Wapta Ice Adventure

Description: A beautiful loop on dirt trails and centuries old glacier ice, connecting alpine lakes, breathtaking views. No previous glacier experience needed.

This trip starts on the shores of Bow Lake with a flat 2 km warm up before gently ascending on a well groomed trail through old moraines and the rugged landscape left behind from the receding glaciers of Banff National Park.  7km and 400m elevation gain brings us to the Bow Hut, situated at 2350m near the toe of the Bow Glacier.  From here we ascend under Nicholas Peak into the alpine environment on easy rock slabs to the onion skin which offers breathtaking views in all directions.  On go the Micro-spikes as we head out onto the blue ice of the Wapta Ice Fields with a pleasant climb up to Thompson/Rhonda col at 2650m.  Its all down hill as the water flows now past the Peyto Hut until we run out of ice and take back to the trail through the majestic landscape of rock and waterfalls.  The adventure does not end here though, in 2012 the bridge near Peyto Lake washed away leaving us with wet feet as we ascend back up to the Peyto Lake parking area.

Is this for you

  • Adventurous spirit

  • Comfortable running on uneven terrain

  • Able to run with a small running pack

  • Avid trail runner looking for an adventure

IMG_6961.jpg

Gear requirements

  • Running pack

  • Trail Running shoes

  • light rain jacket

  • Compact warm jacket (puffy)

  • Gloves

  • Change of socks

  • Sun Glasses

  • Capacity to carry 1L water (lots on trip)

  • Micro-spikes

Please Note:  This trip is condition and weather dependent.