Glacier-fed lakes are gorgeous, don’t get me wrong, but it’s always a win when you find a mountain spot in the summer where the weather is actually swimmable and not freezing the moment you step in.
Located just outside Coleman in southern Alberta, Chinook Lake is an artificial lake with calm, swimmable water and absolutely stunning mountain views.
A simple mountain escape
Chinook Lake sits about 8 kilometres west of Coleman and is part of the Chinook Provincial Recreation Area.
According to Alberta Parks, there are over 90 campsites with a mix of tents and RVs spread throughout the park, but even when the campground gets busy, the lake still feels quite peaceful.
Out on the lake, things stay calm with only non-motorized boating allowed, so you’ll usually see kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards moving across the lake.
During the summer months, swimming becomes an extremely popular activity. I visit this spot with my family each summer, and every visit, I’m still shocked by how warm the water gets. The temperature resembles the feeling of an indoor pool rather than a mountain lake, especially on hot summer days.
There’s a short 2.3-kilometre trail that takes you along the water, which is nice because you get different views of the lake the whole way around. And if you feel like that’s not enough, the trail also connects to longer hikes like Allison Creek Falls, but you can totally keep it simple and hang out by the water all day instead.
What to know before you go
If you’re planning a visit to the lake, there are a couple of things you’ll want to know before you head out.
Parking is pretty limited, and it fills up quickly when the weather is nice, so getting there earlier in the day is the easiest way to avoid the rush.
You’re more than welcome to bring your own kayaks, paddleboards, or anything else you’d want for a full day on the water. And it’s always a good idea to bring a lifejacket, as the water can deepen quite quickly in certain spots of the lake.
So if you’re ready to swim in a warm lake while being surrounded by mountain views, Chinook Lake definitely needs to be added to your list!
Chinook Lake
When: Open year-round
Time: Open 24 hours
Where: Drive 8 kilometres west of Coleman, Alta. on Highway 3, then go north on Allison Creek Road
Cost: Free
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