ALT TRAIL ATTRACTIONS
HALF MOON LAKE
Half Moon Lake is a hamlet in Alberta, Canada within Westlock County. It is located on the shores of Half Moon Lake, just north of Highway 629. The lake is 2 km across and 8.5 km deep. Half Moon Lake general store can still be seen by people travelling the Athabasca Landing Trail.
The hamlet was founded in the late 1950s when the land north of the lake was subdivided into residential lots, with the subdivision of the south side following soon after.
Redwater Bridge 246 near Half Moon Lake is a key link in the historic Athabasca Landing Trail. A new bridge was constructed in 2010 to allow continued access along the Athabasca Landing Trail. The design of the new bridge replicates the original wooden bridge built in 1905.
The Gullion Homestead - Remains of the original Gullion homestead can be seen along the Athabasca Landing Trail. This homestead is just four miles north of the Redwater Bridge. There is not much left of the site. The school named after Gullion is gone. All that remain are the land, the crumpled barn and the open spaces that were the backdrop to the John Gullion stories.
John Gullion was the first known settler on the trail and an accomplished guide and interpreter for the North West Mounted Police, the first homesteader/farmer north of the Sturgeon River, a businessman operating a stopping house and a Captain of the sternwheeler Grahame that carried passengers and goods along the Athabasca River. He played the fiddle, was known as a notorious prankster and in his spare time built river scows (otherwise know as 'sturgeon-heads').
Old St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church near Half Moon Lake was built in 1905 and was the first Ukrainian Catholic church north of Edmonton. It is now a Registered Historical Resource and museum operated by Pioneer Trail North Foundation. A modern St. Mary's Church is nearby and still holds regular services.
Egge's Stopping House, on the old trail south of Joli-Coeur Lake, was once the busiest stopping house along the trail. All that's left to be seen is the crumpled remains of the bunk house.
Half Moon Lake Park
Situated 29 km north of Bon Accord, that is north on Lily Lake
Road and then just east 3 km. From Thorhild go 14 km west on Highway 18 then 10 km south. The Park is operated and managed by volunteers of the Half Moon Lake Community Association and is open to overnight camping. It has 12 stalls, numerous tenting sites and day use area with a children's playground. Firewood is available for a fee. There is a beautiful beach with docks and swimming area. The park's facilities include change rooms with running water. Come visit this area's best kept secret and enchanting park on the serene Half Moon Lake. For further information call (780) 961-3308.
Bridges Lake Natural Area – trail from the road to the lake ends at a Watchable Wildlife platform
Gamborski's Stone Fence, constructed in the 1930s alongside the road north of Bouchard Lake, is still standing.
Opal Natural Area is a protected area of Boreal forest that contains sandy ridges interspersed with areas of depression; there are open pine/lichen forests on upland areas, some aspen groves, wet meadows of sedges & grasses, ponds ringed with cattails; & large areas of black spruce fen. The area provides good wildlife habitat.
Operated by: Alberta Parks Division
Phone: 780-960-8170;
10 Dollar Camp was established in 1897 as a camping site for freighters. It became well-known when a rumour was spread that someone lost a ten dollar gold coin at the site after a night of playing poker. It is now a day camp and picnic park operated by Pioneer Trail North Foundation