Abraham Lake Winter Bubbles

David Thompson Hwy · Seasonal

Highlights

  • Abraham Lake's frozen methane bubbles, a genuine winter-only phenomenon (ice conditions permitting)
  • Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve scenery along the David Thompson Highway
  • Stops in Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg en route
  • A full-day trip west of Calgary through the David Thompson corridor

Itinerary

7:00 AM

Pickup & drive west

Pickup at Calgary Airport (YYC), north and west through Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg.

11:00 AM

Abraham Lake

A guide-led walk on or along the lake to view the ice bubble formations, conditions permitting.

1:30 PM

Kootenay Plains

A stop in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve, lunch on your own.

6:00 PM

Return

Drive back through Nordegg and Rocky Mountain House to Calgary Airport (YYC).

Route & Distances

  1. Calgary Airport (YYC)Rocky Mountain House≈ 225 km
  2. Rocky Mountain HouseNordegg≈ 85 km
  3. NordeggAbraham Lake≈ 45 km
  4. Abraham LakeCalgary Airport (YYC)≈ 355 km

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

Check Availability

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Regular departures run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Booking is by request, not instant confirmation — contact us to confirm the exact date and seat availability.

What's Included

Includes

  • Round-trip transport from Calgary Airport (YYC) in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver-guide (Vietnamese on request, subject to availability)

Excludes

  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Ice cleats or traction aids
  • Gratuities for your guide

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

  • Ice cleats rental≈ $10 CAD / person

    Recommended for walking on the lake ice.

Cancellation Policy

CancelledRefund
21+ days before departureFull refund
7–20 days before departure50% refund
Less than 7 days before departureNo refund

Good to Know

  • Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
  • Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
  • Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
  • Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does bubble season run?

Roughly December through February, weather and ice conditions permitting — we'll confirm closer to your date.

Is it safe to walk on the ice?

Our guide leads the walk and will call it off if ice conditions aren't safe on the day. This trip can be cancelled or rescheduled for safety.

What should we wear?

Warm winter layers, waterproof boots, and ice cleats are strongly recommended.

Is this a long day from Calgary?

Yes — around 11 hours door to door, one of our longer single-day trips, given how far west Abraham Lake sits.

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From $150 CADper person, CAD
Check Availability