The Natural Area’s rough topography, a legacy of glaciation, provides important wildlife habitat.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Site Inspection Reports
Map of the Area
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
Other Information
This area of “knob and kettle” topography contains steep-sided hills (knobs), with wetlands in depressions (kettles). The area’s topography provides important wildlife habitat. Ponds ringed with cattails and willow are nesting and feeding habitat for red-winged blackbirds. Many types of waterfowl, including blue-winged teal and northern shoveler, use the ponds. Depressions contain willow shrublands, sedge wetland and black spruce peatland. On upland areas, aspen forests dominate.
Depressions contain willow shrublands, sedge wetland and black spruce peatland. Aspen forests are common in upland areas and provide habitat for White-tailed Deer, Moose, Snowshoe Hare and Least Weasel. The system of rough trails throughout the area provides opportunities for hiking and nature observation.
Floatplanes and Favourite Camping Area. Cooking Lake has been recorded as such since at least 1887 by the Geological Survey of Canada as a translation from the original Cree. The area was a favoured campground for the First Nations. It was also a float plane air harbour since at least WWII. North Cooking Lake is descriptive as it is located on the north shore of Cooking Lake. Now a hamlet, a post office opened here in 1912 [1].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
Are you a member of iNaturalist.ca? It is free to join and you can help nature by making observations with your smart phone.
If there are no or only a few observations, how about visiting and adding some? While there, complete a site inspection report (but read the Site Inspections terms and conditions first).
Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | North Cooking Lake (OC) |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 584/92 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 62 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 456 |
| Total Area | 211.85 ha. (523.50 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | Cross-country skiing, Hiking – front country, Hunting |
| IUCN | II |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
References
The following links are provided as a courtesy but are not verified or endorsed by SAPAA. Clicking on the link will cause you to leave the SAPAA website. Primary source of information is: Government of Alberta – Information & Facilities – North Cooking Lake Natural Area | Alberta Parks (accessed 2025-06-05).
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006; p. 76, 230.
Site Inspection Reports
Moderately aged aspen forest in the NA, with an understory of rose and predominantly wild sarsaparilla. 
Low-lying area adjacent to Wye Road show ingopen water and riparian vegetation, including birch saplings. P.Cotterill 
Flowers of spotted jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, in riparian border alongside first open pond. PCotterill 
Trail narrows to a mere break between sedges and marsh reedgrass in the riparian area of the first pond south. 
Tattered, old “prohibition” sign along trail at North Cooking Lake Natural Area, P. Cotterill, 2025-09-01. 
Depressional area in Natural Area with a high population of Canada thistle and slender nettle. P. Cotterill, 2025-09-01. 
Prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis) on forest edge in the Natural Area. Note the flask-shapred fruits compared with the more globular ones of common wild rose. P. Cotterill, 2025-09-01. 
Common wild rose (Rosa woodsii) showing ripe fruit and fall colours along trail in the Natural Area. P. Cotterill, 2025-09-01. 
Duck in flight, eastern section and along Wye Road of North Cooking Lake NA, P.Potter Sept 23, 2023. 
Natural Area (purple) and track (blue). Hunting blind is in the bottom left corner, North Cooking Lake NA, P.Potter Sept 23, 2023.
SAPAA 
Familiar to YEG’ers, Cooking Lake was a preferred camping area for First Nations and is a translation from the original Cree. Found in the site are White-tailed Deer, Moose, Snowshoe Hare and Least Weasel. The system of rough trails throughout the area provides opportunities for hiking and nature observation.
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