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County of

Saddle Hills

Situated in the Central Peace Region of northwestern Alberta along the southern banks of the Peace River. The County is home to a diverse agricultural community, and contains rich deposits of natural gas and oil.

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Saddle Hills County

Saddle Up For A Great Visit

Saddle Hills County is a place where legends are made. Some of the legends can be confirmed, others are a little less clear.

For example, this is a spot renowned for big game hunting, thanks to the Northern Boreal forest offering unique wildlife. Elk, moose and mule deer are some of the popular targets that roam the deep river valleys, lush wooded hillsides and rolling plains here.

It’s also a haven for summer and winter outdoor activities. The ancient rim rock formations along the Pouce Coupe River canyon provide spectacular views and excellent wilderness hiking opportunities.

A popular year-round recreation spot is Moonshine Lake Provincial Park, a great getaway that offers something for everyone.

The Park has 17 km of cross-country ski trails and ice fishing in winter. In summer, visitors can explore the 2.5 km Lakeview trail, relax on the beach or cast a line for trout from shore or from your boat (non-motorized and electric motors only). The kids will enjoy the bike park and playground.

Camping is on the north side of the lake.

Now some of the stories are a little harder to track down – like how Moonshine Lake got its name.

According to folklore, two local men accidentally spilled their homebrewed moonshine into the water while transporting it around the lake. It had earlier been known as Mirage Lake.

There are also stories of a rich, eccentric lady burying gold coins at the bottom of the lake. There have been accounts of gold coins washing up on shore.

Moonshine Lake is just one of the spots that will make you want to spend more than a day visiting the County.

Other great camping spots in the County include Cotillion Park Municipal Campground, Spring Lake Campground, Hill Top Campground, and Fourth Creek Campground.

Here are some other attractions in the County:

Flowers – The County is home to four greenhouses, which offer an excellent selection of plants for today’s avid gardener. Open in May each year, the four greenhouses welcome folks from all over to enjoy their selections. Anne’s Greenhouse offers u-pick strawberries from greenhouses benches in season.

Food – Our general stores offer snacks and hot food while Chinook Golf Course provides a sit-down restaurant. From the cinnamon buns at Blueberry General Store to the pizzas at the Bonanza General Store and the pasta salads at Bay Tree General Store, your appetite will surely be sated.

Recreation – Recreation in Saddle Hills County encompasses everything from golfing (Chinook Valley Golf Course) bird watching (Jack Bird Pond) to fishing (Shell True North Pond and Moonshine Lake Provincial Park). Through Cotillion Park you have foot access to the Peace River.

Communities – Bay Tree, Blueberry Mountain, Bonanza, Braeburn, Dunvegan Settlement, Gordondale, Ksituan, Northmark, Poplar Ridge, Silver Valley, Whitburn.

Saddle Hills County is home to a wide range of year-round activities including camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, cycling, boating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and more.

Experience our peaceful environment. Come on up for a daytrip or join us for a longer stay at one of our campgrounds. You’ll be glad you did.