One of the most popular areas, especially with photographers
The Belly of Abraham and the Abraham Slabs area are often the busiest places on the lake first thing in the morning with photographers looking to catch the sunrise.
This has long been one of the most popular areas on Abraham Lake for the ice bubbles given the short and easy access to the lake. It offers great views of Mount Michener and Elliott’s Peak along with deeper stacks of bubbles in the turquoise ice.
In 2021 Alberta Environment built a new parking lot at the random camping area known as Abraham Slabs. Many visitors still choose to park along the highway instead of using the parking lot, be careful if you choose this option with traffic moving fast as they come around the corner.
It does get busy but with most visitors staying in the bay at Belly, there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the moment if you’re willing to walk a little further.
At a Glance
Activities: Ice walks, photography, sightseeing
Time needed: Plan on at least 60 minutes
Family-friendly: Yes
Season: Late December to March
Congestion: Moderate to Busy
Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
Getting there: From Nordegg, the Abraham Slabs parking lot is approximately 40 km away travelling west on Highway 11. Coming from Saskatchewan Crossing it is approximately 50 km east on Highway 11. Parking and dry toilets are available.
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Head Out On Your Own
Sometimes you just want to head out on your own to explore the area. We get it. That’s why we share guides like these. Keep in mind that these aren’t the only options to see the ice bubbles but they are the most popular and easily accessible ones.
There are a few options to access the lake in this area. A popular option is to park along the highway at Belly but we recommend using the new Abraham Slabs parking lot. From the parking lot, walk down through the random camping area to the lake.
Most winters you can drive down and park in the random camping area but make sure that your vehicle will make it back out before you venture down the road.
Ice Bubbles and Ice Features
This area is similar to the nearby Ice Bubbles Parking Lot and Hoodoo creek area with interesting features along the shoreline and amazing backdrops. We always find some great options from this access, especially if we walk a little further and spend some time exploring.
Safety Considerations
From a safety perspective, the access from the Abraham Slabs is one of the easiest in terms of mitigating risks. The slope is gentle with a gradual transition from shore to lake combined with no creek or rivers entering the lake.
The access from Belly is more challenging and we often see visitors take unnecessary risks in this area. The shoreline has a few gullies where the ice can easily break, increasing the risks of falls causing injuries. Once on the ice, the water source entering the bay from the west causes weak ice combined with an often hidden canyon with steep shores.
This gully became famous on social media a few years ago. The danger is easy to mitigate by simply walking around it.
Blowing snow often makes it harder to see what lies underneath. Whenever possible, make sure to walk on ice and avoid snow-covered areas.
The area where the water source enters the lake creates some amazing photo opportunities later in the season. Make sure to know where it is and approach the area cautiously.
Abraham Lake Ice Safety
We’ve put together a guide with a few things to consider when you plan your Abraham Lake ice walk to make it a safe adventure.
We share updates on ice conditions to help you plan your adventure. Keep in mind that conditions change quickly and that weather forecasts are often unreliable in the Abraham Lake area.
The new parking lot and lake access lead you to one of the best spots for ice bubbles on Abraham Lake with the classic views of Mount Michener and Sentinel Mountain.
The area between Hoodoo Creek and Windy Point has long been a favourite of ours, with great ice bubbles and views. In 2021 Alberta Environment built a new parking lot for this area, making it much easier to access the ice bubbles.
This is where you will find the deeper stacks of bubbles and the turquoise ice, complete with Abraham Mountain, Windy Point Ridge, Kista Mountain, Mount Michener, Elliott’s Peak and Sentinel Mountain as your backdrops.
It does get busy but there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the moment once you get on the ice.
At a Glance
Activities: Ice walks, photography, sightseeing
Time needed: Plan on at least 60 minutes
Family-friendly: Yes
Season: Late December to March
Congestion: Moderate to Busy
Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
Getting there: From Nordegg, the Ice Bubbles parking lot is approximately 35 km away travelling west on Highway 11. Coming from Saskatchewan Crossing it is approximately 55 km east on Highway 11. Parking and dry toilets are available.
