Beaverhill Lake

Lake Shallow prairie lake important for migratory birds

A shallow prairie lake in central Alberta designated for bird habitat; visited by birdwatchers and naturalists during migration seasons for waterfowl and marshland wildlife observation.

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Beaverhill Lake is a shallow lake in central Alberta, Canada, located on the prairie east of Edmonton and noted as an important site for waterfowl and shorebirds. It is managed with conservation and bird-monitoring priorities in mind.

The site offers wetland habitat used by migrating and breeding birds, reed-fringed shorelines and informal viewing spots popular with naturalists and photographers. Facilities are limited; visitors typically use small car-based pullouts and local trails to access viewpoints.

The lake and surrounding marshes have been the focus of conservation and monitoring efforts because of their role as staging and breeding habitat for migratory species. Management has emphasised habitat protection and seasonal monitoring rather than intensive recreation.

Geographically it sits on the plains of central Alberta within the province’s rural landscape, some distance east of the Edmonton metropolitan area. The nearest small towns offer basic services; access is by local roads.

  • Birding importance: Recognised nationally and by birding organisations for regular concentrations of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds; best birding during spring and autumn migration.
  • Variable water levels: Seasonal wetlands can shrink or expand markedly with precipitation, affecting access and viewing conditions.
Beaverhill Lake
Beaverhill Lake Natural Area, Alberta, Canada (regional access points vary)
53.4525, -112.5356

How to Get to Beaverhill Lake #

Beaverhill Lake is about 60-80 km southeast of Edmonton, Alberta. Access is by car via Highway 14 and secondary roads; multiple access points and conservation-area parking exist depending on which part of the lake is the intended destination.

Tips for Visiting Beaverhill Lake #

  • Check with local conservation authorities before planning activities; water levels have fluctuated in recent years affecting birdwatching.
  • Visit at dawn for the best birdlife viewing; spring migration can be spectacular.
  • If visiting in late summer, be prepared for mosquitoes near marshy edges and consider a screened shelter for longer stays.

Best Time to Visit Beaverhill Lake #

Best during spring and autumn migration windows for birdwatching. Summer can be warm and attract insects; winter is cold and often inaccessible.

Spring migration
April-June · 35-65°F (2-18°C)
Peak time for waterfowl and shorebird migration; dawn patrols are rewarding.
Autumn
September-October · 30-55°F (-1-13°C)
Another important migration window with cooler temperatures and fewer insects.

Weather & Climate near Beaverhill Lake #

Climate

Beaverhill Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -19°C to 22°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-19° -8°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -5°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-11°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 10°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-17° -7°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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