Awesome Alberta: Horseshoe Lake will be your new favourite swimming spot

Jul 6 2020, 10:00 pm

COVID-19 still presents a very real and dangerous threat to public health. While much of Albertaā€™s outdoors have been reopened to visitors, it is recommendedĀ to plan ahead, check local restrictions andĀ current public health measures, and avoid any areas that may be too crowded.Ā 

If you’re tired of floating down the Bow River and want to try something a little more exciting this summer, we’ve got just the place for you.

Horseshoe Lake is a gorgeous hidden gem located in Jasper National Park, providing Albertans and visitors alike the perfect spot to cool off after a quick hike.

Some of the more daring adventurersĀ may even try their hand bodies at cliff jumping from the lake’s various take-off spots ā€” though, given the dangers of literally jumping off a cliff, we’d advise simply walking into the cool blue waters instead.

For your own safety, please makeĀ sure you are prepared before heading outĀ on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from Albertaparks.ca and AdventureSmart.

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Where is it?

Horseshoe Lake is located in Jasper National Park, just west of Edmonton and nestled in the always-beautiful Rocky Mountains.

It makes for a great stop along the Icefields Parkway, as it is just off the highway and only 30 km south of the town of Jasper.

How do you get there?

The drive out to Horseshoe Lake from Calgary will make for one epic road trip. Head west along Highway 1, then exit onto Highway 93 just after Lake Louise. Follow that highway as it twists its way throughout the Rocky Mountains (with a few picturesque stops along the way, we’re sure) before reaching Horseshoe Lake.

You’ll need to park the car and hike just a few minutes east before reaching the lake. The trip there will take about four and a half hours from Calgary ā€” though we’d suggest allowingĀ some extra time for detours. From Edmonton, it’s also around 4.5 hours.

What’s there?

Horseshoe Lake features, unsurprisingly, a lake shaped like a horseshoe. The waters are cold ā€” you’re in the Rocky Mountains, after all ā€” but make for a perfect place to cool off, or just float around on.

The lake is also a popular spot for cliff jumping, with various natural platforms reaching as high as 80 feet… though we’ll justĀ stick to ground level, thank you very much!

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DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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