Ghost Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located on the Ghost Lake Reservoir near the Transalta Dam of the Bow River (originally built in 1929), the beach is rocky and the water deepens very quickly. Since the lake is fed by the bow river and situated only a few kilometres from the Rocky Mountains, the water is very cold.

Ghost Lake is about 45 minutes from Calgary, and the beach location offers spectacular views of the Rockies. Options for camping and boat rentals are available at Ghost Lake Recreation Inc. in the marina on the other side of the Bow Valley Trail, where the denuded campground is located. There is a boat launch and pier right beside the beach; be aware that water levels can change quickly and the water is cold year round.

The lake gets its name from Indigenous stories of a ghost that prowled the nearby Ghost River which flows into the east side of the lake. (https://www.cottageclub.ca/history)

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Ghost Lake Provincial Recreation Area Beach and 8,000 other beaches.