How I found THE BEST Ice Bubble at Abraham Lake!

Alrighty, so what do you do when it's -20°C in the dead of winter in Canada? Obviously, you hit the road for a bucket list-worthy adventure. This time, my sights were set on Abraham Lake and its famous ice bubbles.

Facts to start this off: Where’s Abraham Lake anyway?

Where is it? This massive turquoise lake is tucked in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta.
How to get there: It's right off the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11), about a 3-hour drive from Calgary or around 2 h from Canmore and Banff. You can either go with your own car or book a tour with a tour operator (more info at the end of this blog post).
Name & History: It’s named after Silas Abraham, a Métis guy who lived in the region back in the 19th century.
Fun Fact: It's not a natural lake, it’s a reservoir created in 1972 after the Bighorn Dam was built.

Just a heads up: You'll find my tips what to bring and how to get there at the end of this article. 😊

Road Trip Vibes

We decided to crash in Canmore the night before to cut down on the drive (and because I just love Canmore and will take any chance to spend more time here). We started our day with the ultimate breakfast wrap from Harvest Café (shoutout to that perfection) and a cappuccino from Blondies, our go-to coffee spot. 💚 Fueled up and armed with a killer playlist and podcasts, we hit the road.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Perfect time for a power nap,” think again. The drive is like a front-row seat to a 4K nature documentary. And once you hit the Icefields Parkway, it’s game over for boredom. I don’t care how many times you’ve driven this route, it never gets old.

The Icefields Parkway: A Scenic Overload

The Icefields Parkway isn’t just a road; it’s 232 km of jaw-dropping wilderness between Lake Louise and Jasper. We’re talking glaciers, turquoise lakes, and forests that feel like something out of a fairytale.

Oh, and a cool nugget of history: This road has been around longer than Canada itself. Built during the 1930s, it was a lifeline for trade routes used by First Nations long before it became a tourist hotspot.

Pro tip: Download your maps, playlists, and podcasts beforehand to avoid any tech meltdowns, because it’s a dead zone here. But who needs signals anyways when you have views and adventures on your schedule? 😊

As we turned onto Highway 11 at the Saskatchewan Crossing, it was clear the vibe here was different. The mountains shrink, the glaciers vanish, and there’s less snow, likely thanks to the strong winds sweeping through the valley.

About 30 minutes later, we crest a hill, and there it is: the massive Abraham Lake. Gazing out at the mountains, I can’t help but imagine all the epic hikes this valley must offer, with breathtaking views of the lake at every turn. The road hugs the left side of the lake, offering stunning views until we reach the parking lot at the Ice Bubbles Viewpoint.

The moment we step out of the car, an icy wind hits us hard. The -16°C feels much colder! But that didn't hold us back to bundle up and head 200 meters down to the lake’s edge, where we strap on our spikes to walk across the ice.

Pro tip: In winter, especially in Canada, I never leave home without spikes or crampons. If you’re just visiting, just rent them locally.

The night before I checked the conditions through Canadian Rockies Escapes to ensure the ice was thick enough, and snow-free. Why? Because 1. I want to be safe and 2. we came to actually see the famous ice bubbles, right?!

Within moments, we spot the first bubbles underfoot, and honestly? They’re even cooler than I imagined! I immediately begin my impossible quest: finding the coolest bubble. Each one, with its unique shapes and layers, looks stunning, especially with the dramatic mountains and Mount Michener towering in the background.

Taking photos of the Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles — Me, looking for the best Bubble.

Nerdy Science Time

So, here’s the scoop on these bubbles: They’re pockets of methane gas released by decaying organic material at the lake’s bottom. When the lake freezes, the gas gets trapped in the ice, forming these trippy layers. When I heard this for the first time, I immediately pictured little nature farts that can't get out, haha. Sure, it happens in other places, but Abraham Lake is the spot because the conditions here are chef’s kiss.

The Windchill Effect: Why I Froze My Butt Off

Okay, it was actually my fingers. Let’s talk about the wind for a sec. It was relentless. Even though it was technically -16°C, the wind made it feel like -28°C. This is what’s called the windchill effect (more info here). It basically blows away the thin layer of warm air around your body, making you feel like you’re standing (naked) on an iceberg.

Pro tip: Tea in a thermos is life-saving. 🫖

Walking through strong winds on Abraham Lake in Winter

Wrapping Up the Day

After an hour of braving the cold (and some serious hand-freezing moments), we headed back to the car for a much-needed tea break. We stopped on another stop on the lake and watched some skaters having fun on the lake (that could be you too if you brought your skates).

And as we were on the way anyway, we made a quick stop at Peyto Lake on the way back, my forever favorite spot on the Icefields Parkway. In winter, it’s a snow-covered wonderland, and in summer, it’s the bluest blue you’ve ever seen. Make sure you don't miss this stop when you're passing by.

Final Thoughts? 👀

Honestly? This wasn’t one of those crazy, action-packed hiking-adventure days. It was all about the simple awe of nature doing its thing. The ice bubbles at Abraham Lake are a bucket list item for a reason, they’re pure magic!

My tips for your trip 🤌

Check Ice conditions before you go under Canadian Rockies Escapes to make sure the Lake is safe to walk on and not snow covered.
Dress warm. Like, seriously. Layers are your best friend for this adventure.
Bring spikes for walking on ice to make your experience easier and more fun.
Pack a thermos of something hot. I t’s a game-changer to warm up when the wind chill kicks in.
Download Maps and Roadtrip Entertainment, theres no signal out there
If you go by car: fuel up. Theres no gas station out there.
Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the day. Theres no shops at Abraham Lake (the closest is Lake Louise).
And don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to capture everything.

💡If you don't have a car, want to be safe or get some extra knowledge, I'd recomment to book a tour with @canadianrockiesexcapes.

What about you? Have you seen the ice bubbles, or are they still on your bucket list? Let me know, I'd love to connect! 😊

Join my outdoor adventures let's have some outdoor fun together via @hannahjnc on Instagram.