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Off the beaten path

Northeast Lakelands: A constellation of lakes and cultures

Northeast Lakelands is home to Elk Island National Park and four distinct ​​cultural groups. The area’s landscapes are varied, with rolling prairies and farmland turning into waterfront vistas overlooking vast lake country. The multi-use recreational Iron Horse Trail spans the entire zone from end-to-end for year-round outdoor adventure.

With its diverse geographic area and ethnic history, there is great potential for development in soft adventure and Indigenous tourism. With investment, the region can continue to support the many vibrant communities that call the Northeast Lakelands home.

Explore the zone’s key projects

At a glance

Location: ​Eastern Central Alberta
Key communities: ​Lac La Biche, Cold Lake
Projectedvisitor spend: $756M by 2035*
GDP: $565M by 2035*
Jobs: 3,870 by 2035*

Lac La Biche Region Tourism
Visit Fort Saskatchewan

*With investment

A graphic map shows the Northeast Lakelands region in Alberta, stretching east and north of Edmonton, encompassing Smoky Lake, Lac La Biche and Cold Lake.

Resident sentiment toward tourism is developing

62% of Northeast Lakelands residents say that tourism is important to the local community.

Discover resident perspectives
Demand drivers

High demand for key activities

Highly engaged international travellers are already planning trips to Alberta—but Northeast Lakelands needs more soft adventure, cultural tourism, and high-end accommodations to fully meet that demand. These additions can anchor year-round itineraries and drive sustained tourism growth.

The interior of the guest lodge at a ranch stay.
Luxury Guest Ranch
Two hikers walk through the trees as sunlight streams down.
Guided Nature Tours
A Metis guide sits, smiling in the snow wearing traditional snowshoes.
Indigenous and Cultural Experiences

Developing Alberta Tourism

Key Projects

Travel Alberta helps local tourism grow by facilitating the development of projects that will attract overnight visitors throughout the year. We work closely with local communities to remove barriers to development, provide business coaching to help operators grow and prosper, and invest to accelerate the development of four-season accommodations and experiences that will drive meaningful economic impact and job creation.

A woman stands in the doorway of a glamping dome looking up at the aurora borealis.

Métis Crossing Cultural Centre, Smoky Lake

Home to luxury skywatching glamping domes that have received international attention. Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive destination offers a Historical Village with interpreters, bison paddock and wildlife centre, restaurant, and guided outdoor experiences.

Snow geese fly over a farm field in autumn.

Ranchland Outfitters, Elk Point

Year-round 15-room guest lodge with farm-to-table experiences. This lodge provides luxe comforts and world-class waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Man and woman sitting on steps of Pine Creek Retreat comfort cabins at dusk.

Pine Creek Retreat, Smoky Lake

This high-end, secluded retreat includes Indigenous-inspired accommodations, culinary experiences, and interpretive adventures. A new self-guided journey allows guests to be immersed in Indigenous, Métis, and settler histories via trails and cultural activities.

Man standing outside of cabin surrounded by the forest at Elk Island Retreat.

Elk Island Retreat, Fort Saskatchewan

An elevated health and wellness retreat featuring Canada’s first mirrored glass sauna, alongside massage, yoga, and fireside dining. Guests can enjoy nature trails and unwind in luxury just 3 km (2 mi) from the national park.

Why develop tourism

Investing in tourism helps make communities a better place to live, work, and visit.

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More revenues

Communities with strong visitor economies earn more municipal revenues per capita, which can be reinvested in the services and amenities that residents love.

Lower taxes

Residents pay lower residential property taxes in areas with strong visitor economies.

More jobs

More visitors create a steady customer base for local businesses, creating great jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Discover more about the Northeast Lakelands TDZ

This 2023 report informs and identifies specific actions Travel Alberta, the Government of Alberta and the TDZ communities should take to support the design of a comprehensive Destination Development Plan.

Download the discovery report
Learn more about the area

Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: how sustainable tourism can drive positive change

As tourism continues to grow into a core economic driver across Alberta, we look to these operators to influence the sector’s future.

Read more
Couple sawing a log at Metis Crossing.
Learn more about the area

Faces of Alberta Tourism: Métis Crossing

Alberta’s first Métis cultural interpretive centre was built on the original river lots of Métis settlers, one of three recognized Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Read more

Connect with our Destination & Commercial Development Manager

Learn how Travel Alberta can support your success in the Northeast Lakelands.

Blaine Mirasty

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo & Lakelands