Castor’s signature natural attraction. The creek wraps around the northeast end of town, framed by stunning sandstone cliffs that look like they belong in a canyon, not on the Alberta prairies.
Originally known as the Beaver Dam Creek, it drew the first homesteaders to the area. Sandstone from these very banks was quarried to build many of the town’s original buildings. The creek was dammed in the 1940s and became the Parr Reservoir — today it’s a lake-like waterway with no current, making it perfect for easy paddling in both directions.
Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, and water skiing are all popular here. On dry years, natural beaches form at the base of the cliffs — dock your kayak and explore. Change rooms, picnic tables, a beach, and docks are available at the parking lot. Kayak rentals are available locally.
Look for beavers, deer, ducks, and red-winged blackbirds along the water. If you spot the remains of an old diving board atop one of the cliffs, you’re looking at the town’s original swimming hole — used long before the municipal pool was built.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/TownOfCastor
