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Pond Skating in Banff in November!
November 11, 2012
November in Banff means that it is pond skating time! That little window of time where it is cold enough for the lakes and rivers to freeze over, but there is not yet enough snowfall to cover the ice.
Real Banff’s Jeff and US travel blogger Benjamin Jenks take a look at some pond hockey on Johnson Lake, but first investigate the little known ‘Lemon Lake’-a short hike through the woods just off the Minnewanka Loop road.
Benjamin Jenks (left) and real Banff’s Jeff Mitchell get ready to lace ‘em up.
Pond Hockey at Johnson Lake!
Note-this video was shot in November 2011, but real Banff is investigating the ice conditions right now on these lakes-stay tuned for updates. It is always better to be on the safe side if you think the ice is too thin! For information on safe pond skating, please follow the Parks Canada safety suggestions.
Below is a map showing the two lakes from the video, both a little detour off of the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. It’s the Minnewanka if driving on the TransCanada Highway #1. Some of the other popular spots to skate on a lake are: Cascade Ponds, Vermillion Lakes, & Lake Louise.
How do you find Lemon Lake? I’ve done the loop road a dozen times but am not familiar with this lake. Thanks.
It’s hidden in the woods off of the Minnewanka loop, and there is no marked trail that I saw. We used google earth to guide us-it’s only a few minutes walk once you reach the bushes. You can see the lake pretty clearly on google earth.
fun! I can’t wait to get skating oduroots . it’s been colder than -40 with the windchill for the last couple weeks hoping to see some nicer winter weather soon!!! great pics
Great post – Looks like you had a faantstic trip to Alberta and the Canadian Rockies! Hope you can come back soon.
Are the ponds open for skating yet? (2012)
They are. The window for pond skating closes quickly though! A couple more big snowfalls and you will have to be shoveling space to skate:)