The Iceline hike in Yoho National Park in Canada is a dream tour with lake, mountain and glacier panoramas and almost an insider tip.
The Iceline is one of my favorite hikes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Yoho National Park in British Columbia is (apart from Emerald Lake) much quieter and more relaxed than its famous neighbour in Banff. Nevertheless, it offers one of the most beautiful hikes in the Rocky Mountains of Canada with the Iceline Trail. Even the campsite at Takkakaw Waterfalls, the second highest waterfall in Canada, is spectacular. It is fed by the meltwater of the Daly Glacier, which is part of the Waputik Icefields, which also includes seven other glaciers. So there is enough ice for the Iceline. The trail mostly runs above the tree line and offers a clear view of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and mountains.
Key facts about hiking the Iceline Trail in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
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Walking time : 6:15 h
Altitude : 720 m up and down
Length : 17.1 km
Accessible by public transport? The tour cannot be reached by public transport.
Directions: From the Trans-Canada Highway 1 near Field take the small road towards Takkakaw Falls
GPS data: I have uploaded the GPS data for the hike to the Outdoor Active website
Starting point: parking lot at Takkakaw Falls
End point: parking lot at Takkakaw Falls
Safety note: Canada is a bear country. In my blog post " Safe hiking and camping in bear country Canada " you will find tips on how to avoid the bear and how to behave if you do encounter him.
Equipment: I recommend hiking boots for this hike, as you have to cross a few streams. Hiking poles can also be helpful here. Rain gear, warm clothing and bear spray are a must in Canada.
Click on the first picture to start the photo gallery:
Further information and links: On the Parcs Canada website you will find all the information you need for Yoho National Park.
ENTRANCE NATIONAL PARK
The national parks in Canada charge admission. Each day costs $10.50. If you stay longer or want to visit several national parks, the Parcs Canada Discovery Pass for $72.25, valid for one year at all Parcs Canada facilities.
Directions:
From the Takkakaw Falls car park we follow the path south to the waterfalls. There we do not go left over the bridge to the waterfalls, but follow the hiking trail to the right, which crosses the access road after 800 m. The path leads 2.5 km uphill through a small forest, sometimes steeply. Between the trees we keep glimpsing the waterfall. After about 3 km we reach the tree line and hike along the mountainside to the north. The Emerald Glacier towers above us, which we can admire up close, and on the other side of the valley we see the Daly Glacier, which feeds the Takkakaw Falls. The path continues slightly uphill over several small streams to a glacial lake, which we leave to the left. After 6.5 km we come to a crossroads, to the left it continues to the Iceline Summit and the Stanley Mitchell Alpine Hut, to the right the well-signposted path leads to Celeste Lake, which we reach after 2.5 km of descent. Turquoise blue and lonely, it lies between slender conifers and invites you to take a break. After 1.5 km we reach a crossroads where we turn right towards Laughing Falls. We follow the Little Yoho Valley Trail 2 km downstream to the waterfalls, the Yoho River and the Laughing Falls Campground. The last 4 km lead relatively flat along the river back to the Takkakaw Falls parking lot.
INFO
All information on the Parks Canada website is available in English and French.
GETTING THERE
There are several scheduled flights from Germany to Vancouver or Calgary every day. An electronic travel document (eTa) is required to enter Canada.
The easiest way to continue your journey is by rental car, e.g. via www.billiger-mietwagen.de
BEST TIME
The best time to hike in the Rocky Mountains is from early July to September. Depending on the altitude, however, you can expect snow even in summer.
LITERATURE
Canadian Rocky Mountains by Rother Verlag, edition 2023
ACCOMMODATION
The campground at Takkakaw Falls is one of the most beautiful I've ever been to. Some sites have a direct view of the waterfall. There are only simple pit toilets and bear boxes. It's a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. Handcarts make it easy to transport equipment. The campground allocates pitches on a first come, first served basis.
CARDS
If you would like a detailed hiking map in addition to the Parks Canada maps, you can order a waterproof and tear-resistant hiking map for the region from Gem Trek or buy one locally.
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