Iceline Trail (Yoho National Park): Trail Report

Is there something about this trail or was there something about that day? Either way, it goes down as the best hike I’ve had all year. Between the wild weather, nice long stretch on the alpine, and utter feeling of peace looking out at the landscape…this was an incredible day.

Suggested Stops

What were we munching on while getting pelted by snow and rain? The Berry Bars from Trailhead Coffee of course! Their delicious berry bars quickly became a trail favourite. I mean, we already loved them for our Larch Valley hike. And when you’re riding out the weather (snow? ice? rain? maybe all of it?!) it’s nice to have a little pick-me-up like these. Post hike we headed over to Truffle Pigs in Field, BC. Field is a small, small town but it a) has a great visitors centre and b) has Truffle Pigs. Absolutely mouth watering gourmet food and a drink list that’ll peak your interest. It’s a popular spot in the summer months so check their hours and try to get there ahead of the dinner crowd.

Important Insights

Weather can change quickly and drastically, even during summer months. The parking for this hike is at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot. Simply follow the signage towards the trail head located at the Whiskey Jack Hostel parking lot. It’s a no brainer really, but avoid parking at the Whiskey Jack Hostel, that’s for guests. You’re about to hike a over 14kms, parking at the next lot over like you’re suppose to isn’t a big deal. The Takakkaw Falls parking does fill up during the summer months since the falls is a very accessible tourist attraction…plan accordingly. We arrived at 8am and there was still plenty of room. The trailhead is well marked at the Whiskey Jack Hostel parking lot and includes the trail map/updates/warnings.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ), Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Stoney, Tsuu T'ina, and Michif Piyii (Métis) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park is managed by Parks Canada.

GPS Coordinates

51.49079288501288, -116.48141207314757

Street Address

Yoho Valley Road, Field, British Columbia V0A 1G0

Directions

Only 30 min drive from Lakre Louise, drive on Hwy 1 towards Field following the signs for Takakkaw Falls. The drive up to the Takakkaw Falls parking lot include a few hairpin turns but otherwise an easy route. As Parks Canada states: “Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. RVs and trailers are not permitted due to steep switchbacks.”

Parking

Large parking lot at Takakkah Falls

Cell Reception

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

Jun - Oct

Trail Map

Available from the Parks Canada.

Trailhead

Located at HI Yoho National Park - Whiskey Jack

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

Elevation Gain (m)

864

Cell Reception

Features

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Trail Description

The tail itself is well defined and easy to follow through the wooded sections, once you’re pass the treeline however you have to pay a little more attention to see the trail. Once in the alpine, follow those cairns! It goes something like this; moderately steep switchbacks of dirt trails through lush woods followed by a dirt/rock trail filled with wildflowers once you break the treeline. Then the trail breaks towards trail left leading you with rock steps and a two foot wide rocky switchback trail. On the last switch back you’ll turn the corner to break into epic alpine views. Follow the cairns pass the mini stream to well defined path towards the lookout. The trail gives great views of Takakaw Falls throughout and the large glacier sitting above it the higher you ascend. Once you break the tree line you can look back to see and breathtaking views of the range across the way and Cathedral Mountain. The real beauty however is coming around that last corner and seeing Micheal Peak, The Vice President, and The President.

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Iceline Trail (Yoho National Park): Trail Report