Alberta is a hot spot for wild ice and here’s where to find it

Have you heard the term “wild ice” before? It’s a bit of a lifestyle here in Alberta, and there are even groups of skaters who spend their time chasing it down in the winter months. You can find them frolicking in Facebook groups posting updates about weather conditions, and also out on the ice, skating solo against a backdrop of bare wilderness.

If you’re looking for a taste of your own outdoor “wild ice,” we are in the heart of it here in Alberta. There are plenty of outdoor skating options, and many with scenic mountain views known the world around.

While skating on outdoor ice is a one-of-a-kind experience, it can be dangerous without the proper precautions. Here are all the best places to find wild ice in Alberta, and how to hit the ice safely.

Testing the ice

Before you go skating outdoors just anywhere, it’s important to assess the risk. Skating on any outdoor ice can be dangerous, especially if the conditions aren’t right. You’ll want to check the ice quality before you get started — clear ice, also known as black or blue ice, is the strongest form of ice. Bubbles or cracks in the ice can indicate lapses in ice thickness, so be careful where you step.

Unsupported ice can be difficult to assess, but it occurs on natural lakes. If ice has collapsed or sloped down from the shore, it’s not safe to skate on. Here you can read up on ice thickness and take the recommended safety precautions before you get started.

Facebook groups are also a great way to stay informed on ice conditions, as users often post updates on outdoor conditions in real time. It might be a good idea to browse a few before you set foot on the ice.

Gap Lake

This beautiful spot boasts blue skies and glowing mountain views, just 40 minutes from Cochrane. High winds at this location have blown the snow off the top layer of ice, leaving a pristine, glass-like surface. The ice is usually nice and thick by mid-December, making this a picture-perfect wild ice destination.

Where: Bighorn No. 8, Alta.

Abraham Lake

This exceptionally beautiful man-made lake in Banff National Park has a quirk that’s beloved by photographers and nature lovers alike: these turquoise waters fill with bubbles. The ice traps methane gas that rises from the bottom of the lake, creating bubble formations that are seriously captivating. Skating on top of the lake, you can see all the bubbles underneath for yourself. It’s definitely a bucket list skate!

Where: Clearwater County, Alta.

Sylvan Lake

Alberta’s only small town with a lighthouse has a lake that freezes over in winter, and it’s a fantastic spot to skate that’s not too far from Calgary.

Where: Sylvan Lake, Alta

Lake Minnewanka

This beloved spot in Banff National Park is a scenic favourite for outdoor hockey, though it tends to not freeze over completely until late January.

Where: Banff National Park, Improvement District No. 9, Alta.

Two Jack Lake

Kiddy-corner to Lake Minnewanka is Two Jack Lake, a popular spot for skating with a glass-like surface that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard.

Where: Improvement District No. 9, Alta.

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