Open Creek Dam Spring, Rimbey, Alberta, Canada

## Overview Open Creek Dam Spring is a natural spring located within the Open Creek Campground, roughly 32 kilometers west of the town of Rimbey in central Alberta, Canada. The spring flows continuously from a metal pipe and is housed beneath a cistern, providing cool, refreshing water year-round. While the spring is primarily a feature of the campground — which is operated by the Rimbey Fish & Game Association — it is also accessible to the general public, though it sees relatively little use outside of regular campers. The water has not been officially tested or certified for drinking by any governing body. However, visitors who have conducted personal water quality tests report a total dissolved solids (TDS) reading of approximately 280 ppm, which falls within a range generally considered acceptable for freshwater springs. Historically, campers and locals have used the spring as a drinking water source, but anyone considering doing so should exercise their own judgment. It is worth noting that while there are fracking operations in the broader area, visitors have reported that these do not appear to affect the spring's water source. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Rimbey, Alberta**, head west on **Highway 53** for approximately **32 kilometers**. 2. Watch for a **blue sign** indicating the **Open Creek Dam Campground**. Turn **left** at this sign. 3. Take the **first left intersection** after turning off the highway. 4. Drive slowly along the campground road. The **cistern covering the spring** will be visible near the road. 5. You can drive most of the way, but expect a **short walk of a minute or two** from where you park to reach the spring itself. The address is **RR 55A, Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0, Canada**, and the GPS coordinates are **52.654541, -114.187332**. ## What to Expect The spring flows continuously through a metal tube into a small pool area, all sheltered by a cistern structure. For the best water quality, visitors recommend filling bottles and containers directly from the **flowing pipe** rather than from the standing pool that forms below it. The campground surrounding the spring is a pleasant spot for a family outing or a day trip with friends. The grounds are open from **7:00 AM to 11:00 PM**. If you need access outside of these hours, it's best to contact the **Rimbey Fish & Game Association** in advance. A few practical tips from past visitors: - **Bring rubber boots** — the area around the spring can be wet and muddy, especially when filling larger containers. - **Pack towels** to keep dry if you're handling water jugs or splashing around near the cistern. - The spring is accessible by car with only a very short walk required, making it suitable for visitors of most mobility levels. Open Creek Dam Spring is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path water source in a scenic campground setting — well worth a stop if you're exploring the Rimbey area of west-central Alberta.