The ultimate Abraham Lake experience with a full day of photography, from the sunrise colours to the sunset on the ice bubbles.
This tour has a flexible itinerary that we customize to your group, based on what you love to photograph. We make sure that you get to the best spots and that all the details are taken care of so that you can get the shots you want. Since we focus on finding great locations, this tour can be tailored for camera phone photographers and professionals alike.
The typical itinerary starts with sunrise colours and ends with the sunset on Abraham Lake. In between we have a few hours to explore the upper North Saskatchewan River valley and Wilson Glacier, go on a hike to the Cline River Canyon or you can even add a heli-sightseeing tour to capture the region from above.
A picnic lunch, transportation from Nordegg, ice cleats and a professional guide are all included.
Highlights
- Experience Alberta's West Country in its most magical season.
- Photograph the famous ice bubbles on Abraham Lake.
- Get to the best spots for pictures along Abraham Lake.
Perfect for: This tour can be customized for all levels of photographers, from camera phones to professionals.
Tour Overview
- Activity: Photography / Ice Walking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hiking Distance: 1-2 km
- Elevation Gain: ~50m
- Duration: ~11 hours
Available daily from December 15 to January 31.
You will be meeting your guide at the Nordegg Canteen for this tour.
The Adventure
Get Lost in the Moment
Small groups mean that we can take the time to slow down to take in the view and have the flexibility to explore as things catch our eyes, whether it's abstracts of the ice bubbles or the landscape surrounding us.
The Sunrise
We head out onto the frozen lake as the light starts to appear, allowing us to find the best location to catch the alpenglow and sunrise colours.
Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles
The tours start a little earlier so that there's plenty of time to get to know the place, figure out the best plan for sunset and make sure that you're comfortable on the ice. That way, you can enjoy the moment when the colours start to appear at sunset.
Great Scenery
The scenery alone is worth the trip to Abraham Lake. We'll have plenty of opportunities to get the composition just right and play with different lenses as we explore the area.
The Sunset
The last portion of the day is spent in the Abraham Slabs area, catching the sunset and alpenglow. We take our time, finding spots that catch our eye and get lost in the moment as the light changes as the sun moves behind the mountains.
Finding Beauty
While we get a lot of days with clear ice and sunset colours, that's something we can't control. What we can do however is share with you some of the best options based on that day's conditions..
Ice Cleats Included
You'll wear ice cleats as we make our way onto the frozen lake with your guide taking you to some of the best and safest spots in the area.
The Lunch + Snacks
You'll never leave hungry from one of our tours. Lunch and snacks vary based on the day but you'll find some delicious food from local producers as well as our own made-from-scratch baked goods, hot chocolate, soups and more.
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The Details
When and where does the tour start?
You will be meeting your guide at 7 am at the Nordegg Canteen (get directions) for this tour. We need to leave promptly in order to capture the sunrise colours, please arrive a few minutes early and ready to go.
Return time varies based on the group and conditions but this tour typically takes 10 to 11 hours.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.
What do I need to bring?
Be prepared for the mountain weather. Conditions can change quickly and our winter tours run in anything from - 30C to +10C. Abraham Lake is a very windy place, bring an extra layer with you just in case.
Required Items
- Winter boots
- A winter jacket and snow pants
- Tuque and gloves
- Appropriate clothing for the weather including long underwear
- An extra sweater
- A water bottle
- A small backpack
Photography Equipment
These tours are private tours for your group only. We can adapt this tour for phone cameras or for those using higher-end equipment. Each guest is responsible for bringing and knowing how to operate the camera and equipment they will be using on the tour.
Recommended Items
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Comfy shoes for the drive home
What's Included?
- We provide ice cleats at no charge for this tour.
- A professional guide.
- Transportation from Nordegg.
- Lunch, snacks and hot chocolate.
- Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and satellite communicators on all tours.
What's Not Included
- Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
- Water bottles, cameras, and a backpack.
What kind of lunch and snacks are included?
Lunch for this adventure is served picnic-style and includes a hearty soup or sandwich, veggies and dips, juice, and dessert.
Hot chocolate is available with dairy or coconut milk. Tea is available as well.
A hot breakfast sandwich from the Nordegg Canteen is available as an add-on for tours starting in Nordegg. We're not open yet when this tour starts but if you request it with your booking we'll have your breakfast ready when you check-in.
Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate them whenever possible.
What kind of transportation is provided?
We use mini-vans, SUVs, full-size passenger vans or a 16-passenger bus for tours that include transportation, depending on the group size and operational requirements.
What's the group size?
This is a private tour available for groups of 1 to 12 guests. Contact us if you are planning for a group of 13 or more guests.
This day trip is open to all ability levels, whether you are a beginner and or an expert. You must be comfortable walking 1+ km in a variety of conditions. This tour is recommended for those 6 and older.
What are the terms and conditions?
Advance Booking
This tour requires bookings to be made at least 2 days prior to departure. Please contact us at (403) 986-6190 for a last-minute booking.
Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable but we will offer you a credit for a future adventure if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.
Terms & Conditions
Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here.
Please review our complete terms & conditions prior to booking.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.
A Few More Things To Know
We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. Make sure to dress in layers and come prepared for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta. 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 snowshoeing at -20C or how much fun hiking in the rain can be!
Need help with your booking or have a few more questions? Stop by the Nordegg Canteen or give us a call at 403 986-6190.