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Head Out On Your Own
Sometimes you just want to head out on your own to explore the area. We get it. That’s why we share guides like these. Keep in mind that these aren’t the only options to see the ice bubbles but they are the most popular and easily accessible ones.
There are a few options to access the lake in this area but the easiest is to park at the new Ice Bubbles parking lot instead of illegally parking on the side of the highway.
At the parking lot, the lake can easily be accessed by walking down the rocky shore, following the path that starts at the locked gates. Access to the lake is only 100 metres here, but the rocky shorelines and ice left on shore can make it challenging.
Ice Bubbles and Ice Features
This area is my favourite with clear ice, lots of interesting features along the shoreline and amazing backdrops. The best options change from week to week depending on conditions, but we always find some amazing options in this area. This is especially true if you’re willing to walk a little further and spend some time exploring.
Safety Considerations
This area is fairly straightforward from an ice safety perspective. If you head out toward Windy Point, avoid the area where a stream enters the lake and the island. The cliff edge of the island is not always visible, and the ice there breaks easily.
If you’re heading in the other direction, toward Hoodoo Creek, keep an eye for another stream entering the lake and the pressure ridge that often forms in that area. You’ll be able to identify the pressure ridge from the wide white line going across the lake, with broken ice pointing up.
Ridges like this happen when the pressure on the ice sheet builds up, causing one sheet to slide over the other. The ice around pressure ridges is weak and should be avoided.
Most incidents on Abraham Lake happen on the shore. Watch for broken ice over rocks that create a fall hazard.
Avoid areas, like along this island between the access and Windy Point where the shoreline is steep.
Abraham Lake Ice Safety
We’ve put together a guide with a few things to consider when you plan your Abraham Lake ice walk to make it a safe adventure.
We share updates on ice conditions to help you plan your adventure. Keep in mind that conditions change quickly and that weather forecasts are often unreliable in the Abraham Lake area.
Cline Landing is one of our favourite December spots but it is often snow-covered later in the season, making it harder to find bubbles.
The sheltered bay is both a curse and a blessing. Because it’s less windy here than the rest of the lake, we often see ice form one to two weeks before the rest of the lake, with the exception of Preacher’s Point. The ice is usually smooth and clear, making it a great spot especially if you happen to be there within the 10 days or so after freeze-up. On a cold day, it makes for a great option to get out of the strong winds that are common on the lake.
On the other side, the lack of wind means that the area tends to get snow-covered and to stay that way. We sometimes see it clear back up after a snowstorm but in most cases, once it’s covered in snow it stays that way for a few weeks.
The easy access to this area and smooth ice make it popular but it is easy to get away from the crowd by exploring a little further.
At a Glance
Activities: Ice walks, photography, sightseeing
Time needed: Plan on at least 60 minutes
Family-friendly: Yes
Season: December to March
Congestion: Moderate to Busy
Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
Getting there: From Nordegg, Cline Landing is approximately 50 km away travelling west on Highway 11. Coming from Saskatchewan Crossing it is approximately 40 km east on Highway 11. There is no parking or washrooms.
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Guided Activities
Lodging
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Head Out On Your Own
Sometimes you just want to head out on your own to explore the area. We get it. That’s why we share guides like these. Keep in mind that these aren’t the only options to see the ice bubbles but they are the most popular and easily accessible ones.
There is an access road providing easy access from the lake to the ice at this location. You’ll find ice bubbles as soon as you get to the ice here but keep in mind that as the winter goes on you’ll need to walk further to find clear ice. See the safety considerations below before you decide to drive down to the lake.
Ice Bubbles and Ice Features
This is one of our favourite spots as the ice starts to form, usually in mid-December. The shallow water with clear ice makes for some great views that can easily be accessed. As the winter goes on the ice lays on the ground, creating cracks and features with the ground visible below.
