Did you know that ‘ice pancakes’ are a thing? These rare ice formations have been seen in Ontario but they aren’t as tasty as they may sound.
Ontario comes alive in the winter, whether that be through its snowy landscapes, icy ponds or wild ice formations. We flock to our nearest parks just to catch a glimpse of stunning snowfall and to enjoy winter activities. Whether it’s the thrill of winter activities or the beauty of a fresh snowfall, there’s always a reason to step outside. Who knows, if you stay bundled up indoors, you might just miss nature’s coolest surprises.
First, we had ice volcanoes—now, say hello to ice pancakes.
What are ‘ice pancakes’?
Contrary to what you may be thinking, these so-called pancakes are not at all sweet like our favourite breakfast item. According to Ontario Parks, these are a rare find.
The temperature has to be just right and the wind must be at a minimum. These wonderful formations occur at the bottom of a “small set of rapids”, according to OP.
As a small piece of ice forms and as it keeps spinning in the current, it forms nearly perfect circles. Which in turn become, ‘ice pancakes’.
But there are other ways they can form! Ontario Parks shares that they can form when a large area of ice breaks apart and waves cause the pieces to rub together or even when the water is slushy and right at the freezing point – these waves can create a pancake-like shape.
Where can I find ice pancakes?
Since they’re rare, spotting them out in the water is not always promised. They’ve been seen at a few Ontario Parks like Arrowhead Provincial Park, Presqu’ile Provincial Park and Rondeau Provincial Park.
If you were to go out and look for them, you may have a better chance of seeing them anywhere along Ontario’s Great Lakes during freezing temperatures. It is important to note that if you do embark on that journey, make sure you are at a safe distance to avoid any accidents.
So the next time you’re outdoors or making a trip to visit Ontario’s longest outdoor man-made skating trail, keep your eyes peeled – you might just catch a glimpse of these cool formations. And no, they’re not meant for consumption.
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