Rainbow Lake is a charming town nestled in the northwest region of Alberta, Canada. Located west of High Level at the terminus of Highway 58, in Mackenzie County, Rainbow Lake is named after the nearby lake formed on the Hay River. The lake's unique curved shape, reminiscent of a rainbow, lends its name to this quaint town.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Rainbow Lake, Alberta, had a population of 495 individuals residing in 204 of its 352 total private dwellings. This represented a significant change of -37.7% from its 2016 population of 795. With a land area of 10.76 km2 (4.15 sq mi), Rainbow Lake had a population density of 46.0/km2 (119.1/sq mi) in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Rainbow Lake recorded a population of 795, living in 303 of its 475 total private dwellings. This was a change of -8.6% from its 2011 population of 870. The town had a population density of 73.9/km2 (191.4/sq mi) in 2016.
The Town of Rainbow Lake's population, according to its 2015 municipal census, was 938, a change of -13.3% from its 2007 municipal census population of 1,082.
Rainbow Lake, Alberta, boasts a well-developed infrastructure that serves its residents and visitors. The community is served by the Rainbow Lake Airport (IATA: YOP, ICAO: CYOP), providing easy access for travelers. Additionally, Rainbow Lake is conveniently connected via Alberta Highway 58, making it an easily accessible destination for road trips and weekend getaways.
