini fridge, electric heater, and outdoor fire pit. 
  • Located near showers, washrooms, playgrounds, and trails. 
  • Perfect for those seeking a rustic yet comfortable experience. 

• Ferguson Hill Campground (website): 
  • 50 unserviced sites suitable for tents and RVs. 
  • Nestled in an open pine forest with proximity to the waterfront and Elkwater townsite. 
  • Seasonal availability from May to August. 
  • Includes fire pits, a playground, and access to pit/vault toilets. 

Activities for Day Trippers 

Not staying overnight? No problem. The park boasts ample amenities for day visitors. Pack a picnic and enjoy the designated day-use areas along the lake, complete with scenic spots to soak up the view. Bring your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe to explore the water. Boat rentals are also available if you don’t have your own gear. 

Adventurous souls can hike or bike the park’s extensive trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging routes like the Spruce Coulee Trail. There’s even a public beach for swimming on warm summer days. 

The park is also a dark-sky preserve, which means you can enjoy incredible stargazing on clear nights. 

Plan Your Visit and Share Your Adventures! 

Elkwater Lake in Cypress Hills Provincial Park is calling your name! Whether you stay for a weekend or visit for a day, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and connected to nature. 

Have you been to Elkwater Lake? Share your stories and pictures with us in the comments. Whether it’s a snapshot of your campsite, a selfie at the summit of a hike, or your view of the lake, we’d love to see how you made the most of this stunning destination. 

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups  Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and  food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.