Abraham Lake - a quick summary!
You might have seen really cool pictures of a frozen lake with bubbles trapped under the surface. There is a good chance that one of those pictures was taken at Abraham Lake.
Abraham Lake is actually an artificial lake created after the Bighorn Dam was built in 1970s. The naming of the lake has quite a history attached to it. Just before the dam was built, the Government of Alberta held a contest to name it and they settled on Abraham Lake after Silas Abraham who was a resident of the area in the 1800s.
The lake is situated in the Kootenay Plains of the Canadian Rockies on the North Saskatchewan River in Northern Alberta, Canada. It is a sizeable lake with a surface of 54 kilometers square and 32 kilometers long and sits at an elevation of 1,340 m. Much like the other lakes in Rocky Mountain, despite being a man-made lake it still has the turquoise and vibrant color due to the presence of rock flour that the sun hits.
Trapped Bubbles
One of the best times to visit the lake is during winter when it freezes over. Well, at least it is the best time to visit to take pictures. Methane produced from the decay of plants on the bed of the lake get trapped under the ice sheet that forms on the surface of the lake. It is a sight to behold, even more because of the color and the surrounding mountains and peaks: Abraham Mountain, Elliott Peak, Mount Michener and Mount Ernest Ross. So technically, as you are standing on the lake, no matter which way you look, you will find yourself in the midst of a magical place.
This lake becomes a winter wonderland and is flooded with photographers, professionals and amateurs, aims to get that perfect shot. If you are making the trip there exclusively to take pictures, make sure that you are going at the right time, which is likely between January-February, although it depends on what the temperature during a particular winter are.
During the summer, there are a number of hikes nearby, some of which take you to peaks from where you can have a full view of Abraham Lake. Of the most frequented hikes are Saskatchewan Glacier Trail (15 km return), Kinglet Lake (15 km return) and Siffleur Falls (8 km return and very close proximity to Abraham Lake).
There are many people who choose to camp and fish as well on the lakeshore. Many people take advantage of these activities during the summer, so you will see entire families camping out there. Always remember to pack out what you pack in, especially if you are camping, The smell of food left in the open can attract many wild animals to your tent.
As with any trip really, it is best to plan ahead for this one as well. Due to the remote location of the lake, make sure that you have everything you need with you. It is also very important that you have the appropriate shoes as well as cleats if you plan on standing on the frozen lake. This will allow you to worry less about falling and instead focus on enjoying the views around you.
It is always important to remember that when you enter national parks, there will be various species of flora and fauna. The area around Abraham Lake is home to bears and cougars so it is best to respect the rules of nature around you and avoid any unpleasant encounters. Make sure you carry bear bells or bear spray with you, just in case. Being aware not only protects you but also protects the many animals that call this place a home and ensures that their wellbeing and behaviur remain unaffected by our potential impact.
