The Beach
Many people who visit Lesser Slave Lake for the first time are amazed by how huge it is! The size of the lake combined with the local landscape have created beautiful, natural white-sand beaches on the east end of the lake.
Devonshire Beach is found at the south end of Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park and is recognized as one of the 10 top beaches in Canada. This 1.5 kilometre stretch of natural and groomed sandy beach is a great place to spend an afternoon swimming, building sand castles, relaxing and watching the waves come in. Devonshire Beach is also the host of the the Alberta Open Sand Sculpture Championships in July.
Part of a 1500-year-old sand dune complex, Devonshire Beach is a unique environment in Alberta. The beach is an important habitat for rare plants such as the sitka willow, which is adapted specifically for this sandy lakeshore environment.
Marten River Campground Beach is at the north end of the park. Frequented by campers, it is also open to other visitors. Parking is available at the amphitheatre. Though smaller than Devonshire Beach, the Marten River Campground Beach also features natural and groomed sections.
Both beaches have sections set aside for dogs. The Devonshire dog-friendly beach is the southernmost portion, accessible from a small gravel parking lot above the Devonshire Beach RV Campground. The Marten River dog-friendly beach is the northernmost portion, accessible from the amphitheatre parking.
Because the beaches are within a provincial park, dogs must remain on leashes for the protection of wildlife. Doggie bag dispensers are provided so that you can pick up after your pooch.