Ghost Lake

Ghost Lake is a water reservoir formed along the Bow River and surrounded by rolling terrain characteristic of western Alberta. The dam-controlled water body offers space for fishing, boating, and other recreational uses throughout the year.

The lake was created in 1929 when TransAlta Utilities built a dam on the Bow River to harness water power. The project was developed on land leased from the Nakoda First Nation, establishing what became a major local water resource.

The name Ghost Lake reflects Nakoda language origins, and today the area serves as a gathering place for local anglers and water enthusiasts from the region. You will find families and groups enjoying time on the water during warmer months.

You can reach the water from several access points along the shore where fishing spots, boat launches, and camping areas are available during the warmer months. Plan to arrive on weekday mornings or off-season periods to avoid crowds at popular spots.

During winter, the frozen surface becomes a racing track for ice boats and was once home to the first ice boating club established in western Canada. This historic activity is less familiar to modern visitors but the flat, icy expanse still shows why early enthusiasts chose this location for their sport.

Location: Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8

Location: Rocky View County

Inception: 1929

Elevation above the sea: 1,188 m

Shares border with: Ghost Lake

GPS coordinates: 51.19639,-114.75972

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53