Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake showing mountains, snow and a sunset
Visit this tranquil lake with its mysterious underground chasms, where the water seems to disappear by magic.

Medicine Lake is not quite all it seems. During the summer months, this relatively shallow body of water covers an area up to 9 kilometres long by 1 kilometre wide. Visit in the winter, and you may only find an expanse of mud with the occasional small pool. With no obvious exit channel, the mystery of the disappearing lake has puzzled everyone for centuries.

Biodegradable dye held the answer. In the 1970s, dye added to the lake’s water was traced to many surrounding rivers and lakes, suggesting the existence of a vast underground network of caves and channels. Medicine Lake was actually draining from the bottom, just like a bath. During the warm summer months, the flow from the melting glaciers fills the lake faster than it can empty. In the winter, it is the reverse. Medicine Lake is not a lake, but a sinking river.

Apart from this perplexing natural phenomenon, Medicine Lake and the surrounding area boast a rich and varied wildlife population. Look out for both grizzly and black bears, as well as moose, caribou and wolves, all frequently sighted here.

During the summer, the lake is home to surprising numbers of fish, including rainbow trout and brook trout. This is a hugely popular spot for fly fishing, or alternatively you can hire a boat and try your luck further out from the shore. Look out for the spectacular sight of the bald eagles and osprey that dive down to catch their dinner.

The Medicine Lake Provincial Recreation Area is perfect if you’re looking to set up camp and stay for a night or two. Sites are available both lakeside and sheltered within the wooded area. There are fire pits, and firewood is sold on site, perfect for dinner under the stars. If you’ve been lucky, this may even include your catch of fresh fish!

Medicine Lake is situated on the Icefields Parkway, 20 kilometres southeast of Jasper. Visit in the summer to see the water at its highest.

Popular places to visit


Top Medicine Lake Hotel Deals

Tonquin Inn
Tonquin Inn
3 out of 5
100 Juniper Avenue, Jasper, AB
Tonquin Inn
Forest Park Hotel
Forest Park Hotel
3.5 out of 5
76 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
4 out of 5
Old Lodge Road, Jasper, AB
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Chateau Jasper
Chateau Jasper
3 out of 5
96 Geikie Street, Jasper, AB
Chateau Jasper
Marmot Lodge
Marmot Lodge
2.5 out of 5
86 Connaught Drive, P.O. Box 1200, Jasper, AB
Marmot Lodge
Pine Bungalows
Pine Bungalows
4 out of 5
2 Cottonwood Creek Rd, Jasper, AB
Pine Bungalows
Lobstick Lodge
Lobstick Lodge
2.5 out of 5
94 Geikie St, Po Box 1200, Jasper, AB
Lobstick Lodge
Mount Robson Inn
Mount Robson Inn
2.5 out of 5
902 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
Mount Robson Inn
Maligne Lodge
Maligne Lodge
2.5 out of 5
912 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
Maligne Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.