Nestled in the space where the prairies meet the mountains, Ghost Lake serves as the perfect getaway for a day.
Mike Weinert, owner of Ghost Lake Recreations, has been running the marina and campground for 26 years.
“If you haven’t been to Ghost, then you really should,” Weinert said. “I hope people take advantage of this beautiful lake that is so close to Cochrane.”
Located 20 minutes west of Cochrane, Ghost Lake is a hidden gem in popularity each year, he said.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful spot to spend some time,” Weinert said.
The marina is bring your own boat and has space for 100 boats, 50 powerboats and 50 sailboats, and includes a free day-use area as well.
The campground has 80 sites all non-serviced. A night on the lake is $29 no reservations needed. Weinert noted that the campground does not have power sewer or water.
Weinert said some campers have been visiting the lake for more than 20 years.
“Once you discover it, you just keep coming back,” Weinert said. “It’s just basic camping, but I don’t think people mind because there coming here for the lake. It’s beautiful.”
The water is the perfect escape open to all types of boats.
“It’s great because it’s by the water,” Weinert said. “Everybody on a hot summer day wants to be near the water. There’s something soothing being by the water on a hot day.”
He added that it has great winds for sailing and the north side of lake is a great spot for wakeboarding and water skiing. Visitors can also try their hand at fishing.
Weinert said paddleboarding has been gaining popularity over the last couple of years and the sport has fast become a favourite activity of visitors.
The lake is divided into two separate areas creating great spaces for kayaking or paddleboarding, and another spot for those with a need for speed.
Weinert said visitors can spend the day on the water or the shore.
The picturesque sites make for the perfect view for those looking to hang out on the shore.
“You can always just sit on the shoreline and work on your suntan,” Weinert said with a chuckle. “It’s great for social distancing you can stay away from the crowds.”
Calgarian Jason Duncan visits the lake with his wife and two young boys any chance they get.
It is the perfect spot to stop for a lunch break, he said, because it lies between Cochrane and Canmore.
He enjoys that the lake is river fed, so the water is always changing and the views cannot be beaten. He added that it is great driving out on the 1A Highway because it serves as a chance to take in the sights between Cochrane and Canmore while enjoying a slower drive.
“You have a great backdrop of the mountains, but your at a transition point of leaving that area,” Duncan said.
It is easy to get to the lake, he said, because the boat launches provide easy access, although for the more rugged adventure they can escape down one of the bluffs.
“It is a dammed lake, so you just have to mindful of certain things from a safety perspective,” Duncan said. “It’s a long stretch, so there’s lots of space to enjoy without stepping on people’s toes.”
Cochranite Dianne Finlay said she visits the lake to go kayaking, or enjoy a day out with family and friends.
As an avid kayaker for years, she said Ghost Lake is the perfect location to visit because it’s close to Cochrane and the perfect spot to hit the water.
“You’ve got a view of the mountains, you have a nice little valley going in towards the mountains,” Finlay said. “It’s pretty calming.”
She added the western end of the lake is dog friendly. Finlay said she would take her golden retriever out so he could go for a swim.
Finlay said she recommends getting to the lake early to get a prime parking spot and make the most of the day out on the water. She added visitors can bring chairs, drinks and lunch to make a full day of visiting the lake.
She recommended that guests looking for a break from the water can hike along the shoreline for gorgeous views.
The massive space around the lake also makes it the perfect spot for practicing social distancing, she said.
Finley cautioned that while the water can be a little on the cold side, people seem to enjoy going for a dip. She added that it is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
“We just want to come out and enjoy the water,” Finlay said.
Summer Explorer is an in-paper feature section produced by the Rocky Mountain Outlook, Cochrane Eagle, Airdrie City View and Okotoks Western Wheel.
