Possibly one of the most spectacular hikes in the Rockies, with close-up views of numerous glaciers, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada (Takakkaw Falls), peaks of mountains, and much more.
Probably called Iceline because is follows the lower edge of several (unfortunately fast-receding) glaciers in Yoho NP, you will get great views of Takakkaw Falls, the Daly Glacier above it that feeds it and the Yoho River, and great views of numerous other glaciers.
A must-do trail, which can only be done in summer and early fall as the access road gets closed when the snows come.
The GPS data for this trail is for a day hike, along the main trail starting near Takakkaw Falls, and goes 6.6 k in each direction to the Iceline Summit. Overnighters can continue to either Little Yoho Campground (10.4 k) or the Stanley Mitchell hut (of Alpine Club of Canada - contact them for details and reservations) (10.7 k).
To Iceline Summit, keep right at all junctions, except the junction to Celeste Lake, where you continue straight ahead (it's at 5.7 k, just before the summit).
Directions:
From Banff or Lake Louise, drive west on Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) into BC to the turn north to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park. (You will need to purchase or have an appropriate National Parks pass.) The parking area at the end of the road to Takakkaw Falls is 13.3 km north from Highway 1. (The turn to Takakkaw Falls is 3.6 km east of Field, B.C. (The turn is approximately 60 km east of Golden, B.C. and about 205 km east of Revelstoke, B.C., both of which are located on Highway 1)
Parking for the Iceline trail is in the Takakkaw Falls parking area (51.497255 N; 116.483012 W). It is a flat walk of about ½ km to the trailhead adjacent to the Whiskey Jack Hostel, located on the west side of the road into Takakkaw Falls. You will pass by it on the way to the parking area. There is no parking allowed at the hostel other than for its patrons.
