4 Best Sights in Banff National Park, Alberta

Alberta's largest reservoir is beautiful in every season, but it has become Instagram famous in winter when bubbles freeze in the ice---pockets of methane gas freeze in layers that coat the lake. Methane gas bubbles are formed when bacteria breaks down organic matter at the bottom of the lake. It’s a phenomenon that's found in other Rocky Mountain lakes, but it’s more visible in Abraham Lake because high winds tend to keep the ice clear of snow; January and February are peak months to view the bubbles. The manmade lake was created in 1972 with the construction of the Bighorn Dam. The lake has a surface area of 53.7 square km (20.7 square miles). Although the lake is manmade, it still has the turquoise blue color of other Rocky Mountain Lakes. Watch for bighorn sheep, black bears, and other wildlife nearby.

A family-friendly 3.1 km (1.9 mile) loop trail circles this lake passing some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Alberta. The lake is in the montane zone of the park and is a good place to spot wildlife. There are lovely views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain and picnic tables if you want to linger. Because the lake is smaller and somewhat sheltered, it tends to have smoother water for paddling. 

Beautiful glacier-fed Lake Magog sits in front of Mt. Assiniboine and it is the site of most of the park's facilities and trailheads. The two main hiking routes into the park lead to this lake. An easy 3.2-km (2-mile) trail around the west shore of the lake offers wonderful views of Mt. Assiniboine reflecting off the lake surface.