The Awe of ice and mountains
Preacher’s Point, where the North Saskatchewan River meets Abraham Lake, is the first spot to freeze each year. This makes it a paradise for early-season adventures, consistently offering a glimpse of the mesmerizing ice bubbles by mid-November.
It has a different feel than the rest of the lake, with shallow water below the ice exposing grass and rocks under the ice bubbles. Even the scenery is different here, with the Kootenay Plains framed by the majestic peaks of Ex Coelis, Mount William Booth and Mount Abraham.
This is a popular sunrise spot for photographers from November to January when the sun bursts between the peaks of Ex Coelis Mountain.
Keep in mind that while this location is great for the early season, the ice is usually cloudy without great bubbles by mid-January to early February.
At a Glance
- Activities: Ice Walks, Photography, Sightseeing
- Time needed: Plan on at least 60 minutes
- Season: November to February
- Congestion: Moderate to Busy
Getting there: From Nordegg, Preacher’s Point is approximately 60 km away travelling west on Highway 11. Coming from the Icefields Parkway it is approximately 30 km east on Highway 11. Parking and toilets are available.
Want to see these views for yourself?
Join us for an Abraham Lake Ice Walk, available daily.
Advertisement
What To Expect
A look into the beauty of Preacher’s Point. Find out more about the Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles, other access points and tips for your adventure in our full guide.
Preacher’s Point offers something a little different than the big ice bubble stacks we see in areas like Abraham Slabs. The bubbles here are usually smaller but in larger quantities. The shallow water usually means we see grass and rocks at the bottom of the ice, giving us clear ice but without the turquoise colour we see elsewhere on the lake (except in the early season when the water level is higher).
Magical Sunrises and Sunsets
This is a great spot for sunrise. One of the most popular shots is of the sunburst behind Ex Coelis mountain, which happens from November to January. It’s a great location to catch the morning alpenglow colours and often has great sunrise colours.
Sunset colours can be great here, as long as there are enough clouds in the sky to reflect them. On those days the ice lights up in oranges, reds, pinks and purples, accentuating the blue-green colour of the ice, as the area is filled with indirect light. Mount Ernest Ross and Sentinel Mountain are directly to the west, blocking the views of the actual sunset. That’s why on days without sufficient clouds the light here tends to be flat in the late afternoon.
First light at Preacher’s Point
Preacher’s Point Sunrise
Preacher’s Point Sunrise
Ice Checks
Through the Season
This area changes a lot, from the high water level of November to the ice features of December and cloudier ice later in the season.
Want to see these views for yourself?
Join us for an Abraham Lake Ice Walk, available daily.
Explore On Your Own
Sometimes you just want to head out on your own to explore the region. We get it. That’s why we share guides like these.
Accessing the Ice
The lake can easily be accessed from the main parking area by walking down the rocky shore. The ice in the area to the right of the main access is typically on the ground by early December, making it a safer option for those who do not want to venture over water.
Advertisement
The Ice Walks
Unlike hiking and other activities, there are no specific routes that need to be followed when heading out on the lake in search of ice bubbles. That being said, some areas consistently have better ice bubbles, conditions and views than others. The ice walks we suggest on the map above are the ones we find ourselves following regularly. Use them as a starting point for your adventure.
1. Preacher’s Point Ice Walk
This is the green route on the map above and a great option for those short on time. It’s also where most people go when visiting Preacher’s Point to see the ice bubbles.
Once you reach the ice, head slightly to the left towards the small river channel up ahead. Make your way up along the channel, taking in the views of the ice blocks that have collapsed and using them as a slide.
2. Preacher’s Far Shore
This is the blue route on the map above, and a fantastic option if you have at least an hour along with enough ice safety experience to cross the river channel.
The ice on the east side of the river tends to be clearer with more bubbles. It is a more challenging area to access however since you will need to cross over moving water. Ice conditions through here are variable and the best spots to cross change daily.
3. The Point
This is our favourite option but also the most challenging. It is the route in black on the map.
It starts with a walk along the far shore before heading north past the point. This area provides some great views of Elliott’s Peak, turquoise ice and deeper stacks of bubbles.
It is a more challenging approach, however, and it should only be undertaken if you have a good understanding of ice safety and the area.
Safety and the North Saskatchewan River
Preacher’s Point is where the North Saskatchewan River enters Abraham Lake. This does mean that there are a few more things you should consider about ice conditions before you head out.
The river channel has variable ice that can be eroded from below. Always check ice conditions as you go, since one area can be thick and just a few metres away you may not have enough ice to support you. The river does run under the ice throughout the winter which can make it harder to get out in the event that someone falls through. The area near the point is on the river channel. Some sections near the shore in that area can be open water throughout the winter.
Once the water level drops, the ice in this area is on the ground except for the river channel. This leads to great ice features but also to uneven grounds as you walk around on the ice.
Advertisement
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your time in the Nordegg & Abraham Lake region.
The Journey
The best places to visit often take a little extra effort but that’s part of the adventure…
Weather + Current Conditions
The weather in this area is truly unpredictable. Plan for varied conditions.
Recreation on Public Lands
Adventures on crown land come with responsibilities and require some preparation.
Responsible Tourism
A few tips to minimize our impact on the region as we play outside in the mountains.
We all have our part to do to keep this place special. Planning ahead is key to ensuring that we all continue to enjoy adventures in the Nordegg & Abraham Lake region. These are a few of the things you can do to help:
- Minimize your impact by using existing sites, fire rings and toilets instead of creating your own.
- Know about current fire bans and advisories, make sure that your fire is completely out before you go and buy firewood instead of cutting down trees. Remember that while you can buy fireworks, a permit is required to use them anywhere in the region.
- Help keep the wildlife wild. Always use bear-proof garbage bins and store your food inside your vehicle when camping.
- Be mindful of your neighbours and other visitors, including keeping noise to a minimum.
- Be prepared for adventures in a remote area. Explore within your skills to reduce the strain on the local volunteer search and rescue team.
- Remember that cell service is limited. We recommend carrying a satellite communicator, like a Zoleo, or having satellite service enabled on your phone.
- Support local businesses and communities in Cline River, the Big Horn and Nordegg.
Information provided here may be inaccurate or outdated. Always make sure to obtain current information before going on your adventure.
