8 dreamy Alberta swimming spots to check out this summer, from hidden gems to sandy shores
Things are starting to heat up, which means we need places to cool off. There's a ton of scenic swimming spots in Alberta to do just that, offering everything from crystal-clear waters and bright blue hues, to sandy shores and mountain views.
If you know where to look you can find some hidden gems tucked away in the forest or nestled in the mountains, making for a perfect summer adventure.
If you want to swim with a view, head to these eight swimming spots in Alberta this summer.
Horseshoe Lake
This swimming hole is like a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its bright water is enclosed by towering trees and scenic mountains.
To get to this spot isn't that hard, luckily. It's set just off of the Icefields Parkway in Jasper, and you'll follow a short 1.6-kilometre trail, which takes around 25 minutes total, according to Hike Jasper. While it's a bit of an adventure, it adds to the beauty and peacefulness of this lake.
Everything from the drive there to the emerald green water makes this place one of the most beautiful summer adventures around.
Castle Falls
This hidden gem is about two and a half hours away from Calgary, but well-worth the journey there. It's actually a river, and a swim here is set to the soundtrack of the little waterfall that cascades down the rocks.
It's set within Castle Provincial Park and is surrounded by the lush forest and tranquil nature. After taking a dip you can lay out on the rocks along the shore, soaking in the summer sun.
There's also a campsite here that you can book, if you want to extend the trip for a while.
Quarry Lake
This stunning spot is just an hour's drive from Calgary, making it an easy day trip on a summer afternoon. The lake has clear water and mountains wrapping around it. People often bring paddle boards here to get out onto the lake, or you can dive right in to the cool water.
This place is close to Canmore, so if you want an extended getaway you can stay in the little mountain town. It's a great option if you want the classic mountain views of the area, without the busyness of other nearby hot-spots like Banff.
Sylvan Lake
This is actually a whole town, but is the perfect place to go for a swimming-filled day trip. It's just an hour and a half from Calgary and has all the beach town vibes you could want. The lake here is the big draw, and ideal for swimming, boating, paddle boarding or kayaking.
After a day of enjoying the water you can stroll along the lakefront walkway, explore the quaint town, or just keep laying out on the sandy beach.
Lake Annette
This picture-perfect lake is near the town of Jasper, so if you're making a little trip to the area it's a must-see spot. It's the scene that comes to mind when you think of a mountain lake — idyllic, bright blue, and surrounded by jagged peaks.
There's a hike that goes around the shoreline of the lake so if you feel like a little workout you can explore it, working up a bit of a sweat before diving into the cool water here.
Cascade Ponds
Set on the outskirts of the town of Banff are these scenic ponds, located right off the highway. Here you can jump into the mirror-lake water, with the reflection of the towering mountains on the surface. While it's not toasty warm, the water here is warmer than other lakes you'll find around here.
There's also picnic tables, fire pits and public bathrooms here too, making it easy to change after a dip.
Johnson Lake
This is another lake near Banff, making for a fun stop on a trip. It's also known to be warmer than some of the other lakes in the area, which often have beautiful but chilly glacial water.
It's still just as stunning though, with the signature mountains of the area set alongside the shores and wildflowers blooming around the lake. A trail can loop you through the forest nearby, making a journey here that much more worth while.
Bring a floaty and spend an afternoon here relaxing out on the lake.
Sikome Lake
If you want a swimming spot that's right in Calgary, head to this lake with it's sandy beach.
It's perfect if you don't want to go far but you want to have some fun on a sunny day and go for a dip. The lake here is man-made beach, set within Fish Creek Provincial Park, and you'll need to buy a park pass to access it. A day pass for an adult is just $8 though.
Whether it's chilling on a shoreline in the city or going out for a road trip into the mountains, Alberta has lots of swimming spots to choose from to make your summer that much more fun.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
