In 1912, a man working with a survey crew discovered a nearby lake at sunset. The striking colors of the setting sun reflecting on the waters caused him to name it Crimson Lake.
The lake has played an important recreational role in the Rocky Mountain House area of the Canadian Province of Alberta since the 1920s.
Crimson Lake Provincial Park was officially opened in 1951; and, at that time, encompassed 688 hectares. In 1975, the addition of the Twin Lakes area provided the park with rustic camping opportunity, including recreational activity based on the lakes fishery.
Crimson Lake Provincial Park has grown over the years to its present size of 3,209 hectares, providing increased protection to the wildlife and unique land base found in the area.
Five prehistoric sites have been identified within Crimson Lake Provincial Park, featuring flakes, fire-cracked rock, and raised dunes. Archaeological studies rate the park as being low in terms of archaeological significance.
We would like to thank Lesia Boyko, Department of Community Development, Government of Alberta; Phyllis Forsyth, Special Projects Officer, Clearwater County; and Myles Jensen, District Team Leader, Rocky Mountain House District, Parks and Protected Areas, for providing information for this page.
(This page was updated in November 2012.)
