Barrier Lake

Barrier Lake is a reservoir in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta. The water is held back by a dam and forms a long, narrow lake nestled between steep mountain walls.

The lake was created in the early 1900s when a dam was built for power generation and water storage. Since then it has played an important role in regional infrastructure.

The area is easily reached via the Trans-Canada Highway and offers several parking spots along the shoreline. The best way to see the water and mountains is a walk along the road or a stop at one of the viewpoints.

The lake is known for its milky blue color on many days, caused by rock particles washed down from the surrounding mountains. This distinctive hue makes it particularly photogenic and sets it apart from other alpine lakes in the region.

Location: Alberta

Elevation above the sea: 1,464 m

GPS coordinates: 51.02720,-115.06600

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:27