Day 7- Hiking in British Columbia Yoho National Park

Day 7- Hiking in British Columbia Yoho National Park

Today we drove to British Columbia and the Yoho National Park to hike one of the many trials available. A little history: the Yoho Valley wasn’t explored until 1897 when the German alpinist Jean Habel reached the valley from Emerald Lake via Yoho Pass. Habel reported on the valley’s exceptional features which included an impressive array of glaciated peaks, extensive icefields, and stunning waterfalls including the stunning 254-m Takakkaw Falls.

Edward Whymper, conqueror of Switzerland’s Matterhorn, explored the region for the Canandian Pacific Railway in 1901. Though he was 61 years old, he climbed and hiked throughout the Yoho Valley area, photographing all the major mountains and valleys. From his long experience in Europe, he saw the recreational potential of the Yoho and recommended the construction of several trails.

One of which is called the Iceline Trail¸ this is the one we chose to do. It was absolutely amazing! The only problem was at the start of the hike I experienced my worst nightmare the words “battery exhausted” on my camera and no backup. (lots of backup sitting in our condo) We ended up taking a few pictures on Steve’s cell phone but don’t have the means to transfer them to the blog at this time, so just a narrative at this time. I hope I do it justice. This trail was about an hour and a half from our condo in Canmore.

Our hike began just past the Takakkaw Falls (290 meter water freefall, one of the highest in Canada) through the campground to the Yoho River trail. We hiked along the river before heading up through the forest, passing the beautiful Laughing Falls. If we had the time we could have sat here all day watching the beautiful falls. From here we continued to climb until we met the junction of the Iceline trail passing numerous streams and waterfalls. This junction was at 6.7km. Before reaching the junction, we stopped for lunch before crossing a bridge over a tributary of the Yoho River. It was very a romantic, beautiful spot, very majestic. After lunch we continued to climb through the forest through wildflower meadows until we reached an open meadow and the views of incredible glaciers in front and to the side of us. A completely different terrain than where we have been so far. We arrive at the Iceline trail junction high on the open avalanche slopes of the Presidential Range. This is where the real glories of the Iceline begin as it climbs over the terminal and ground moraines of the Emerald and other Glaciers. The glaciers are a constant companion above the trail, with small waterfalls, and a few small ice breaks (avalanches) above us. Once through this area we begin our descent and can see the Takakkaw Falls in the distant. It was a beautiful hike and one we will never forget. Total kms traveled 17 (over 10 miles), elevation gain 2,250 ft, maximum elevation 7,250 ft. Time of hike including stops was 6 and a half hours.

p.s. Rene still worried about bears. We sang and went through the entire alphabet: Taking a hike: bringing A apple; B bear; C camera (with a fully charged battery); D dog (to protect us from the bear); E elephant (to make noise so the bear knows we’re coming); F Frank; G good and plenty’s; H Harry (a group of four is safer from bears than a group of two; I ibuprofen; etc, etc. You get the idea..