In Smoky Lake, Alberta, there is frequently a thick mist rising from the body of water as the sun sets – almost like smoke. It is also a historically significant place for and the Indigenous people to meet, renew relationships, and perform ceremonies, including smudging with sacred plants and herbs. Smoky Lake could take its name from either, and that’s just a taste of the unique history and culture surrounding this welcoming community at the edge of Alberta’s Lake Country.

Known as the “Pumpkin Capital of Alberta,” Smoky Lake hosts the annual Great White North Pumpkin Fair and Weigh Off. Many a record-breaker has been grown in Smoky Lake’s pumpkin patches, with several sizable gourds weighing in at over a ton! There is a strong agricultural base, with culture influenced by not only the Indigenous and Metis people, but also early missionaries, fur traders, and European settlers. While one of Smoky Lake’s historic churches, the St. Onuphrius Ukrainian-Catholic, (built in 1907,) has been moved to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, you can still visit the Victoria Settlement historic site, which dates back to the early 1900’s, and experience traditional and modern Metis culture at Metis Crossing. Smoky Lake is also referred to "Birthday Town Alberta" as citizens and visitors can enjoy free activities and gifts on their birthdays.

Located just over an hour from Edmonton, The Town of Smoky Lake offers its residents and visitors many of the same services of the city without the line ups or traffic. The agricultural base means access to a terrific Farmer’s Market featuring homegrown and handcrafted goods. Discover the essential amenities, shops, and services, with a variety of recreational options encompassing sports, the arts, and volunteer or social. Families enjoy various parks and a spray park in the summer! Check out facilities such as the ice arena, the curling rink, golf course, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, dance studios, and a gym and rec centre. The Town of Smoky Lake hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

Being in Alberta’s Lake County, there’s a host of lakes and beaches to enjoy, with plenty of nearby provincial parks, campsites, and recreational areas. Just south of Smoky Lake is the popular Hanmore Lake, or you can check out the nearby Bellis Natural Area, which features sand dunes, jack pine forests, sloughs, and small lakes. You can also access Iron Horse Trail, a trail network that features 300 km of reclaimed railroad for year-round adventures: hiking, biking, quadding, horseback riding, with snowmobiling and horse-drawn sleighs in winter. Discover a small town with a big personality in Smoky Lake!

Visit the Smoky Lake website or Facebook page for more information.