When photographer Paul Zizka set off to skate the length of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, he knew it would be a great day out no matter what he found. For one, skating is an exhilarating way to access the backcountry. It requires perfect conditions: thick enough ice and a smooth, snow-free surface. When the conditions aligned on that frigid January day, it would make for a memorable outing, covering about 30 miles round-trip on the frozen lake. For a few weeks every winter, Banff’s largest lake turns into one of the world’s finest ice rinks. Laurel Carlton enjoys a skate at Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park. Toward the far end of Minnewanka, he stopped in his tracks, astounded. A...