Q: What is Chain Lakes Provincial Park?
A: Chain Lakes Provincial Park is set within Canada's last large expanse of mostly undisturbed montane landscape. A slightly fractured band of montane habitat extends from Chain Lakes south to Beauvais Lake Provincial Park. The park's lakes and proximity to the barrier of the Rocky Mountains make it a favoured migration stop-over for eagle, osprey and trumpeter swans. Visiting carnivores include cougars, lynx, grey wolves, and both black and grizzly bears.
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Q: How do we get to the cabins?
A: From Alberta Highway 2, drive north from Nanton to the end of rural road 533 at its intersection with Alberta Highway 22. Chain Lakes Provincial Park is approximately 25 minutes from Highway 2.
From Alberta Highway 22 - 40 km south of Longview, turn west at the intersection with secondary highway 533.
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Q: Can we bring our dog?
A: Yes! dogs are allowed in the ice fishing cabins, but there is a $40 pet fee due to extra cleaning (pet hair).
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Q: What type of fish are in the lake?
A: The lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. There is also Bull Trout, Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Suckers, and there have been reports of the occasional Northern Pike, but no confirmations. Remember to consult the Alberta Fishing Regulations for information on what you're allowed to keep.
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Q: Do I need a fishing license?
A: To fish anywhere in Alberta, you will need to get a fishing license that costs around $28 and can be purchased at Canadian Tire, some fishing shops, or online at AlbertaRELM. The license costs a little more if you are visiting Alberta from other provinces or don’t live in Canada. You don’t need a fishing license if you are under 16 or over 65 years of age. However, you still have to follow all the fishing rules. If you never bought a fishing license before, you will also need to get Alberta WIN (Wildlife Identification Number) card that costs around $8.
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Q: How do you know the ice is safe?
A: We take ice safety very seriously, we drill and test the ice weekly. If at any point in time we feel the ice is not safe we will not let clients on the ice and you will receive a credit for a later (available) date of your choice.
Q: Are there washrooms?
A: The cabins do not have bathrooms, however Chain Lakes Provincial Park has pit/vault toilets located between the Boat Launches. Each has two separate and spacious stalls with concrete floors and decent ventilation. They also have solar panels to power overnight lighting. There are more located at the northern parking area, but these are sometimes locked. To see where these are located, you can view the Site Map.
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Q: What do we do with our garbage and recycling?
A: There are garbage and recycling bins located on the shore close to the ice fishing cabins. There are also bear proof garbage bins located by the washrooms at the boat launch. Please DO NOT put garbage down the holes in the cabins.
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Q: Do we need to clean up after ourselves?
A: Yes please! Please clean up your cabin and remove garbage and recycling prior to leaving in the morning. If excessive cleaning is needed extra charges may apply.
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Q: What are the check-In / check-out times? Will you inspect the cabin before we leave?
A: Check-out time for a day stay is 11:00am to 7:00pm and check-out time for an overnight is 8:00pm to 10am.
You can leave anytime without an inspection. Please ensure that you have cleaned up after your group and garbage and recycling has been taken to the provided bins located on the shore.
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Q: What comes with each cabin?
A:
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Basic ice fishing rods (4)
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Ice fishing holes (3)
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Basic set of hooks
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Propane cooking griddle
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Propane heater
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Smart TV
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Surround sound
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Ice scoop
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1 king size bed (fits three adults) and 2 single beds (perfect for children)
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2 smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
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Fire extinguisher
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First aid kit
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Manual ice auger
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USB charger
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Q: What should we bring?
A:
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Make sure all adults have current fishing licenses.
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Bait
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Drinking water
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Hot chocolate and coffee mixes
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Snacks
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Slippers or indoor shoes for inside the cabin - with warm socks!
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Deck of cards, board games, books.
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A BBQ/propane
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Lawn chairs
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Easy to cook and eat foods. Think hot dogs or even a pre-made charcuterie box!
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If you are staying overnight, please bring your own bedding.
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Sanitizing wipes
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Flashlight
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Q: How are the cabins heated?
A: Each cabin is equipped with a fully vented propane RV furnace. (Propane is supplied)
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Q: If I need help or have a question while at the cabins who do I call/text?
A: We have a representative on call 24/7 @ 403-992-1632.
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Q: Can we have a fire on the lake?
A: Fires must be contained by a fire pit (not provided) and be a minimum of 10 feet away from the rental cabins. No fires are permitted directly on the ice. All soot, ashes etc. must be hauled away and not left on the ice.
Please do not put into the garbage bin.
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Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: We provide a 2 week cancellation policy. Guests who cancel at least 2 weeks prior to their check-in date will receive a booking credit for a later (available) date of their choice for a equal or lesser amount. Cancellations received less than 2 weeks prior will not receive a refund or credit. If we must cancel or postpone your trip due to unsafe ice or extreme weather conditions you will receive a credit to use at a later date. We do not offer refunds, only in-house credits will be issued.
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Q: What are the best fishing lures for Chain Lakes?
A: Some of our favorites are...
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Bait - Worms / Cheese / Marshmallows / Powerbait/Shrimp
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Lures - Spoons & Spinners / Ice Jigs
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Flies - Nymphs / San Juan Worms / Leeches
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Q: What is there to do at Chain Lakes Provincial Park in the winter?
A. The park offers camping, group camping, ice fishing, and day use space. The secluded area offers wildlife viewing, stargazing, hiking, and nearby backcountry activities in the public land use zones. The nearest towns include Nanton, Longview and Diamond Valley​
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Q: Do we need an ice auger?
A: We provide each cabin with a manual ice auger.
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Q: What other tips do I need to stay safe on my winter adventures?
A: Click here before you go...
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Q: What is the last day we can rent the cabins?
A. The cabins need to be off the ice by March 15th.
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Watch our promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2OzZnq3x4k
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