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Hiking in Iceline Trail: trails, map and practical info

Kootenay Rockies • British Columbia

5.0 Appreciated by 28 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
11 km
Elevation
1,090 ft
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
2,210 ft

Tackle this 11.2 km hard trail in Yoho National Park near Field, BC, gaining 690 m over 4h30. The Iceline Trail stands apart for its dramatic variety—from thundering waterfalls through alpine terrain where active glaciers dominate the horizon, all in a single day.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Iceline Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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The Iceline Trail delivers some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Yoho National Park, taking you on an 11.2-kilometer journey one-way (20.8 km return trip) through dramatically changing landscapes. This challenging hike gains 690 meters of elevation as it winds from thundering waterfalls through ancient forests to high alpine terrain where glaciers dominate the horizon.

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Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Iceline Trail, British Columbia V0A 1G0, Canada
GPS coordinates
51.5097741, -116.523968
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The iceline trail is located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. The closest town is Field, British Columbia, which is about a one-hour drive from the trailhead.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
51.5097741, -116.523968
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

5.0
24 Reviews
M
Marcus
Oct 15, 2025
This trail delivers stunning alpine scenery with challenging terrain that demands respect. The loose scree sections require careful navigation and solid footwork. Weather can shift rapidly—we experienced an unexpected snow shower in early October. While the fall foliage was beautiful, some waterfalls had reduced flow. The sustained climbing is demanding and requires good physical conditioning.
M
Mike
Oct 8, 2025
Gorgeous trail but more demanding than expected with loose scree sections requiring careful attention. Weather changed rapidly and we encountered a brief snow shower which is typical for early October. Fall colors were beautiful though many waterfalls had reduced flow. The technical aspects and sustained climbing definitely require good fitness and proper preparation.
J
Jennifer
Sep 22, 2025
An absolutely breathtaking alpine experience with spectacular glacier views that justify the effort. The 690m elevation gain is substantial but achievable with proper preparation. Starting early helped us avoid crowds and capture excellent photography. The ice formations and cascading waterfalls throughout the route are remarkable. Despite park fees and the drive from Field, this hike ranks among the most rewarding in the Canadian Rockies.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
This trail offers stunning glacier views but comes with significant challenges. The loose scree sections demand careful attention and proper footwork. We encountered rapidly changing weather conditions with an unexpected snow shower, which is typical for this elevation. The autumn colors were beautiful, though some waterfalls had reduced flow. The sustained 690m climb requires good fitness levels and the technical terrain is more demanding than many expect.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
This trail offers incredible glacier views and fascinating moraine landscapes that are truly unique. The 690m elevation gain is definitely challenging but totally manageable for those with decent fitness. Started early to beat the crowds and had perfect lighting for photography. The ice formations and waterfalls throughout the hike are absolutely spectacular and make every step worthwhile.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
1090.00 m
2210.00 m
4h30
No
No
The Iceline Trail is 11.2 km long and typically takes about 4h30 to complete. This is a substantial day hike that requires proper planning and preparation.
No, the Iceline Trail is rated as hard difficulty and is not suitable for beginners. The trail requires good physical fitness due to its challenging terrain and significant elevation gain.
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Update : June 2026