Vermilion Provincial Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = Vermilion Provincial Park
iucn_category = VI

---

caption = Location of "Vermilion Provincial Park" in Canada
locator_x = 217
locator_y = 238
location = Alberta, Canada
nearest_city = Vermilion
lat_degrees = 53
lat_minutes = 21
lat_seconds = 41
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 110
long_minutes = 52
long_seconds = 11
long_direction = W
area = 7.50 km²
established = May 29, 1953
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Alberta Community Development,
MV Camp Operations

Vermilion Provincial Park is a provincial park located in east-central Alberta, Canada, in Vermilion River County. It is located on the outskirts of the town of Vermilion which is at the junction of Highways 16 (Yellowhead) and 41 (Buffalo Trail), between Edmonton and Lloydminster.

History

The park was first constructed in the early 1950's, and opened to the public on May 29, 1953. One of the key features of the park is that the Vermilion River was dammed to create an artificial lake (the 6.3 km long Vermilion Park Lake).

Nature

The environmental setting includes aspen parkland and prairie grassland biomes, with wildlife such as White-tailed Deer, Red Foxen, Franklin's ground squirrels, porcupines, Ruffed Grouse, harriers, red-tailed hawks, Short-eared Owls, Canada Geese, Great Blue Herons, American Bitterns, common ducks, Mink, Muskrats, Beavers, Coyotes, Sprague's Pipits and savannah and vesper sparrows. [ [http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fw/view/ne_vpp.html Alberta Sustainable Resource Development] – Vermilion Provincial Park]

The Vermilion River fish population consists of Northern Pike, Fathead Minnow, Lake Chub, Brook Stickleback ("Culaea inconstans"), Longnose Dace and White Sucker.

Activities

The park is open year round, but is only staffed during the summer (from May 15 to September 15).

There are also a number of trails for cross-country skiing in winter, and horseback riding and hiking during summer. 5 km of paved paths can be used for rollerblading and biking. Named trails in the park include Wild Rose Trail, Cathedral Trail, Fescue Trail, and Lakeside Trail.

Fishing is allowed in the Vermilion Park lake, with a designated pond for trout fishing and amenities for ice fishing.

Water based activities include canoeing, kayaking and sailing.

A year-round campground with all amenities is located in Vermilion, and overnight camping is permitted at the "CN Station" and three other campgrounds. Several additional day use areas (one featuring a baseball diamond) are found in the park. [ [http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/enjoying_alberta/parks/planning/gateway/sitefac.asp?id=152 Alberta Community Development] – Vermilion Provincial Park facilities] A golf course is found in Vermilion, and a mini golf course is within the park limits.

The old CNR station has been relocated to the park as well an old CNR caboose on display near the station.

Trivia

Beckie Scott, a cross country skier who won medals at both the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympic Games, skied on these trails in her early years. [ [http://www.vermilioninfo.com/visitors/recreation.htm Town of Vermilion] - Visitor Information]

ee also

*List of Alberta provincial parks
*List of Canadian provincial parks
*List of National Parks of Canada

References

External links

* [http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/enjoying_alberta/parks/planning/gateway/siteinformation.asp?id=152 Alberta Community Development] - Park description