Canadian Pond Hockey at Its Best

Is there anything more quintessentially Canada than pond hockey?

I've heard it said that we aren't truly Canadian unless we've strapped on some skates, grabbed a stick, and puck-handled our way across a frozen lake or pond. During any given winter day in this country, people of all ages are lacing up and stepping out onto frozen ponds and lakes to enjoy our nation's greatest backyard pastime.

Sometimes, it can look like this:

Shoot out. Canadian style. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

In the Rockies, lake skating usually has a short window. You need a quick freeze and clear skies so that the snow doesn't fall and cover the ice. Usually, this occurs in late fall, but at times the wind blows strongly enough to clear the natural rinks of snow. I've enjoyed some incredible skating even in the month of February. Early in the season, you might see fish swimming below the ice as you skate above them!

But let's go back to pond hockey. I grew up playing hockey, and it's hard to shake the excitement of heading out on the ice, stick in hand, to shoot a few pucks around. Having the chance to capture pond hockey in a way that melds the majesty of the mountain with my own style of shooting is particularly gratifying as a photographer.

Some images are pre-visualized, such as the shoot-out at Lake Louise, and others are captured in the moment. But one of the best things about winter in these parts is that there is no shortage of lakes to photograph or skate on when conditions are prime. Besides Vermilion Lakes and Lake Louise, there is also a plethora of photographic (and skating!) opportunities at Minnewanka, Barrier, Two Jack, Kananaskis, Spray Lake, and Moraine Lake. If you're looking for bubbles, you're most likely to find them at Lake Minnewanka, Spray Lakes, and Abraham Lake.

---

If you're interested in the locations mentioned in this article, check out Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise Edition).

---

I also highly recommend checking out the lakes at night. There is something otherworldly and dreamy about gliding along the smooth surface of a lake in the quiet darkness of the evening. The cool air and the silence get the blood pumping and the creative juices flowing, which is a good thing because it can get chilly standing still for photos!

Who knows, maybe Santa will come by to get in on the action...

It also goes without saying: Be safe, and always test the ice before getting into it! Hope to see you out on the lakes this winter!

All of these images are available for purchase as Limited-Edition Prints in a variety of sizes and formats. Place a custom order here!

Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise Edition)

I have spent the better part of the past 15 years exploring the Canadian Rockies. This has amounted to countless days and nights seeing what’s around the bend, bushwhacking, walking up creeks, and following my nose. Originally, I didn’t explore with the purpose of sharing information. I simply enjoyed being curious in the mountains. Most of the time, the camera stayed in the bag, until I finally bought my first DSLR in 2007.

Over the years, I pulled the camera out more often, and eventually launched into photography as a profession. I also gathered a great deal of information, and thought it would be a shame not to make that information available to others so that they can enjoy and photograph some of those special places. After all, I find it immensely rewarding whenever I get to play a small part in getting people out exploring and connecting with their creative side.

So, after many months of work, I'm excited to announce this ebook:

Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise Edition

Maximize your time and shoot like a local! In this 130-page opinionated guide, seasoned Rockies photographer Paul Zizka gives the inside scoop on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise. Discover his top picks for subjects that are photogenic, inspiring and filled with creative potential.

Special Features

* 60+ locations organized into regions:

1. In and Around Banff Town

2. Lake Minnewanka

3. Bow Valley Parkway

4. Banff to Lake Louise via HWY1

5. Lake Louise and Area 

• Year-round (four season) content with season-specific info for each location.

• All major day hikes between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise.

• The best spots to shoot aurora borealis, wildflowers and fall colours.

• Easy-to-use symbols to guide you through each location, as well as access to online map.

• Listing of resources, recommended books and apps for photographers.

• Printable Gear Checklist for Outdoor Photography.

• Suggested itineraries for 1 or 3 days in summer and winter.

© All contents copyright Paul Zizka and Meghan J. Ward, 2018.