The lake is the reason Cold Lake exists. At 375 square kilometres and up to 100 metres deep, it is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Alberta, with cold, clear water that supports exceptional fishing — walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and whitefish are all found here. In summer, the waterfront along Lakeshore Drive comes alive with boaters launching from the marina, families on Kinosoo Beach, and anglers casting from the dock. In winter, the lake freezes hard enough to support ice fishing huts and snowmobile crossings. Local legend insists the Kinosoo Beast — a massive, boat-swallowing creature — lurks in the depths, a story that has circulated in the community for generations.