Is Ghost Lake Really Haunted?

Ghost Lake can be found right beside the town of Cochrane on Highway 1A, but is it really haunted? Are there ghosts in this lake and is it safe to swim in? Of course it's safe! The lake was actually created in 1929 when a dam was built where the Ghost and the Bow River meet. It was originally known as Dead Man's Lake due to a legend of a ghost that was haunting the lake and the area.

According to local lore, this ghost would prowl the valley by the river and collect the skulls of Blackfoot natives who lost in battle with Cree warriors. 1873, these lands were settled by John McDougall a reverend who eventually established a cattle ranch and mission near present day Morley, and soon after the Hudson Bay Company would establish a trading post in the area, as well.

However, regardless of the stories, there are no ghosts to be found in the lake—that we know of, at least.

The Ghost Dam

The dam was built to provide Alberta with hydroelectric power, and it is still in use today. Since its first construction, it has been redeveloped and has become a picturesque part of the area. This damming created Ghost Lake by altering the water flow from both rivers.

The ingenuity of designers and engineers came to the rescue when Albertans were facing a power generation crisis. They found a solution in hydroelectricity, which at the time was far more cost efficient than coal power generation. Upon its completion, the Ghost Facility's transmission lines were extended to Edmonton and was vital to the region's electrical system.

It's a Windy Lake Made for Year Round Recreation

Today, this area has become a top spot for recreation all year long. Be prepared to experience some wind, and strong ones at that, by the lake. It's the perfect place for windsurfing and sailing as the breeze funnels through the narrow valley providing a steady stream of brisk winds. During the summer people gather at the lake to enjoy a picnic, camping, kayaking, canoeing, jet boating, bird watching, fishing and water skiing.

During the winter, Ghost Lake's ideal positioning at the edge of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the views from the lake are simply breathtaking. It is a wonderful place that accommodates ice skaters and boarders, ice fishing, ice boating and other sporting endeavors. Of course, during the breezy nights a ghostly sounding howl seems to rumble through the recreation area.

Bring Along Your Fishing Rod

The fishing is fantastic at Ghost Lake with an abundance of rainbow trout, bass, brown trout, cutthroat trout, lake whitefish and mountain whitefish. If you're lucky you may also end up with a lake trout or a rainbow trout biting on your line. As mentioned earlier Ghost Lake fishing is very popular during all seasons, as there are 11 indigenous species swimming in these waters year round.

Cochrane is a great town to live in with many residents congregating at the lake every weekend to meet up with friends and family. Here you can enjoy a leisurely day by the lake or engage in some adventurous water sports. The wind itself is something to experience but you don't have to worry—Ghost Lake really isn't haunted! Or is it?