The Alix Lake loop, Alix Alberta, is a pleasant and easy-going couple hour stroll at the south end this little prairie town. There’s lots of nature, a little solitude and for us, a welcomed break from a busy, chaotic life. The night before was a hectic one (more in a moment). We do these things to unwind and shake out the cobwebs. When out on the road and when the history work is done, we search out a local hiking trail for afterwards.
There’s some street running in town on this one, but mostly the trail keeps to green belt along the lake shore. You’ll be beside marshes, at the edge of cultivated fields and in wooded groves. Alix will be in view for a time, and it’s a nice community, but mostly it’s out of sight and you’re in your own little world.
Alix Lake Loop Alix Alberta: a pleasant stroll. Hiking with Chris and Connie.
We visited on a cold and blustery day in April. The wind howled, the rain fell in a light mist most of the day and in unprotected areas with the wind, it felt like winter. But the cold had a tenuous hold and in places, even in spite of the chill, new buds were a reminder that spring is around the corner. By the time we’ve posted this, it’s already here.
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You can start the Alix Lake Nature Trail from many places, but there’s a designated trailhead with parking spots at the west end of town. Off 54th Street and south of Railway Avenue. We chose a clockwise heading and right way crossed the outfall for the lake. It’s all part of an irrigation network and the town has this to say about it…
“Alix Lake is part of the Parlby Creek Stabilization Program providing water for local farming, and stabilizing the water level of Buffalo Lake (NE of Alix)…”
Then takes to the streets – 53rd Street and further along Jamieson Street – but it’s a quiet little place and we didn’t see a single vehicle. Duck in behind Lakeview old folks home, and enter Alix Park on the lakefront. There’s no trail, so circle down by the lake and head towards the beach.
There’s a campground here, picnic spots and a big playground. Come summer, it’s likely busy, but on this less than nice day, there was no one but us here. It’s a nice spot and it’s right at the edge of downtown.
Sort of double back and head up Main Street – no trail but the way is obvious – then at the very south end of downtown, turn right on Lake Street. Continue on, and at a signed trail head turn right into the woods beside the lake.
Ahead, it’s a dirt single-track, nicely compacted and well drained. There in a belt of trees, the lake’s to the right and almost always in view. Interpretive signs along the way speak of birds and animals you might encounter hiking around the lake. A comment from their guest book on that subject” “Thank you to all who work hard to keep this trail open and accessible to all. We saw loons, an owl, and a lovely little garter snake. What a treasure!” We saw snakes too, a beaver and more birds than we can count.
Prairie lakes often have marshy shores and Alix Lake is no exception. Cattails grow thick at the water’s edge.
Alix Lake is rather oddly shaped and has many coves. At times, the trail has to take a long u-shaped route get around these and then doubles back to the opposite shore only short distance away.
For the entire loop, look down at the side of the trails, on stumps or in the forks of trees for something interesting. There’s a gnome house, tiny dioramas, Batman & Batgirl make an appearance, and other little treasures secreted away for you to find. We saw many, but I bet we missed a like number.
At a point of land, there’s a nice little picnic shelter and while it’s not the only one along the trail, for us it was the one. It was Connie’s birthday so we celebrated it right here and now. Some fine cured meats, a bit a cheese and bubbly served in a plastic cup. Classy! Just the two of us, thankful for another year and enjoying an hour long lunch break.
The night before, incidentally, we shot an episode of the Beer Parlour Project at the Alix Hotel. We were beat, but this walk recharged our tired selves.
The Beer Parlour Project? It’s minimally a ten year mission to document small town hotels bars – the people, the places, the stories – with art photographer Rob Pohl. Here (new tab): The Beer Parlour Project.
The trail meanders this way and that. There’s more woods and fields; marshes, full of birds, and open areas. A couple dog-walkers pass by, a canoeist is seen, but otherwise, we’re the only ones around. That’s bliss.
At a rural road, the trails switches to the west side of Alix Lake and like before, it sticks close to the shore.
There’s beavers in the lake and channels in the mud mark where they come on up on land to get at the choicest of the young trees. Look for their prominent lodges at the edge of the water – these are homes of mud and tree parts or other vegetation.
At one point note three cement memorials that looks like grave stones. The Alix Trails website: “There are three cement markers in the form of headstones lying adjacent to the trail approximately half way around the western loop of the trail. They represent the trail builders and the dates of its construction.”
They’re well weathered and the lettering is hard to make out in places. The most clear reads: “1985 – Neil J Bell – Overworked and underpaid – There at the beginning, here at the end – April 1st, Nov…(something).”
So the trail goes back a while and it’s kept up present day by the Alix Nature Trail Society. Thanks Neil, and those other two whose memorials we struggled to read, for putting it in, plus those unnamed folks who continue with its upkeep. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk.
From this side of Alix Lake, the town’s big malting plant to the east is visible and towers over the surrounding countryside. They malt grains used in the making of beer and for this we salute them. In a crackled voice, and holding back tears of joy, we softly profess our love.
There’s more open areas on this side of the lake and with a wind from the east, plus intermittent rain, the cold is all the more biting. It was spring on our visit, but with shades of winter this day.
There’s plenty of benches along the way too, and places to stop and look out over the water. We could do it all day, but then we’d never get home. There’s still a drive ahead.
A sign warn of wasps in the area, but let’s call them what they are…jerks. They must have a nest nearby, but it was too cold for them this day.
Emerge from the trees, and into park/picnic area. The parking lot is just a shot hop, skip and jump away. While we look forward to the warmth of a car, we lament that the adventures has ended. Going home always seems like a downer when out on the road, but we have to head home.
It’s not often we see a small town trail system this extensive, but appreciate the work that went into it. We had a great day and it was made all the better by celebrating Connie’s 63rd. Hopefully we have lots more ahead of us.
”These two are amazing!! I love following their adventures and the photography is…jaw dropping. Enjoy your working vacation, Chris & Connie!!… Dayna Kent. (this job really is like a vacation).
If you wish more information about this adventure or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!
Date of adventure: April, 2025. Location: Alix, Alberta Distance: 7km loop. Height gain maximum: negligible. Height gain cumulative: see above. NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).
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