Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada? If you're planning to go to Cold Lake, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cold Lake
- Important essentials for Cold Lake
- Activities for Cold Lake
- Cold Lake in January: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in February: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in March: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in April: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in May: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in June: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in July: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in August: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in September: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in October: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in November: weather and what to pack
- Cold Lake in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Cold Lake, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cold Lake, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Cold Lake. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Cold Lake is biting cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C) and once in a while jump into the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Cold Lake, with of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a cap at night in this climate like this
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Cold Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Cold Lake has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
February
February in Cold Lake is beyond freezing and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) to low 10s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head protector at night in this weather like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Cold Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Cold Lake has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
March
March in Cold Lake is very cold and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Cold Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Cold Lake has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
April
If you go to Cold Lake in April, you will notice that it is brisk and snowy. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Cold Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Cold Lake has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
May
In May, Cold Lake is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). During your visit, you can expect a few inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for Cold Lake, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
June
In June, Cold Lake is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cold Lake, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
July
July in Cold Lake is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
August
If you go to Cold Lake in August, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
September
September in Cold Lake can be chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C), with a few days below 28 F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
October
October in Cold Lake is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Cold Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Cold Lake has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
November
November in this region can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Cold Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Cold Lake has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
December
December in Cold Lake can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a head protector at night in this climate like this
-
Thick pajamas
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Heated gloves
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Cold Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Cold Lake has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you go to Cold Lake Marina, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Cold Lake has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
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