Ghost Lake, a reservoir built on a section of Bow River, Alberta is a seasonal recreational lake near Calgary. In summer, Ghost Lake comes alive with all sorts of water sports activities including power boating, water skiing and windsurfing.
When old man winter arrives, the Lake, that has a water surface area of 11.6 km² freezes in December and remains so until April. The frozen surface of the Lake is conducive to many winter recreational activities like ice sailing.
What is Ice Sailing
An ice boat is a boat or purpose-built framework fitted with skis or runners (skates) and designed to run over ice. Similar to sailing, the presence of strong winds propels the boat over ice.
The location of the Lake – the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with its ever-present strong, consistent winds makes Ghost Lake a perfect location for ice sailing.
If you want to try it: Alberta’s premier ice sailing club, Ghost Lake Ice Sailing Club regularly sails during winter season weekends at the Lake. You can join them or get tips on how to build an Iceboat.
Ice Driving
Ghost Lake is where Guinness World Records gave the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport five world records including the Shortest braking distance by a vehicle on ice and the Fastest vehicle slalom relay on ice.
If you want to drive on the Ice: You can, of course, do it on your own, at your own risk (please read) – the Lake may not be always frozen solid due to unseasonal temperatures.
But if you want professional help (recommended), Calgary Sports Car Club offers Classroom lectures at CSCC Clubhouse at 4215 – 80th Ave NE, Calgary.
The classes are in preparation for Ice Dice, a series of events in which participants compete individually against the clock on the frozen lake. This event is open to anyone with a driving license.
How to reach Ghost Lake:
Ghost Lake is located ~ 55 km West of Downtown Calgary.
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