Among Alberta’s Rockies are gorgeous lakes, rivers, and forests, with numerous ways to explore the scenery. Along Highway 93 (whether heading west or east), your breath can be stolen by the appearance of Abraham Lake, a massive reservoir created by the Big Horn Dam (on the lake’s northeast side). This corridor of Highway 93, which follows Abraham Lake is a popular spot for camping and hiking in the summer, providing its own fun and sightseeing.
Abraham Lake is home to a unique natural occurrence, too, which makes it even more spectacular to see in winter. Here is where you can find Alberta’s semi-famous ice bubbles, which give the frozen lake’s surface a dotted appearance. The bubbles are a result of methane attempting to escape the water before it turns to ice. The trapped methane is frozen in place as large, clear bubbles appear in the hundreds on Abraham Lake.
There are a few free ways to experience the Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles, with several roadside parking lots along Long Hwy. 93. If the ice is solid enough, you are free to skate around. You can also book a guided tour with Nordegg Adventures or Rockies Heli Canada for a more immersive and educational experience of Abraham Lake this winter.
Choose from half-day, full-day hikes, snowshoeing, photo tours, and the ultimate way to see ice bubbles: from a helicopter!
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Caution: Make sure that the ice is thick enough to skate on, as a minimum thickness of 15 cm is required for safe skating. Changing weather conditions may cause thin ice. Be aware of your surroundings before venturing onto the ice.
1. Skate over the ice bubbles
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The easiest access point to a skating area on Abraham Lake is at the ‘belly of Abraham’ or the Ice Bubbles Viewpoint. The area is also a bit shallower and has a nice area of solid frozen ice for much of winter. Bring a shovel just in case, though, as there could be a lot of snow in your way. This is on the northern part of the lake; keep driving to the southern part for more solid ice at the ‘Abraham Lake Viewpoint.’
Ice Bubbles Viewpoint Map
Abraham Lake Viewpoint Map
2. Find a Roadside Stop to Walk on the Ice
Maybe you are just passing by Abraham Lake and need somewhere to stop. There are several points along this large man-made lake that make perfect rest stops, dog-walking areas, picnic areas, or photo opportunities. While you’re here, you can slide across the lake itself, check for the methane bubbles, and explore the short shoreline trails.
Preacher’s Point Map
Bighorn Dam Map
Abraham Cove Campsite Map
3. Rockies Heli Canada Tours
Rockies Heli Canada
Rockies Heli Canada works alongside Nordegg Adventures to create these amazing and awe-inspiring adventures through the snow and sky. You’ll first get to view the canyons, peaks, glaciers, and rivers from above during your helicopter ride to Abraham Lake, where your guide can teach you all about the gigantic and pristine lake.
Where: depart from Rockies Heli Canada – junction of Cline River and Hwy 11, Clearwater County
How much:
Bubbles + 6 Glacier Tour – $942.90/person (20-minute flight)
4. Starry Sky or Sunset Tours
Nordegg Adventures
Pack your cameras, tripods, and shooting accessories for these trips. The Ice Bubbles and Starry Skies tour is a memorable trek over the frozen lake and under the unpolluted night sky. Abraham Lake is an exceptional location for stargazing, and your guides can show you all the best vantage points. You can also go a little earlier in the day for a guided Sunset Photo Tour; this one lets you catch what is sure to be an epic mountain sunset over Abraham.
How much:
Ice Bubbles + Starry Skies – Half day from $145 per person
Sunset + Ice Bubbles Photo Tour – $165 per person
5. Waterfall Tours
Nordegg Adventures
Nordegg Adventures offers five tours that explore Abraham Lake and nearby areas, all with great lake views from up close and afar. Choose from a simple ice walk, snowshoe tours, nighttime explorations, or tours combined with other spectacular winter sights such as Cline Canyon and Crescent Falls.
How much:
$145 & up
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