Abraham Lake Ice Walk
Call 403 986-6190 or email bookings@nordeggadventures.ca for more info
Activity
Ice Walk
Adventure Level
Easy 1-2 km walk
Meeting Location
Cline River
Duration
2.5 hours
Availability
Daily at 9:30, 13:00 & 16:00
Season
November to March
Head out for an adventure in search of ice bubbles
Get the best experience by heading out with local guides on our classic ice walk on Abraham Lake. Your guide will take you to one of the best spots on the lake for ice bubbles and quirky ice formations. Where we go depends on the conditions but Preacher’s Point, Abraham Slabs and Hoodoo Creek are some of our favourites for this tour.
Ice cleats, a professional guide and our made-from-scratch hot chocolate and marshmallows are all included. You will be meeting your guide at Abraham Lake for this tour.
The Magic of Walking on Ice
Part of the beauty of playing outside is that the conditions are always changing, from bluebird days to the occasional snowstorm and everything in between. We’re out on the ice every day, so our local guides know how to find the best spot for your tour on any given day.
Your adventure begins with a short walk down the shoreline, taking you through a section with interesting ice blocks and features, where the ice has been left resting on the rocks below while the water levels drop throughout the winter.
You’ll then experience walking on the ice, getting down to take a closer look at the ice bubbles and cracks. The strong winds keep the ice clear all winter, and on the occasional snowy day, it’s light enough to simply brush it away. The features change throughout the season, with the clearest ice shortly after freeze-up and more textured ice later in the year. No matter when you visit, there’s something magical about lying down on the ice and taking in the awe-inspiring views all around us.
Choosing Your Tour Time
We offer three options for your tour. The 9:30 am tour is the best option for those who prefer a quieter time on the lake. The 1 pm tour is the most convenient if you’re staying in Banff or Lake Louise. The 4 pm tour offers the best chance to catch one of those famous mountain sunsets, wrapping up as the stars start to appear.
This tour is available as a private tour daily and as a scheduled public tour on select days throughout the season.
Why book This Tour?
- See the famous ice bubbles and features of Abraham Lake in the Canadian Rockies.
- Go with a local guide who knows the best and safest spots, away from the crowds.
- It’s a great option for all ages. No outdoor experience is required.
Meeting Time & Place
Meet your guide at the upper parking lot at the Abraham Slabs Camping Area. Get directions
Meeting Time: 9:30 am, 1 pm or 4 pm depending on the tour selected.
Getting here From Nordegg
It’s a scenic 30 minutes drive from Nordegg heading west on Highway 11.
Getting here From Lake Louise
It’s a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Lake Louise heading north on Highway 93 and then east on Highway 11. Please note that winter tires are mandatory on Highway 93.
Book Now
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Trip Details
- Meeting Time & Place
- What to Bring
- What’s Included
- Snacks
- Booking Terms
Meet your guide at the upper parking lot at the Abraham Slabs Camping Area. Get directions
Meeting Time: 9:30 am, 1pm or 4 pm depending on the tour selected.
Return Time: Approximately 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm or 6:30 pm depending on the tour selected.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors.
Getting here From Nordegg
Before you even meet your guide for the day you’ll get to enjoy the scenic drive from Nordegg to Abraham Lake, making your way through the foothills and the front range of the Canadian Rockies. It’s only a 30-minute drive but we recommend planning for a little extra time, especially with feral horses and bighorn sheep often seen along the highway.
Getting here From Lake Louise
Coming from Lake Louise? The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) will take you past Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glaciers and many other landmarks before heading east on Highway 11 where you’ll enjoy the North Saskatchewan River valley. It’s less than 1.5 hours to get here from Lake Louise we recommend planning on at least 2 hours so that you get to enjoy the views along the way. Please note that winter tires are mandatory on Highway 93.
We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. You’ll be amazed at how warm we get when we’re having fun!
Make sure to dress in layers and come ready for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta. Most days are between -15°C and 0°C, but we see anything from -30°C to +10°C on our winter tours. Abraham Lake is a very windy place, bring an extra layer with you just in case.
Make sure to bring with you:
- Winter boots.
- A winter jacket and snow pants.
- Tuque and gloves.
- Clothing to wear under your snow pants and jacket: for example long underwear and a fleece sweater.
- Sunglasses.
Included in your tour
- A professional guide.
- Ice cleats.
- Gourmet hot chocolate.
- Guides carry safety equipment, including satellite communicators on all tours.
Add-Ons
Ice cleats and safety equipment are included during the tour. If you’re planning to explore on your own after the tour you can rent the equipment at a discounted rate for the rest of the day (must be reserved at the time of booking).
Not Included in your tour
- Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
- Transportation. Contact us to discuss transportation options from Nordegg, Banff or Lake Louise.
- Meals and accommodations.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities are not required but are always appreciated.
Our winter tours wrap up with our homemade hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate whenever possible.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.
Advance Booking and Payments
This tour requires online bookings to be made at least 2 days prior to departure. Please contact us at (403) 986-6190 for a last-minute booking.
Payment is due at the time of booking for this tour.
When Plans Change
All bookings are non-refundable. We will offer you a credit for a future adventure within the next year if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure. No refunds or credits are offered for cancellations within 72 hours of the tour.
You are responsible for arriving on time with the required equipment (e.g. winter clothing). No refunds or credits will be provided if you arrive late or unprepared to participate.
You are responsible for following the instructions provided by our staff. We reserve the right to refuse service to guests who are under the influence or whose behaviour we deem unsafe, disruptive or inappropriate. In those events, the entire booking will be cancelled without compensation.
If we must cancel the tour for any reason, you will be offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund for the activity booked. We will make every effort to let you know as soon as possible in the event of a cancellation.
We are not responsible for delays or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our control, including road closures, severe weather or guest illness. We recommend purchasing trip interruption or trip cancellation insurance with the appropriate coverage from your insurance provider.
Photographic Release
We often take photos and videos on our tours. These photos and videos may be used to promote our tours. Let us know if they do not wish to be included in pictures or videos taken during the tour.
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement
Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here.
Terms and Conditions
These are a summary of our terms and conditions. Please review our complete terms and conditions prior to booking.
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