From Ice Bubbles to Sand Dunes, Alberta’s Most Epic Natural Wonders

From double-decker waterfalls that freeze into winter ice-climbing paradises to Sahara-like sand dunes in the northern wilderness, Alberta serves up geological surprises that'll make you wonder if you've somehow wandered onto another planet. Here's how to explore some of Canada's most jaw-dropping natural wonders hiding in plain sight.

Ice bubbles on Abraham Lake

It's one thing to stand upon a frozen lake, but it's quite another to walk upon nature's frozen lava lamp. That's the surreal experience awaiting winter visitors at Abraham Lake, where countless white orbs seem suspended in time beneath the ice like pearls in glass.

These frozen bubbles are trapped methane, a gas formed when plants within the lake decompose. This methane rises through the water, and when the lake freezes, the gas becomes trapped in layers of ice, forming stunning frozen bubbles.

It's actually a naturally occurring process that happens in all lakes, explains Brett Pawlyk, a certified guide and co-owner of Canadian Rockies Escapes.

“The bubbles happen at a higher rate at Abraham Lake because there’s extra vegetation. Before the manmade lake came into being, the land was a forested ecosystem, and now those tree roots at the bottom of the lake produce extra methane when they decompose. As the gas continually releases from the vegetation, you get a nice little staircase effect from these bubbles. The bubble closest to the surface is the oldest and was the first one that floated to the top.”

Abraham Lake is one of the most unique places in the world to view this phenomenon, partly because of the sheer number of bubbles produced and also because of the lake‘s location.

Situated in a rain shadow, the lake is prone to windy conditions with reduced precipitation. The wind blows snow off the lake constantly, so there’s not much protecting it from the cold air. As a result, the ice forms thicker and more transparent, which is fantastic for ice bubble viewing.

“Those snow crystals dancing across the ice surface are actually polishing the ice, making it extra clear for viewing ice bubbles. This, combined with the staggering number of bubbles, makes it one of the best places in the world to see frozen ice bubbles,” avows Pawlyk.

Because the lake is situated alongside the David Thompson Highway, just outside of Banff National Park and a 30-minute drive from Nordegg, it’s super accessible. There are popular spots where people can view the ice bubbles just off the highway, but they tend to freeze last. (Heads up: Ice bubbles are best viewed in January and February.)

Fortunately, tour guides know the best and safest spots to view bubbles on the 34 km (21 mile) lake.

“We do reconnaissance missions daily, monitoring the lake and searching for where the best bubbles are forming. The lake doesn’t freeze up the same way, making each year different,” notes Pawlyk.

Of course, safety is paramount anytime you’re on a frozen body of water.

“Once the ice is thick enough, it’s generally safe, but it remains a foreign environment with potential dangers like springs and creek inlets. It’s also windy, exposed, and, of course, slippery,” warns Pawlyk.

“We have extra clothing, traction devices for shoes and know sheltered areas if bad weather moves in.”

With guidance, ice bubble viewing is one of those bucket list, curated experiences you’ll never forget. In addition to ice bubbles, other natural phenomena, like ice fractures, can be witnessed on Abraham Lake.

“Ice moves like it’s alive, expanding and contracting with the sun. It always makes cracking noises and relieves itself by fracturing. These are really cool cracks that create unbelievable patterns throughout the entire lake. It’s something people aren’t aware of until they get onto this ice,” notes Pawlyk.

Here are a few other fantastic natural phenomena to suss out in our wild-hearted province.

Feel nature's raw power at Frank Slide

In 1903, 110 million tons of limestone decided to play a geological game of Jenga and tumble down Turtle Mountain. The result? A landscape that looks like a giant's rock collection scattered across Frank, Alberta—some boulders as big as an entire house. This wasn't just any old landslide; it was Canada's deadliest. Over 90 lives were taken, and the tragedy transformed a bustling coal town into a haunting reminder of nature's might.

Today, the site is a surreal moonscape of massive boulders that stops visitors in their tracks. The combination of natural wonder and the incredible human spirit that rose from the rubble is what makes the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre a must-stop along the Crowsnest Pass. The centre educates visitors about the slide and Turtle Mountain's geology and shares incredible stories of survival and resilience. It's a poignant reminder that even in nature's most powerful moments, human determination can prevail.

