Located in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the remote village of Nordegg sits in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and is a convenient launching pad for exploring some of the most beautiful nature in Alberta. The area is a magnet for outdoor adventurers keen on hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding, and in winter, snowshoeing and ice fishing for rainbow trout. One highlight is Abraham Lake, where the water gleams turquoise in summer and develops layers of frozen ice bubbles in winter, caused by methane gas from decaying plant matter. Near the lake, the scenic multi-use Coral Creek Canyon Trail offers spectacular views of the landscape, a waterfall, and fossils in the rock walls. Thrillseekers can even book a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the area.

At the Nordegg Museum, you can learn the history of the village, which started as a coal mining settlement and experienced many disasters over the years. A local canteen sells provisions and serves up regional delicacies like poutine and local craft brews. Order beforehand and they’ll pack you a picnic lunch for your next adventure.

Nordegg is almost equal distance from Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Driving time from Calgary is about three hours, and from Edmonton, about two hours and 45 minutes. You’ll want a car to explore the area effectively; rentals are available at both airports. Nordegg has no public transit options. Highway 11 is the only major thoroughfare in the region, and it is well maintained year-round. Just be sure your rental vehicle has snow tires if you visit in the winter months.

In spring, temperatures tend to be cold and potentially rainy but comfortable for outdoor activities as long as you’re prepared with waterproof clothing. Summer is hot and sunny, and can be busy on the trails and lakes. Things start to cool down come September, and by November, the daily highs are chilly. Winter sees lots of snow and temperatures that can fall to single digits Fahrenheit; this is the time to enjoy snowshoeing and winter hikes. Don’t forget to grab your camera and travel to one of many vantage points on Abraham Lake to view the famous ice bubbles. In any season, you can simply admire the view from one of Nordegg’s many rental cabins.

Crescent Falls

About 30 minutes southwest of Nordegg on the Bighorn River, Crescent Falls is not one but two waterfalls that plunge 90 feet to the river. You’ll find various platforms for observing the falls, as well as a canyon to explore in this provincial park. The site is equally impressive in the winter months, when you may be lucky enough to see the falls entirely frozen.

Siffleur Falls

Forty-five minutes’ drive from Nordegg, Siffleur Falls boasts three spectacular waterfalls carving through a narrow channel of rock. Getting here is half the fun: You’ll cross a long narrow suspension bridge over Siffleur River, then follow the boardwalk as it winds through a magnificent canyon until you reach the forested trail. Cross the river twice, then gently ascend to the viewing points.

Nordegg Museum

Housed in the town’s former school, this museum offers a window into the town’s founding in 1907, following the discovery of coal in the area. You’ll learn how it grew as a planned community of 2,500 residents and flourished until a devastating explosion in 1941.