Abraham Lake
Alberta's largest reservoir, famous for its winter ice bubbles.
About Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake stretches along the North Saskatchewan River in the Kootenay Plains area west of Nordegg. Its milky blue summer water and, in winter, the methane bubbles frozen in clear ice draw photographers from around the world.
A brief history
The lake was created in 1972 when Calgary Power (now TransAlta) built the Bighorn Dam. The flooding of the Kootenay Plains disrupted the hunting and trapping livelihood of the Bighorn band of the Stoney Nakoda. Following a provincial naming contest, the lake was named after Silas Abraham, a Stoney Nakoda man originally from Morley.
RV tips
- It's along the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11). Services are limited, so fuel up in Nordegg or Rocky Mountain House.
- Winter ice can be extremely slippery and winds fierce. Ice safety is your responsibility.
- Nearby public land falls in the Public Lands Camping Pass area. See our Crown land guide.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds
See Alberta campgrounds in this region for typical costs, hookups and booking links.
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping