The Glacier Trail from Takakkaw Falls

Park in the Takakkaw Falls car park, about 15 kilometres north of the town of Field (located on the Trans-Canada Highway).

(S/E) From the car park, head south on a paved road. After about 300 metres, leave this road and follow the access road on the left to the foot of the waterfall. Cross the bridge over the Yoho River and reach the foot of the waterfall (for safety reasons, do not venture beyond the path).

(1) Retrace your steps and turn left onto the path you left earlier. Cross another river and you will reach the access road to the car park.

(2) Cross the road and continue straight ahead on a small road leading to an inn. Shortly before the inn, leave the road and turn right onto the "Iceline Trail". Enter the forest and climb steadily up a series of switchbacks, heading generally south-west then west. At two forks, follow the path on the right. There are some beautiful views of Takakkaw Falls to the east.

(3) As you leave the forest, you will come out into a very rocky area. The trail, marked with cairns in places, heads northwest and gradually approaches the base of the glaciers that descend from the peaks on your left. Alternate between ascents and gentle descents as you cross moraine ridges and streams. You will come to a small lake (not named on the map).

(4) Continue north-west on the Iceline Trail, keep climbing and you will reach a larger lake (not marked on the map but clearly visible on the satellite photo).

(5) Leave the Iceline Trail (which goes around the lake on the right and then continues climbing northwest) and turn right (east then north) towards Celeste Lake. Descend slightly with a moraine ridge on your left. You will come out onto a grassy area near the forest and turn east. Enter the forest and then head north downhill to reach Celeste Lake.

(6) Go around the lake on the right and continue north-west downhill into the forest. Pass near a small lake then take a footbridge to cross the Little Yoho River. Climb up opposite and quickly find a path which is none other than the Iceline Trail.

(7) Continue east, descending into the forest and gradually turning north. At a junction, turn sharp right and continue downhill. Follow several switchbacks and come out onto a path coming from the left, near a waterfall.

(8) Follow the path on the right, pass a designated "wild" camping area and cross a bridge over the Little Yoho River. The rest of the route runs parallel to the Yoho River, at a varying distance depending on your location, heading south-southeast. Climb slightly, then continue on fairly flat ground through the woods. Begin the final descent. Cross a few streams and finish on a long flat section with the Takakkaw Falls gradually coming into view on your left. This will take you back to the car park (S/E).

Hiking boots and equipment (warm clothing, rain gear, sun protection, etc.) are essential. At the foot of the glaciers, you will cross several streams, but the water is not guaranteed to be drinkable: bring plenty of water with you.

Essential map: at least the one accompanying this description and, preferably, a Canadian map, purchased locally or from a specialist bookshop elsewhere. A compass is useful.

There are a few signposts along the route:
- From (S/E) to (5) and from (7) to (8), follow the Iceline Trail.
- From (5) to (7), follow the Celeste Lake Connector.
- From (8) to (S/E), follow the Yoho River Trail.

The hike is long and Takakkaw Falls is a popular tourist site accessible by car, so be sure to start early in the morning.

Hike completed by the author on 5 August 2014.

- Takakkaw Falls (1) and another spectacular waterfall at (8).
- From (3) to (5), you walk through a beautiful setting with a high mountain atmosphere provided by peaks rising to 3,000 metres and numerous glaciers.
- The unnamed lake (4), at the foot of the peaks and glaciers, is more suitable for a stop or a picnic than Celeste Lake (6) in the middle of the forest, where insects are in full swing in the summer.