Safety Considerations
The area is relatively shallow and sheltered, reducing many of the risks we find in other sections of the lake. The main things to be aware of are the access road and the nearby Cline River.
The access road gets slippery and we see many visitors drive down each winter only to find out that their vehicle isn’t equipped for the adventure. Being stuck at the bottom of the hill means waiting for a tow truck to come from Rocky Mountain House, an hour and a half away. We recommend parking at the nearby Pinto Lake Staging Area unless you are confident you will be able to drive back up.
Exploring north from this access takes you to the area where the Cline River enters Abraham Lake. That area has ice conditions that can change quickly and where ice thickness can vary greatly over only a few metres. In general, we recommend that you avoid areas like this.
Through the Season
The ice sits on the ground by mid-January here so expect to find whiter ice than in areas like Belly of Abraham or Abraham Slabs. The sheltered bay protects from the winds but that also means that in some years the ice is snow-covered for most of the season.
December 15, 2019
December 18, 2019
December 27, 2018
February 8, 2016
Abraham Lake Ice Safety
We’ve put together a guide with a few things to consider when you plan your Abraham Lake ice walk to make it a safe adventure.
We share updates on ice conditions to help you plan your adventure. Keep in mind that conditions change quickly and that weather forecasts are often unreliable in the Abraham Lake area.
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.
The sunburst on Ex Coelis Mountain.
Ice bubbles in a layer of clear ice revealing the grass below.
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.
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.
Early season ice – October 30, 2020
The ice sits on the ground by early December as the lake level drops.
Ice features along the river channels.
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.
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.
The easiest access is to follow the path at the gate.
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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.
The views looking north past the point at Preacher’s Point.
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.
Open water along the point. Note that the ice on both sides of the water is on the ground, the challenge is safely crossing from one side to the other.
A classic Preacher’s Point sunrise over the ice blocks flanking the river channel.
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Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your time in the Nordegg & Abraham Lake region.
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.
There’s something special about the frozen wonderland of Abraham Lake that keeps us coming back.
For some, it’s the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies, with the reflection of the snow-capped peaks on the clear ice below. For others, it’s the mesmerizing sights of ice bubbles, cracks, and features underfoot.
Capturing the beauty of sunset reflections on the clear ice of Abraham Lake
Taking a closer look at the ice bubbles feels like being in a Dr. Seuss story
The sounds of the ice echoing all around us on a calm day, or the force of the wind on a more typical day, help us forget about everything else as we take in the breathtaking views all around us.
Abraham Lake is a place where adventure is found wherever you look…
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A Few Of The Most Asked Questions
Not sure where to start? These are some of the questions we get the most about exploring Abraham Lake in the winter.
Is it safe to go on the ice?
Going to Abraham Lake to view the ice bubbles can be a fun and safe adventure. That being said, there are always risks associated with playing outside and ice walks are no different.
Safety starts with your knowledge, experience and skills. You should be familiar with assessing ice conditions, have the right equipment and have a plan before you head out on Abraham Lake. This is the same as knowing the basics before heading up the chairlift to ski or going up a frozen waterfall to climb.
Keep in mind that Abraham Lake is a large reservoir, used by TransAlta to generate power. The water level drops throughout the winter, creating changing ice conditions which combined with the strong winds can make it an unforgiving place to explore.
To make your adventure safer, we recommend that you avoid the ice between the dam and Windy Point. In the areas we suggest in our guides, only go on the ice where you can see that the ice is thick enough and avoid areas where creeks and rivers enter the lake. Bring ice cleats along and never go down a steep area that you may not be able to easily climb back up. Avoid snow-covered areas since they may be hiding weak ice underneath.
We’ve put together an Abraham Lake Ice Safety Guide to help you get started. If you’re unsure or need more information than what we’ve shared, we recommend that you go with a guide.
When is the best time to visit?
The short answer is that it depends.
Going looking for ice bubbles is a little like wildlife viewing. You never know how the conditions will change and while we can highlight some of the spots where you’re most likely to find them there are no guarantees.
