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Cooking Lake and Hastings Lake: Country Homes on Shallow Water
Cooking Lake and Hastings Lake are the closest lake settings to Southwest Edmonton that still feel rural: both sit in Strathcona County off Highway 14, which you reach by taking the Henday east across the south side of the city. Neither is a boating lake. They suit buyers who want a year-round country home with water views, paddling and birds.
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Shallow lakes, different uses
Cooking Lake covers about 36 km² but averages only 1.7 m deep; Hastings Lake is smaller at 8.71 km² and averages 2.4 m. In a dry summer, shallow lakes recede and weeds come up, so the view from a lot can change from year to year. Hastings Lake is known for pelicans and cormorants, which makes it a favourite with birders and photographers.
North Cooking Lake started as a resort in the early 1900s and is now mostly permanent homes. South Cooking Lake, about 19 km southeast of Sherwood Park on Highway 14, has a day-use park and boat launch.
Three tiny markets
| Community | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| South Cooking Lake | 7 | $550,500 |
| North Cooking Lake | 5 | $177,900 |
| Hastings Lake | 8 | $337,500 |
Source: REALTORS® Association of Edmonton MLS® System, Nov 1, 2025 to Oct 31, 2026 (closed sales) and Nov 8, 2026 (active listings).
Twenty sales across three communities is not much. The South Cooking Lake median of $550,500 reflects acreage homes, while North Cooking Lake's $177,900 reflects older, smaller places. Only 4 homes were listed across all three on Nov 8, so a buyer may wait for the right one.
Why southwest buyers look here
For a family that works in the southwest, Highway 14 off the Henday is a direct run with no downtown crossing. You keep Strathcona County services, including Sherwood Park shopping and schools, while living on a quiet lake road. It is a realistic daily commute, which most lakes on this site are not.
Before an offer near the water
- Ask Strathcona County about the environmental reserve along the shore and what can be built near it.
- Check the well and its water quality; some lake-area wells are shallow.
- Confirm the septic type and age under Alberta's private sewage standards.
- Any dock or shoreline work needs provincial approval.
Sources: Cooking Lake, Wikipedia, South Cooking Lake, Wikipedia, Hastings Lake, Wikipedia, AHS blue-green algae advisories, Alberta lakeshore rules, Alberta private sewage standards.
Asked about Cooking and Hastings Lake
Can I commute daily from Cooking Lake to Southwest Edmonton?
Many people do. The Henday east to Highway 14 avoids downtown entirely; test it at rush hour first.
How deep is Cooking Lake?
It averages about 1.7 m across roughly 36 km², so it is a paddling and bird watching lake.
What birds are seen on Hastings Lake?
Pelicans and cormorants are the well-known residents.
Was North Cooking Lake a resort?
Yes. It began as an early 1900s resort and is now mostly year-round homes.
Which county are Cooking Lake and Hastings Lake in?
Strathcona County.
Questions about Cooking Lake homes?
Contact the Haupt Phaneuf Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, at 780-993-8574.