The Natural Area’s rough topography, a legacy of glaciation, provides important wildlife habitat.
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].
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 2021-01-09).
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006; p. 76, 230.
SAPAA 