Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Rockies is a lake unlike any other – Abraham Lake. Aside from its distinctive blue hue, this man-made lake offers a mesmerizing spectacle of frozen methane bubbles trapped beneath a glassy surface during winter.
Surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and dense forests, Abraham Lake is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers during warmer months. So, whichever season you visit, the lake will deliver a memorable experience!
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Where is Abraham Lake?
Abraham Lake is situated in the Kootenay Plains area of the Canadian Rockies’ front range along the North Saskatchewan River in western Alberta, Canada.
What is the main road closest to Abraham Lake?
The main road closest to Abraham Lake is the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11). This highway runs along the lake’s northern shore.
How to Get to Abraham Lake
Closest Bus Stop: From Calgary airport, you can take a bus to Banff, AB – Elk Street Transit Hub, and another bus to Saskatchewan Crossing, AB. After which, you can finally take a taxi to Abraham Lake.
What to Do and See in Abraham Lake
Go ice skating on the frozen lake
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If you love winter activities, you’ll love ice skating here. The best time to enjoy this activity is typically in January when the ice reaches a solid thickness to safely accommodate skaters (beginners and experts are both welcome).
Preacher’s Point stands out as a favored spot for ice skating due to its shallow depth, which provides added safety in case of any slips or falls. And with the breathtaking Canadian Rockies surrounding you, you really can’t go wrong.
Enjoy kayaking and canoeing in the warmer months
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Abraham Lake is perfect for kayaking and canoeing in the warmer months. Its stunning turquoise waters and expansive surface provide a serene setting for paddling, with numerous coves to explore.
However, be aware of potentially windy conditions as it can be a dangerous time to hit the waters. Always check the weather beforehand and use life jackets and safety gear for a safe outing.
Go hiking around Abraham Lake
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Abraham Lake and its surroundings feature diverse hiking trails with stunning views of the lake and Rocky Mountains.
The Vision Quest hike offers challenging hikes with panoramic views, which is ideal for experienced hikers. On the other hand, Allstones Lake Trail is perfect for intermediate hikers, and leads to a beautiful alpine lake once completed.
Preacher’s Point provides easy trails with fantastic lake views, which are great for leisurely walks. It’s best for beginners or outdoor lovers who just want a casual day out.
Fish any time of the year
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Abraham Lake is a favored fishing destination throughout the year. It attracts anglers from all over the country with its variety of fish species, including trout and whitefish.
In the warmer months, fishing is more abundant, while winter offers excellent ice fishing opportunities. The lake’s scenic location in the Canadian Rockies adds to its appeal, making it a popular spot for both casual and experienced fishermen.
Give snowshoeing a shot
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Abraham Lake transforms into a snowy area during the winter, making it an ideal destination for snowshoeing enthusiasts. The lake’s flat terrain and numerous trails offer excellent opportunities for exploration.
Whether you’re a seasoned snowshoer or a beginner, the landscape around Abraham Lake is a pretty safe space to snowshoe. Just make sure you have all the right gear for it.
Where to Eat and Drink in Abraham Lake
Miners’ Cafe
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Address: 619 Unit A Miners Crescent, Nordegg, AB T0M 2H0, Canada
Phone: +1 403-322-0314
Pricing: $10–20
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 AM
Good to know: Best for baked goods
The Miners’ Cafe in Nordegg, nestled in the Canadian Rockies’ foothills, is famous for its homemade pies, such as Blueberry Mango and Ginger Pear Bourbon.
Visitors can enjoy specialty coffees, sandwiches, and baked goods in a cozy setting with views of Mt. Coliseum. It’s the perfect stop for hikers and campers who need a quick bite while on an adventure.
The Nordegg Canteen
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Address: 4 Stuart St, Nordegg, AB T0M 2H0, Canada
Phone: +1 403-986-6190
Pricing: $1–10
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good to know: Sells homemade treats
This small kitchen in a remote town offers a variety of homemade treats with limited availability. Highlights include classic cinnamon sugar cake donuts, available as whole donuts or ten assorted donut holes.
The place also sells homemade vanilla and mint marshmallows. There is also an array of muffins, such as banana chocolate chip, Saskatoon berry, and coffee date.
In short, if you’re ever hungry for a sweet bite, you know where to go!