We can usually get on the ice at Preacher’s Point by mid-November since the southern third of the lake usually freezes 4 to 8 weeks before the rest of the lake. This area gives some unique ice features and views. It is where we find large patches of tiny bubbles and see the ground underneath the ice. It’s also a popular time to catch the sunburst between the peaks of Ex Coelis Mountain.
If you’re looking for the deeper stacks of bubbles over turquoise water then the best time is shortly after the rest of the lake freezes. This usually happens sometime between early December and mid-January depending on the year. Planning a visit between January 10 and 25 is usually a safe bet for those views, but keep in mind that conditions change from year to year.
February usually brings a few snow storms, which combined with the cracks caused by the lower water levels, make for some amazing views with reasonably clear ice.
Towards the end of February the temperatures start to rise and the sun is now warming up the ice throughout the day. The ice starts to get cloudy and finding clear ice bubbles requires exploring more shaded areas or where earlier snowfall protected the ice underneath from the sun.
As March rolls in the ice bubbles disappear as the ice turns cloudier. At this time of the year we find amazing ice features, looking like flowers and lace patterns.
What are the conditions going to be like when I come to visit?
We often get asked what the best choice is between two or three dates, usually weeks in advance. We wish we could tell you that January 22nd will be absolutely perfect but the truth is that we don’t know.
Even looking at the next 24 to 48 hours can be challenging with the local weather forecast being quite unreliable due to the unique weather patterns of Abraham Lake.
That being said, we have a good idea of what to expect at different times of the year after over a decade of guiding tours on Abraham Lake. Have a look above for what to expect at different times of the year and reach out if you have something specific you would like to experience on a tour.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the unpredictable weather also means that storms and a snow-covered lake tend to only last for a day or two. Our recommendation, especially for photographers, is to plan on spending four days in the region. This usually gives a window that allows us to catch a colourful sunrise and sunset, enough time for the winds to clear large patches of ice, and plenty of time to get the photo you’ve been dreaming up.
You can find out more about current conditions and what the lake looks like at different times of the year here.
How long should I plan to spend on the ice?
At least 90 minutes. Like everything else, this depends a lot on what you want to experience.
If your goal is simply to check off the list having seen the ice bubbles, this can be done in about 30 minutes.
We encourage you to plan for a longer visit, however, so that you can experience the beauty of Abraham Lake and the magic of the ice bubbles. In our experience, it takes about 90 minutes to two hours on the ice to get fully immersed in the beauty of the place and truly enjoy the moment.
If you enjoy photography then we recommend planning on 2 to 3 hours per location.
Do I need to go with a guide?
Absolutely not. You’ll find a lot of information on our site to help you plan a visit on your own.
Going out with a guide has a few obvious benefits like increased safety, having ice cleats provided and spending less time trying to figure out where the best location is on that particular day.
Our tours are designed so that you can fully enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the ice bubbles on Abraham Lake. Our local guides, small groups and mountain hospitality mean that you are free to enjoy the moment while we explore at your pace.
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.
We have a limited selection of nordic skates, ideal for covering longer distances, available for rental in addition to our skating tour.
Head Out With A guide
Our guided tours take you to some of the region’s most awe-inspiring places. We take care of the details so that you can spend more time enjoying the moment.
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.
Our guides refer to the areas where you are most likely to find clear ice, great bubbles and/or interesting ice features. You are responsible for assessing the ice conditions to ensure that it is safe for you to explore.
It’s been an amazing adventure since we started the Canteen in the spring of 2020 but it’s time for a change. We’ve decided to sell so that we can once again put all of our focus on our tour business.
A look back at some of our favourite photos from January 2024. You can find all of our photos from this month in our Winter 2023/24 gallery at photos.nordeggadventures.ca. It was a month of extremes, with Abraham Lake freezing in a snowstorm followed by over a week below -35C before ending the month at +18C.…
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.
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