While waterfalls have always been a big tourist draw. Taking them in during the frigid winter months is an entirely different experience. Take advantage of what's left of the winter season by heading outdoors to view one of Canada's many waterfalls in their breathtaking, icy state.
At the end of January, Will Gladd and Sarah Hueniken scaled the ice-covered Niagara Falls. Gladd, who completed the frigid climb in about an hour, called the ascent one of the "most beautiful things" he's ever seen.
But you don't have to be a climber to take in one of the country's many waterfalls. From Athabasca Falls in Alberta to Dickson Falls in New Brunswick, Canadians have many safe options to see a waterfalls from the roadside or trail.
For example, the famed Arrowhead Provincial Park in Ontario is best-known for its extensive outdoor skating trails, but the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails lead to an elegant frozen waterfall.
So hit the road and head to one of Canada’s many national and provincial parks to catch a glimpse of the frozen falls.
Athabasca Falls is pictured on Oct. 10, 2009. (Bastien Deceuninck / Flickr)
Montmorency Falls in Quebec is pictured on March 26, 2005. ( Pierre Phaneuf / Flickr)
Here are some tips to consider before planning your trip:
-Check your provincial parks website or the Parks Canada website to choose a park that's close to you. Local conservation authorities are another resource.
You can also consult this crowd-sourced map of Canada's falls that has been created in Google Maps.
-Make sure to call ahead to see if you can reach the falls, as many of the parks close access during the winter months. Also check for the park's opening hours and any entrance fees.
Parks Canada has created an online database, where users can easily get useful information about any of the national parks.
- Don't climb frozen falls without getting proper instruction first, says Nikolas MacLean from Mountain Equipment Co-op in Toronto. If you are interested in learning, check for local guide services that offer climbing courses.
-Consider buying or renting traction aides or cleats that attach to boots to help you on icy trails, MacLean said. Renting snowshoes is also an option.
-Don't forget to dress appropriately in layers that you can add or remove depending on your body temperature. Start with a base layer that keeps you dry as you move and sweat, then add an insulating layer that helps keep your body warm. Finally, add an outer shell that keeps you dry against wet weather conditions including snow and rain.
Also don’t forget winter accessories including a hat, mitts or gloves, and hiking boots or winter boots.
-Pack some healthy snacks and a thermos of water to keep you going on the trail. Also, don't forget to tell someone where you're heading, and don’t forget your camera.
-For those who prefer to use their smartphone cameras, update your photography apps to get the very best shot of the falls.
Photography apps have come a long way beyond Instagram, with several offering specialized features including several shooting modes and built-in editing. Here are a few to consider: Camera+, VSCO Cam, Snapseed and Camera Fv-5.
