An enchanting hamlet is along one of Alberta's most scenic highways
Life in the city is all well and good, but sometimes you just need to get away. If you’re itching for an outdoor escape then hop in the car and embark on one of the most scenic drives in Alberta. As a bonus, you’ll find a charming little hamlet on your journey – if you know where to go.
Nestled in the foothills of the impressive Rocky Mountains lies the quaint town site of Nordegg. It’s a three-hour drive from both Edmonton and Calgary, but far away from the hustle of the city. The area around Nordegg is largely untouched and wild. It’s the perfect place for outdoor adventurers or anyone looking to hole up in a cabin for a day or two.
Here’s everything you can get up to in and around the small Alberta town of Nordegg – and why the drive is half the appeal!
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What to do
If you’re a bit of a history buff, you can start your trip by exploring the town’s coal mining past. The Nordegg Discovery Centre showcases the region’s history, culture, and environment with educational displays and guided mine tours. Make sure you call ahead because these tend to book up quickly!
The Alberta hamlet of Nordegg is a great base for all the activities the region has to offer. Explore hiking trails and check out the many alpine lakes in the area. In the winter months, you can try your hand at ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, or snowmobiling. If you prefer warmer weather, you can always explore biking trails, equestrian rides, kayaking, or even backcountry adventure camps.
The quaint hamlet of Nordegg is only 30 minutes away from the iconic Abraham Lake. Not only is this a great spot to picnic in the summer, but it’s famous for its bubbly appearance in the frozen winter months. This is caused by methane bubbles that get trapped in the ice, creating a striking visual effect. If you want to see this insta-worthy phenomenon for yourself, there are only a few weeks left to the season. So hurry before it melts!
For a one-stop shop of all the shenanigans you can get up to, be sure to check out Nordegg Adventures. You can find a huge variety of tours and experiences led by local experts in the area, curated for both the winter and summer months.
Getting there
Whether you’re driving in from Calgary or Edmonton, any trek to Nordegg will take you along Highway 11, also called David Thompson Highway. It’s known for being one of the province’s most scenic drives thanks to stunning vistas and glacier lakes.
If you continue driving past Nordegg you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Abraham Lake. While the famous frozen bubbles are only around in the winter months, spring and summer still have plenty of appeal thanks to the lake’s brilliant turquoise waters. Keep driving until you find a nice place to stop, picnic, and stay awhile. You’ll be surrounded by towering peaks for a truly “in-the-Rockies” experience.
Who’s in the mood for an Alberta adventure?
Nordegg, Alberta
Distance from Calgary: 305 km
Distance from Edmonton: 301 km