This Natural Area occupies a small island in Sturgeon Lake, located about 25 km west of the town of Valleyview, along Highway 43 in Northern Alberta.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
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
Sturgeon Lake Natural Area (28 ha) is an island at the western extension of Sturgeon Lake. It is covered in mature forest and is used by Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles. The much larger Young’s Point Provincial Park is located on the northern shore of the main body of Sturgeon Lake.
No Sturgeon in Sturgeon Lake. Located 90 km east of the city of Grande Prairie, this regionally important recreational lake has a reputation for good quality Lake Whitefish, and four other fish species, all subject to harvesting restrictions, but not including Sturgeon. It is also popular for all types of boating and water sports. Speculation on the origin of the name has given rise to two possibilities. One is that a family named Sturgeon once lived nearby; the other is that a visitor who paddled up the outlet creek named the lake for the Sturgeon, which also travel upstream. The lake bottom is firm and slopes gently, so that 90 m offshore the water is only about 2 m deep [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 | Sturgeon Lake |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 786/87 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 218 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 504 |
| Total Area | 4.49 ha. (11.09 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| 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: Information & Facilities – Sturgeon Lake Natural Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2025-05-08).
- Mitchell, Patricia, and E. E. Prepas. “Atlas of Alberta Lakes.” Edmonton, Alberta: University of Alberta Press, 1990, p. 114.
Further Reading
- Wikipedia, Sturgeon Lake (Alberta).
- Discover the Peace Country, Young’s Point Provincila Park.
- Wikipedia, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Sturgeon Lake Residential School
- Alberta Government, Fisheries Management Objectives, Sturgeon Lake
- Alberta Environment, Sturgeon Lake, Water Quality Monitoring Report, 2006
SAPAA 