Cold Lake, a city in east-central Alberta, Canada, was first recorded on a 1790 map as Coldwater Lake. The city was formed on October 1, 1996, by merging three communities: the Town of Grand Centre, the Town of Cold Lake, and Medley (Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake). Grand Centre was renamed Cold Lake South, and the original Cold Lake is now known as Cold Lake North. This unique origin has led to the area being referred to as the Tri-Town.
Located in Alberta's "Lakeland" district, Cold Lake is 300 km northeast of Edmonton, near the Alberta-Saskatchewan provincial border. The area surrounding the city is sparsely populated, consisting mostly of farmland, and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Cold Lake experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). The summers are generally warm with cool nights, while the winters are very cold with moderate snowfall, making it a year-round destination for different types of activities.
As of the 2022 municipal census, the population of Cold Lake is 16,302, marking a 3.6% increase from its 2014 population. The 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada reported a population of 15,661. The city is diverse, with 8.7% of residents identifying as aboriginal and a variety of first languages spoken, including English, French, German, Chinese, Dutch, Ukrainian, Cree, and Arabic. The majority of residents identify as Christian, with a significant portion having no religious affiliation.
Cold Lake is known in the world of comics as the home of Marvel's Wolverine, adding a touch of pop culture fame to this Canadian city.
Cold Lake's proximity to the lake makes it a popular location for campgrounds. The M.D. campground and the Cold Lake Provincial Park offer amenities like powered sites, shower facilities, and picnic areas. The Iron Horse Trail, a recreational trail on a former railway line, has its easternmost terminus in Cold Lake. Kinosoo Beach is a favorite destination during the hot summer months.
The Air Force Museum preserves and exhibits the history of CFB Cold Lake and of 42 Radar Squadron. The museum showcases Cold War era technology and the history of 4 Wing standing squadrons. It also has four aircraft on display outside.
Designed, researched, and constructed by Grand Centre High School students, this museum explains the history of oil and gas in the Cold Lake area from Paleolithic times to the present.
The Heritage Museum exhibits a timeline of life in Cold Lake, both domestic and commercial. The museum also boasts some impressive murals.
The Aboriginal Museum displays the history of the Dene, Cree, and Metis peoples through timelines, maps, crafts, and cultural displays.
