The frozen ice bubbles at Abraham Lake is the coolest phenomenon that happens each winter in Alberta, Canada. Decaying plant matter under the surface release methane gas bubbles as they break down, and in the winter when Abraham Lake freezes over, these bubbles are captured in the ice layers below! The frozen bubbles create such a fun experience at Abraham Lake, and not to mention incredible pictures to capture the memories! Keep reading to find out how to see the frozen methane bubbles of Abraham Lake!
How to Get to the Frozen Abraham Lake Bubbles
Abraham Lake’s frozen ice bubbles are located along Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway) close to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada.
The David Thompson Highway connects to the Icefields Parkway, which is one of Canada’s most beautiful drives. The Icefields Parkway is the road between Jasper and Banff – two of the most popular places in the Canadian Rockies!
This makes Abraham Lake so easy to work into your itinerary if you’re visiting this area.
Getting to Abraham Lake From Edmonton
The drive to Abraham Lake’s frozen bubbles takes around 3.5 hours from Edmonton. Edmonton has an International Airport so if you are flying into Alberta, this may be where your adventure starts!
From Edmonton, you can drive Highway 2 South, then take exit 422 and head West along Highway 12 until you get to the end of the Highway. You’ll have the option to turn left or right onto Highway 22. Turn left onto Highway 22 and head South for a brief time, and then take a sharp turn onto Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway), and head West all the way to Abraham Lake.
Calgary to Abraham Lake
Calgary also has an international airport, so it is just as likely that this city is where your adventure will begin! The drive is roughly 3.5 hours as well and is roughly the same route as from Edmonton.
From Calgary, you can drive Highway 2 North, then take the exit 365 onto Highway 54 West, and then turn right onto Highway 781 North, until you get to Highway 11 (The David Thompson Highway) which you will take West, all the way to Abraham Lake.
Abraham Lake From the Icefields Parkway
Because the Highway that Abraham Lake is on, Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway), connects to the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), this is an amazing detour to take if you already traveling the Parkway between Banff and Jasper.
The drive down the David Thompson Highway from Highway 93 to Abraham Lake is only around 35 minutes, so it is a perfect add-on to your itinerary. When travelling Highway 93, watch for the exit for Highway 11 at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, and follow it East all the way to Abraham Lake!
Best Time to Visit Abraham Lake’s Frozen Bubbles
The best time to visit Abraham Lake in the winter is late January and throughout February. This gives the bubbles enough time to freeze and just seems to be when they are at their best!
If it is a different month (winter usually lasts November – around March in the Rockies), you can still check out the bubbles, but just be careful because the lake may not be as frozen and conditions may not be as safe, especially if winter is late to arrive.
Usually Abraham Lake doesn’t fully freeze until late December, and the lake is usually frozen enough until mid-March.
Continuing on the Icefields Parkway? Find out where to stop along one of the most scenic drives in Canada!
Where are Abraham Lakes Frozen Bubbles?
The frozen methane bubbles can be found all over Abraham Lake. There are multiple roadside turn outs to stop at along the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11), so if you have time, check out each stop!
The ice bubbles are a natural phenomenon so they can be unpredictable, but you should have luck at any of the viewpoints along this highway.
If you’re short on time, I would check out: “Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Viewpoint” on google maps, or Preacher’s Point!
Other Tips on How to See the Frozen Methane Bubbles
- Dress warm: Abraham Lake can get quite windy! And the temperature in the mountains can be unpredictable. Pack layers so you have them handy to put on if it is super cold, and definitely don’t forget your gloves!
- Bring ice cleats: When I visited Abraham Lake the first time it was SO WINDY. I thought I was going to blow into the middle of the lake! If you have ice cleats bring them just in case, and this might help make your experience slightly more enjoyable!
- Pack your skates: If you get lucky and it’s not a super windy day, Abraham Lake is an awesome place to ice skate! Just make sure to skate with caution as the lake is not maintained – don’t skate if it’s too windy, make sure the ice is thick enough, and use your best judgment. You are responsible for your own safety!
Abraham Lake Bubbles Summary
If you are in the Canadian Rockies or visiting Alberta in the wintertime, I highly recommend adding the frozen methane bubbles of Lake Abraham to your itinerary. It is so cool ad such a unique sight to see!
Easily fit it in as a day trip from Edmonton or Calgary, or add it in to your itinerary when driving the Icefields Parkway in the winter time!
While there, stop at a few of the roadside turnouts/parking lots and check the ice, for the best chance to find the frozen bubbles.
If you are planning to visit, be sure to pack layers, dress warm, and bring ice cleats with you in case it is super windy when you’re visiting.
Also be sure to check the ice thickness before walking on the ice!
Hopefully, these tips on how to see the frozen methane bubbles at Abraham Lake helped you plan your trip, or gave you inspiration for your future trip! Stay safe and have fun!
*Always use your best judgment, you are responsible for your own safety*
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Read More on the Rockies:
- Your Banff Bucket List – What you can’t miss in Banff, Canada
- Where to Stop Along the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada
- Your Guide to Wild Ice Skating in Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park Bucket List – What you can’t miss
Hey! I’m Kat. Based in Alberta, Canada I love to travel to the Rockies and explore new places around the world. Follow along on my adventures and find inspiration and tips for your own travels.
