Summer Adventures Field Guide

Abraham Lake is a reservoir formed by the Bighorn Dam on the North Saskatchewan River. Unlike most reservoirs in Alberta with water levels that fluctuate daily, Abraham Lake’s water levels change on a seasonal basis.

The lowest time of the year is typically in May, just before the start of the spring runoff. At that time of the year you can walk over a kilometre across the lake bottom and you’ll find that the river closely follows its original channel in the southern third of the lake. In very low years, you can see a former airstrip and the foundation of the former forestry station at Cline Landing.

The reservoir starts to fill up by early June, with levels rising steadily until September when it reaches its peak. At that time of the year you’ll find the famous flooded aspens along the shores near Abraham Slabs, Cline Landing and Preacher’s Point.

You can find the current lake levels at rivers.alberta.ca.

The short answer is that it depends.

May is usually our first taste of summer with the leaves appearing on the trees by the middle of the month. The lower elevation trails are mostly dry by then and while the rivers are still low the views of snow-covered peaks from the water are amazing.

June tends to be our rainiest month of the year and we often see cooler temperatures than those we experienced in May. The extra moisture makes for nice foggy mornings, lush greens and the start of wildflower season.

July is our hottest month

August

September

October

Yes on most days. You can almost always find a patch of clear ice that is large enough to enjoy skating.

Skating is a great way to explore areas that are further from the access point. One tip, start your adventure by skating into the wind. This way the return is much more enjoyable.

Skating has a bigger impact on the ice than walking with ice cleats and it’s appreciated by others who are also enjoying the ice if you choose an area with fewer people or less bubbles when planning a group skate on Abraham Lake.

Not quite anywhere. Most of the region is part of the Bighorn Backcountry Public Land Use Zones where random camping is allowed. You’ll need to buy a Public Lands Camping Pass before you go and follow the rules.

Typically, random camping is not allowed within the hamlet of Nordegg, at certain trailheads and within a certain distance of established campgrounds. Additional rules about vehicle access apply, make sure to check the Camping on Public Land website from the Government of Alberta before you go.

The rules are different in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park where random camping is not allowed. When exploring the Icefields Parkway you must stay in designated campgrounds or at the local lodges, motels and hostels.

Lodging is often cheaper in Nordegg than in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper. Keep in mind however that while Nordegg is only an hour away from Banff National Park, we are 2h30 hours from the town of Banff and 2h45 from the town of Jasper.

Nordegg is a great basecamp to explore the Icefields Parkway. We’re 1.5 hours from the Columbia Icefields, the same drive time as if you stayed in Lake Louise.

Our recommendation is to plan your stay around exploring Nordegg, Abraham Lake and the Icefields Parkway. Plan for an overnight stay in either Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper on your way back so that you can truly experience those destinations. This will allow you to take your time and truly enjoy your trip.