Nordegg Lodge Hotel
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Address: 2 Stuart Street Nordegg Lodge Hotel, Nordegg, Alberta T0M 2H0 Canada
Phone: +1 403-721-3757
Pricing: $7.00 – $37.00
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Good to know: Best for hearty meals
Nordegg Lodge offers quality food at reasonable prices with fast, friendly service. It’s a known accommodation in the area, but it’s also a great stop if you just need a hearty meal with your fam.
The deluxe cheeseburger is one of their best sellers. But if you ask us, it’s the Crispy Dill Pickle Chicken Wings that really stood out.
Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Nordegg Lodge is a great spot for family meals.
Where to Shop in Abraham Lake
Beehive Artisans Market
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Address: 619B miners Crescent, Nordegg, AB T0M 2H0, Canada
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Beehive in Nordegg is a family-owned artisan market offering fresh vegetables from Central Alberta, cheese, and locally crafted goods.
Conveniently located between Miners Cafe and Shell, it provides high-quality, locally produced items for both locals and visitors. Drop by here if you ever need ingredients for your meals.
Nordegg General Store and Fas Gas
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Address: 1 Stuart St, Clearwater County, AB T0M, Canada
Phone: +1 403-721-3771
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The historic Nordegg General Store, often described as “the little store with a whole lot more,” is a popular destination for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Abraham Lake. It offers a diverse selection of products, making it a must-visit spot in the area.
The store recently began selling White Frog Café’s packaged coffee and Twisted Steel Blacksmithing products. The store also stocks various camping essentials, catering to the needs of adventurers exploring the region.
Where to Stay in Abraham Lake
David Thompson Resort
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Address: 373007 AB-11, Cline River, AB T0M 2H0, Canada
Phone: +1 403-721-2103
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: $209 – $359
David Thompson Resort in the Canadian Rockies offers diverse accommodations, including hotel rooms, rustic cabins, and unique wall tents. RV and camping enthusiasts will find various site options around the area as well.
Conveniently located near Banff, Jasper, and other attractions, the resort is an ideal base for exploring the Columbia Icefields and Lake Louise.
Western Wilderness Adventures
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Address: Box 19, AB T0M 2H0, Canada
Phone: +1 403-846-9026
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $20 – $100
Western Wilderness Adventures, 19 km west of Nordegg, Alberta, offers rustic cabins and campsites in a serene wilderness setting. Ideal for nature lovers and families, it’s a retreat with scenic views and woodstove-equipped cabins.
The area also offers options for both tent camping and RV parking. With abundant wildlife sightings and outdoor activities, it’s perfect for those seeking an authentic Alberta wilderness experience.
Goldeye Centre
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Address: Nordegg, AB T0M 2H0, Canada
Phone: +1 403-721-2102
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Designed to feel like a home, the guest houses at Goldeye Centre provide a cozy retreat after a day of activities. They feature inviting common areas with fireplaces, TVs, and amenities like refrigerators and coffee makers.
Bedrooms are comfortable and private, with many having their own bathrooms. They’re ideal for groups and families who want a lot of privacy.
The Crossing Resort
— Media credit crossingresort
Address: Highway 93 and Highway 11, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Phone: +1 403-761-7000
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 AM
Pricing: $179 – $419
The Crossing Resort offers rustic yet modern accommodations along the Icefields Parkway. Rooms feature private bathrooms, hypo-allergenic duvets, and semi-private decks with mountain views.
For the ultimate comfort, you can opt for their spacious Executive Suite with a queen bed, living and dining areas, and a jacuzzi tub. Or you can pick their King and Double Queen Rooms – all equipped with satellite TV, fridge, and coffee maker.
HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel
— Media Credit annna_summers
Address:Banff National Park Of Canada, AB-93, Banff, AB T1L 1B3, Canada
Phone: +1 778-328-2220
Operating hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
HI Rampart Creek, located between Banff and Jasper, is a popular accommodation spot among hikers and climbers. Cabins here have solar-powered lights and heating and can accommodate up to six guests in bunk beds.
Nearby, there are trails and sport-climbing routes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can also relax by the campfire or cool off in the glacier-fed creek after a day of adventure.
Outhouse facilities are conveniently located nearby as well, providing essential amenities for those who are always on the go.
