Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
39 reviews
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Ben B
Calgary, Canada14,103 contributions
Nov 2020
When people drive to Banff, most use the Trans Canada Highway when coming from the east or west. Others are lucky enough to drive in from the north via Jasper National Park, using the utterly stunning Icefields Parkway. But there's another way to get to Banff, and that's via the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11) out of Red Deer, entering Banff National Park at Saskatchewan Crossing. The beauty of this trip is the section west of Rocky Mountain House, and the real diamond on that section is the stunning Abraham Lake. We got to experience this beauty recently on a trip to the area to do some hiking, but we've driven the full length of the David Thompson Highway a few times and highly recommend it. Abraham Lake is huge, Alberta's largest reservoir. There are many stops and pull-asides for people to experience the water closer up. While it is an inviting place to boat, it's NOT highly recommended for that, because of the famous gale force winds from the mountains that blast the lake on short notice. It's an excellent 3 season stop for most people (summer is great with everything open and the warm temperatures), and each season has its own special beauty. It is still beautiful in the winter, and the road is kept open, but there are far fewer places to stop, and the lake does freeze over solid, so it's an "acquired taste" at that point. Still, perhaps if you've done the classic Banff / Jasper exploration, why not try driving past this gorgeous lake for something different!
Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faith M
Edmonton, Canada18 contributions
Jan 2023
Ice Bubbles: what an superb experience it was to visit Abraham Lake in winter to see the ice bubbles. We visited in January which is probable the perfect time a year. Methane gas from vegetation gets caught in ice of the freezing Rocky Mountain lake and create stunning patterns. Tip: drive along the lake until a ways after the first rock crop out, park along the road and walk a short distance to the lake. there are other places that show the bubbles, but this is the best stop. a few hundred yards further are official outhouses and before the lake, at the hamlet of Nordegg, are gas stations and convenience store. Wear cleats as the first part to the bubbles is ice on a slant on top of gravel, its hard to walk back up. Dress warm, its always windy, which is handy so the snow gets blown away and doesn't cover up the bubbles
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
khoukeens_shj
Calgary, Canada43 contributions
Mar 2021
We drove from Calgary to Abraham Lake to check out the methane bubbles and Preachers point was our first stop. The Preacher’s Point access leads to a big open area so park where you want. Many parts of the lake were not frozen and the parts that were frozen were not easily accessible. It was windy and the ice was very slippery so wear shoes or boots with good grips. There were pit toilets available. We did not see any methane bubbles at Preacher’s point but we found some at an unmarked lookout point ahead before Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles viewpoint on Google Map. You drive down the access road from Hwy 11 to reach this point. A small area to park cars. The ice was very slippery here as well but it was walkable as parts of it was covered in snow. No washrooms here. Excellent views at both points. We decided not to stop at Hoodo creek (cars were parked in a ditch by the side of the highway) or at Windy point (access seemed very narrow for two vehicles to pass in either directions). Hope to come back to check the summer views at the lake.
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula D
Liverpool, UK139 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Apparently this is the famous Lake in Alberta that has frozen methane bubbles in winter - it wasn't frozen when we arrived which was a bit disappointing given that everywhere else we went was frozen solid. Lovely peaceful lake, worth a look if you're in the area. Better in winter I'd imagine.
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skwiki
Burnaby, Canada1,775 contributions
Sept 2022
Our first time on highway 11, we were so excited to see Abraham Lake. It was beyond our expectations. Thankfully we had as much time as we wanted and stopped whenever there was a spot to pull over. As it became windy in the afternoon the lake changed colour. Also it was wonderful to have such a beautiful lake without being crowded with people like Jasper and Banff.
Written November 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AshleyW3
Edmonton, Canada638 contributions
Jul 2020
Just as lovely as the pictures would have you believe. It's a man made lake, and a stunning blue colour but not because of the usual mountain lake reasons. Definitely worth a visit. Just keep in mind, there aren't really any signs for the lake - obviously you can see it out the window - but there are several turn outs or stops you can make but don't be driving down the highway looking for a big sign or something.
A bit overrun this year with all the people treating the land like their own backyard - camping wherever and leaving their crap (sometimes literally) everywhere. A bear in the area had to be put down because of this, just a few days after our visit.
A bit overrun this year with all the people treating the land like their own backyard - camping wherever and leaving their crap (sometimes literally) everywhere. A bear in the area had to be put down because of this, just a few days after our visit.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hussain110
Edmonton, Canada283 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We went with our young kids to experience the frozen methane bubbles of Abraham Lake. Most of the river has not frozen yet except for the part at Preachers Point. There the ice was atleast a foot deep. This area is very windy so dress in layers. There is no cellphone reception so plan ahead and download all maps before hand. Dont forget to bring food as there isnt much available to eat nearby.
The last proper bathroom is in Nordegg (if you are driving from Red Deer). We used the one at Fas Gas. It was clean and the shop has good stuff if you want to stock up on food items. There is cell phone reception near the gas station. After that there are no bathrooms in winter time.
The last proper bathroom is in Nordegg (if you are driving from Red Deer). We used the one at Fas Gas. It was clean and the shop has good stuff if you want to stock up on food items. There is cell phone reception near the gas station. After that there are no bathrooms in winter time.
Written December 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2CanadianTravellers
Edmonton, Canada777 contributions
Jun 2020
We have no idea the North Saskatchewan River that runs through the City of Edmonton also runs into Abraham Lake. There are several unmarked lookouts on Highway 11 West after Nordegg to take into the beautiful scenery of Abraham lake. You don't have to go to Banff to see the Canadian Rockies, there are plenty to explore along Highway 11 West in David Thompson Country.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ammy S
5 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
My visit to Lake Abraham was truly memorable. It’s a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking tranquility and natural beauty. I can’t wait to return!
Written October 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faith M
Edmonton, Canada18 contributions
Aug 2022
A gorgeous turquois coloured lake in the Alberta Rocky Mountains. So many hiking possibilities and sightseeing. Also several campgrounds in the area as well as random camping (buy you online permit for random camping / boondocking)
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We plan to visit in February to see the frozen lake. We are driving from Calgary . Is there a town close by to grab lunch ?
Written January 31, 2022
HOW were the roads at this time? I will be coming from 100 mile house via Jasper. Thank you.
Written January 25, 2019
The is not much snow around the lake and the roads were dry and bare. However. The road from Jasper to Sask. River Crossing is often snowy, but they keep it well ploughed. No idea how the roads are farther west, #5 or the Yellowhead. Check DriveBC website.
Written January 27, 2019
Hi there, was the lake already frozen and were you able to see the frozen bubbles? Thx!
Written November 22, 2018
I was there in the summer, but in the winter you can see the bubbles.
Written December 26, 2018
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