This is a lovely spot to take in some of the beautiful views Banff National Park has to offer. is available for Bow Valley residents only. Bring boots to walk back or stay close to your starting point. Located east of the town of Banff, off the Lake Minnewanka Road, Johnson Lake is a popular skating area. While this is not a maintained rink, an oval might be cleared for skating on the river just west of Bow Avenue. Ice may be thinner at the west end of Johnson Lake near the foot bridge where a stream exits the reservoir. Take in the amazing views with a picnic beside the lake, or grab lunch after your Lake Minnewanka Cruise. This usually happens in November, but variable winter weather can make a big difference. Read more. At night it is very difficult to see open holes in the ice. There is often thinner ice on the north and east edges of the pond where streams enter and exit the pond – use caution. The lake is 21 kilometres (13 miles) long and 142 metres (466 feet) deep. Sometimes you can skate all the way down the lake, other times you can only skate in the first bay, and other times you have to hike a ways down the lake to find skateable ice. Skate at your own risk. Johnson Lake, another lake found on the Lake Minnewanka Road, is usually one of the first lakes that freezes over enough for people to wild ice skate on. Kick your legs to try to get your body into a horizontal position. Outdoor ice skating is a popular activity in the park. Bring something to reach or throw to the person (e.g. Continue kicking your legs, and crawl onto the ice. Loon Lake. Ice skate rentals are available in town. The Low Down: 30km long and up to 140m deep, Lake Minnewanka offers the opportunity for a truly epic ice skating experience. The natural valley creates a bottleneck for winds which like Abraham Lake creates hard ice that is often snow-free. Being 21km long, you’ll have your own slice of (parad)ice to enjoy. Turn yourself toward shore so you are looking at where you entered onto the ice. Signal for help. Parks Canada added the recommended minimum thickness for ice skating is 15 centimetres, or six inches, of solid ice. The lake often does not freeze until late in the winter and can be very windy. Many environmental factors affect the thickness of the ice. Banff High School field in downtown Banff, Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre (indoor skating), Waldhaus Rink in the Spray Meadow behind the Banff Springs Hotel (December to March), In front of Chateau Lake Louise (November to April), The Lake Louise Recreation Centre, located on Village Road (covered outdoor hockey and ice skating rink). January is often the ideal time to try skating at Lake Minnewanka or Abraham Lake, for example. White opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. Be aware that some areas on the lake have some thin sections and some open water. This is another popular lake for skating off the Lake Minnewanka Road. Vermilion Lakes. Carrying some rope to help reach someone, and ice picks to help pull yourself out. There are several places to skate in Banff, from our stunning recreation centre, The Fenlands, to man-made and natural outdoor rinks, all with uniquely spectacular vistas. Resist the immediate urge to climb back out where you fell in. Despite its intensity, those that are lucky enough to catch a good ice skating day on this haunting and historic glacial lake will certainly enjoy a unique and magical experience. Lake Minnewanka is 28 km in length so ice skating would be an awesome treat. We’re sorry for that dad joke, but we’re not sorry for … Lake Minnewanka is up to 140m deep (there’s an entire town down there!) Accessible from the Vermilion Lakes Drive, these lakes are near the town of Banff, just west of Mt. Call for help. Went skating on Lake Minnewanka’s black ice. Being 21km long, you’ll have your own slice of (parad)ice to enjoy. vampycat74 wrote a review Nov 2020. pole, weighted rope, line or tree branch). UPDATE: As of November 7th, 2020, Lake Minnewanka is completely open water and not ready for ice skating. According to the government agency, three of the skaters were able to self-rescue, while one required a rescue response. Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake five kilometers (three miles) from the town of Banff. This Banff Winter Skating Engagement at Lake Minnewanka was such a fun way to enjoy the cold winter weather. Opaque ice is formed by wet snow freezing on the ice. Read more. At Third Vermilion Lake, avoid the area east of the dock. You have to skate out a bit to get to the smooth ice but it is worth it. The perfect solution to a light afternoon craving after a day of exploring. The lake is 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and 142 meters (466 feet) deep. 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