Canada is famous for it's many gorgeous lakes, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Bow Lake, and Emerald Lake. Extending this list is another beautiful lake in Canada, Abraham Lake, located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It is an artificial lake created in 1972 by the damming of the river and flows for around 33km between the Kootenay Plains and Nordegg, a deserted town in Alberta's Bighorn Country.
You need a Canada visa to visit this marvelous destination. There are different types of Canada visa, and you must apply for one based on your nationality and country. Once that is sorted, prepare your day around these most exciting things you can do on your visit to Abraham Lake.
Things to Do in Abraham Lake
See the ice bubbles
The main highlight of Abraham Lake is the well-known bubble phenomenon that occurs in winter. The temperature in the area drops to sub-zero, freezing the lake. The decaying plants and other organic matter decomposes and release methane gas that rises to the lake's surface in the form of bubbles.
However, the bubbles are trapped on the surface due to the frozen lake, resulting in this fascinating natural phenomenon. The deep blue waters with frozen bubbles are a sight to behold that make for a captivating picture . Visitors come from around the world to see this rare sight and Abraham Lake is therefore featured among the best lakes in Canada.
Icewalk on the lake
Sign up for an ice walking tour on the frozen lake and search for methane ice bubbles and exciting ice formations. Your guide will take you to some of the popular spots on this tour, such as Preacher's Point, Belly of Abraham, BATUS Camp, or Hoodoo Creek.
Go fishing
Abraham Lake has several fish, like brook trout, cutthroat trout, and sunfish – and in the summer months, many people visit this lake to try their luck at fishing.
Hike to some scenic points
There are numerous hiking trails in Bighorn Backcountry, spread over 5,000 square kilometers. Some famous ones are Siffleur Falls, Crescent Falls, Allstones Creek, Allstones Lake, and Landslide Lake Interpretive Fire Trail. Other popular trails include Kinglet Lake (Tuff Puff), BATUS Canyon, Landslide Lake Trail, and Glacier Trail.
Set off on guided tours
Abraham Lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and pristine rivers. But it is better to explore these areas by hiking with expert guides as they ensure you are safe and take you to incredible spots. You can book guided hikes tours to Coliseum Mountain, Coral Creek, Whitegoat Falls, and Siffleur Falls.
Encounter wildlife
You can run into diverse wildlife around Abraham Lake if you are lucky. The area is home to moose, black bears, deer, grizzly bears, marmots, bighorn sheep, and feral horses. One of the best spots for wildlife spotting here is the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve and if time permits, you must indeed visit this place.
Try rock climbing
There are many smaller Rocky Mountains around Abraham Lake that beckon rock climbers every year. Abraham slabs are tourists’ favorite spot as they offer splendid views of the lake. If you are a beginner, you can try the Kootenay Plains on the Lake's southern tip. You can even sign up for guided rock-climbing tours for first-timers. BATUS Canyon is also a popular spot with rock climbers.
Visit the hoodoos
If you are interested in hiking, you can hike to a cluster of small natural hoodoos near a tiny cave. Begin walking at signage marked as Hoodoo Creek Trail, accessed through AB-11. At the end of your hike, you can also enjoy a bird's eye view of the remarkable Abraham Lake and the surrounding valleys.
Ride an ATV or OHV
The Bighorn Backcountry is dotted with many trails that make for thrilling off-roading in your ATV or Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV). These trails lead to beautiful areas close to other campgrounds and camping areas. Bring your ATV, quad bike, dirt bike, or other OHV, and enjoy your day exploring the rugged terrain.
Enjoy stargazing
The areas surrounding the lake are ideal places to park your cars and spend some time gazing at the night sky. The magnificent Rocky Mountains serve as a spectacular backdrop, and you can spot many constellations, bright planets, and mesmerizing northern lights. Perhaps one of the best things to do in Abraham Lake is to unwind, relax and admire the night sky.
Camp close to the lake
The famous David Thompson Resort offers three accommodation options - a hotel, a cabin, and a campsite for both tents and RVs. The campground has top-notch facilities, including a restaurant, bar, convenience store, laundry service, picnic tables, washrooms, showers, dishwashing stations, ticket assistance for activities in the nearby areas, and free wifi in public places. It lies a few hundred meters from the lake amidst scenic vistas of the snow-capped peaks.
Conclusion
Most tourists visit Alberta for its iconic national parks, Banff, and Jasper. Although Abraham Lake is not part of these national parks, it makes for an excellent pit stop on a road trip along the Icefields Parkway or between the towns of Banff and Jasper. So, check how to apply and get your Canada tourist visa and explore this unique water body.
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