See Canada's hidden Sahara: Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve

Nobody expects to stumble upon a slice of the Sahara in the middle of Canada's northern wilderness. But that's precisely what you'll find at the Athabasca Dunes. These towering waves of sand were born from the last Ice Age's melting drama about 8,000 years ago. Today, they're nature's shape-shifting masterpiece, where the wind plays sculptor with pristine quartz grains. Every time you visit, you'll be treated to new formations.

This moving desert, among the largest in the world, provides a stark contrast to the boreal forest and Lake Athabasca, which it stretches between. This rugged, off-the-grid adventure is perfect for visitors keen to explore an otherworldly landscape. Here’s the thing about the dunes: getting here isn’t for the faint of heart. Only experienced wilderness travellers are recommended to visit. That’s because public access within the Ecological Reserve is by foot only. Motorized vehicles and boats aren’t allowed in.

Fortunately, boating, fishing and camping along Lake Athabasca are other great ways to connect to the stunning natural surroundings.

Walk on an Ice Age giant at Athabasca Glacier

Part of the mighty Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier is your ticket to time travel. This is the spot to channel your inner explorer and walk upon a 10,000-year-old piece of the last Ice Age. Sprawling over 6 sq km (2.3 sq mi) along the stunning Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, this ancient glacier begs to be visited, with its toe nearly touching the highway.

For the ultimate bucket-list experience, hop aboard a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle (think monster truck meets spaceship) between May and October and venture right onto the frozen giant. You'll get to explore otherworldly crevasses, peek into miniature ice caves, and maybe even drink from crystal-clear meltwater pools. All the while, your expert guide will share tales of this colossal ice sheet's journey through time.

Another way to discover the glacier is via an all-terrain SHERP vehicle specifically engineered to handle extreme environments. Explorers venture out to an exclusive spot to test mountaineering equipment on the new Ice Odyssey experience. This small group excursion takes you from the Ice Age to its present-day incarnation as a NASA testing site.

Just don't wait too long to visit. This cool customer has been slowly retreating, making your glacial adventure even more precious.

Take a dip in the Rockies' hottest spa: Miette Hot Springs

Don't be surprised if bighorn sheep look at you with amusement as you soak in the naturally heated mountain pools of Miette Hot Springs. Situated in Jasper National Park, where wildlife roams freely, these aren't your average hot tubs. These are the hottest natural hot springs in all the Canadian Rockies, bubbling up from Earth's core at a toasty 54°C (129°F). Fret not! The water is cooled to a comfortable soaking temperature of around 40°C (104°F) in the pools, open from May to mid-October.

The mineral-rich waters are packed with sulphate, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, which is great news for wellness lovers. The springs' therapeutic properties work their magic on tired muscles and sun-kissed skin. Meanwhile, mountain peaks and evergreen forests deliver a soothing mental break. Even getting here is part of the adventure. The scenic drive to Miette Hot Springs doubles as a wildlife safari, where elk and mountain goats might just become your welcoming committee.

Double the drama at Crescent Falls 

Imagine a waterfall so extra that it had to do it twice. That's Crescent Falls for you, where the Bighorn River puts on a show-stopping performance, plunging not once but twice into Alberta's deepest gorge. This natural double feature sends white water tumbling down two spectacular 20-plus-foot drops, creating a misty masterpiece that'll have your Instagram followers doing a double-take.

A 6 km (3 mi) out-and-back trail leads you along the canyon's edge to various viewing platforms, perfect for both casual hikers and serious shutterbugs. Visit in winter, and you'll find Mother Nature's turned the whole scene into a frozen fantasy world. While we regular folks gawk at the stunning ice formations, ice climbers scale the crystallized cascades. Whether you're packing a picnic or crampons, this two-for-one natural wonder proves good things come in pairs.

Crawl through time at Rat’s Nest Cave 

Slip into Rat's Nest Cave (don't let the name scare you!) just outside Canmore, and you'll literally be crawling through an ancient ocean floor. One of Canada's longest cave systems was formed in limestone some 350 million years ago and has been designated one of Canada's Historic Places. This is a living cave where water still sculpts passages and creates mineral masterpieces, just as it has for millions of years.

Rat's Nest is also a wild cave, meaning it's not developed with paved paths, lighting or railings. Access is only allowed through guided tours for explorers 10 years and older. Team up with Canmore Cave Tours to channel your inner Indiana Jones as you investigate this geological time capsule. Listen up as they tell tales of Alberta's underwater past and point out the fossilized corals and marine critters embedded in the cave's limestone walls. The best part? The cave maintains a stable 5°C (41°F) temperature year-round, making it the perfect activity in the heat of summer or during a cold snap.