Chasing Wild Ice Skating in the Canadian Rockies

Picture yourself, skates on feet, gliding amid mesmerizing panoramic views. This unforgettable natural phenomenon happens in the early days of winter in the Canadian Rockies. Before the first snow flies, the picturesque mountain lakes sometimes become glass-like sheets of ice that perfectly reflect the natural splendour around them.

The clear ice even offers a rare glimpse into the depths and wonders below the lake surface. This breathtaking scene also signals peak season for wild ice skating.

What is wild ice skating, you ask? The definition can vary, but the simplest explanation is skating on a frozen lake – bonus points if it’s newly frozen before being covered by snow. It often means getting away from the roadside lakes – which can also offer exceptional skating opportunities all winter long – and discovering new ice to carve. The thrill of the chase is half the fun, as long as proper safety precautions are taken.

A short window of opportunity

Paul Zizka, a Banff-based award-winning photographer and avid wild ice skater, grew up chasing ice on ponds in Eastern Canada. When he moved to the Rockies 15 years ago, he soaked up wild ice skating knowledge from locals and has made it an annual tradition ever since.

“It’s that chase for the perfect ice, smooth ice, the crystal-clear ice we typically get earlier in the season. I think what makes it more special, in a way, is that it tends to be very short-lived,” he says. “When it does happen, it just feels like such a privilege to get out there. It’s precious and everyone tries to drop everything and go.”

Know when to go

Zizka’s best wild ice skating experiences have happened in November and December. The average window for the sport lasts only 10 to 14 days. The trifecta that creates perfect conditions are a three- to four-night cold snap, no wind and absolutely no snow. Leading up to the season, Zizka keeps a keen eye on live webcams around Banff (he recommends the Lake Louise cam) and hops in the car every couple of days to drive around Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake and Vermilion Lakes to see how conditions are progressing. He says the large lakes, like Lake Minnewanka, tend to freeze later, but their status is a good indicator for conditions at smaller lakes – particularly in the backcountry.

Larger lakes freezing later in the season is good news for wild ice skaters – and anyone interested in trying it – because it provides a second chance at that coveted glassy surface. January is often the ideal time to try skating at Lake Minnewanka or Abraham Lake, for example. You may even get lucky with a third window in mid-winter when the winds blow and clear the snow from the eastern-most lakes.

Make lifelong memories

"There’s an immense sense of freedom,” Zizka says of wild ice skating. “You can see the transformation in so many people, whether they’re advanced skaters or new… they just turn into five-year-olds for an hour. The energy’s so great.”

In addition to being a beautiful sport, Zizka views wild ice skating as a way to reconnect with nature, whether he’s skating across a well-loved lake or finding new places to explore on two blades. He’s seen people crawling along the ice on all fours, mesmerized at the natural bubble-like formations beneath the ice.

Each wild ice-skating season is memorable in its own way, but there is a stand-out moment for Zizka. He and some friends went skating at night on Two Jack Lake and were treated to a surreal experience.

“I recall a crystal-clear night with perfect, perfect ice and the stars being reflected all around us,” Zizka says. “We got a little bit of lighting on to get hockey going, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had out there.”

More Rocky Mountain skating

Even if you happen to miss the wild ice skating windows in the Canadian Rockies, there are still numerous places to skate all winter long. Below are a few suggestions to try. Remember that some of the surfaces are not maintained, and it’s important to check ice conditions before heading out. And, if you do try wild ice skating early in the season, bring a life jacket, bring a friend or two, learn to measure ice thickness and have a way to communicate for help in case of an emergency.

• Lake Louise is a magical place to visit in the winter. Rent skates from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise if you don’t have your own and skate on a historic icon of the Rockies.
• Vermilion Lakes, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka and Johnson Lake in Banff National Park are all great options if you’re looking for skating amid stunning winter scenery.
• The Bow River is one of the easiest ice-skating options to access from the town of Banff. An oval is often cleared on the river to allow for outdoor skating.

Be safe

Skating on frozen bodies of water can be dangerous. The Canadian Red Cross recommends ice be at least 15 cm (6 in) thick to carry a single person, and 20 cm (8 in) thick if more people are skating. Some wild ice skaters wear personal flotation devices while skating. Check with local authorities before skating.