Uncover the Magic of the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk
Uplevel your hiking in cold weather with ice hiking! The opportunity to walk on an ice flow is both a magical and unique experience, especially when done at night with a private guide. The Grotto Canyon Ice Walk is a great addition to your family’s winter vacation—you’ll be talking about this experience for years to come.
Grotto Canyon is located a 15-minute drive from Canmore and a 30-minute drive from Banff. The canyon is a relatively flat hike, which makes it suitable for most people hiking in cold weather. In the winter, the slow moving summer creek becomes a complete ice flow, with stunning frozen waterfalls at the end of the trail.
Hiring a Guide for Grotto Canyon Ice Walk
A private tour guarantees you see all the incredible views, without the stress of navigating the icy trails of Grotto Canyon on your own. Canadian Rockies Experience takes a Grotto Canyon Ice Walk to the next level, filled with delightful treats and customized tours during the day or at night.
A Guided Tour Experience
Your private guide will collect you and your group directly from your accommodations, so you don’t have to worry about directions. Get comfortable in our luxury SUV and relax with a selection of Canmore Teas and Eclipse Coffee, and fresh baked pastries from Le Fournil, one of the top bakeries in Canmore.
Explore the Intrigue of the Canyon
After a short drive with stunning views, your guide will provide equipment at the trailhead. High quality traction aids, hiking poles, backpacks, and hand and toe warmers ensure you’re ready for a great time on the slippery trails.
The first kilometer of the hike is a winding gravel path through a small, sunlit forest. The opening of the canyon gives way to awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, Bow River and Gap Lake.
Hidden along the path are 1,000-year-old pictographs that have stood the test of time. Your guide shares the secrets to their longevity, so you can imagine the artists who painted on the walls of the canyon so long ago.
Be Wowed by Frozen Waterfalls
Gaze up and be astounded by the sheer size of three frozen waterfalls hanging from the cliffs. With the right timing, you may get to watch in amazement as ice climbers test their skills, navigating to the top with ice picks and crampons.
Celebrate A Special Evening Under the Stars
Let headlamps and stars light the way! Evening ice walking allows you to explore the canyon from a new perspective, under the soft beam of your own headlamp Under the blanket of a star-studded night sky, headlamps light up every piece of ice, creating a mesmerizing glow as you stroll through the quiet canyon.
The darkness paired with decadent desserts and hot beverages is the perfect romantic evening. Soak up the magic and silence of the canyon to celebrate a loved one, and be sure to let us know so we can help make the evening unforgettable.
Make Your Vacation One to Remember with Ice Walking
Ice hiking through Grotto Canyon allows you to bask in the stunning history of the towering limestone walls. Book your all-inclusive, private Grotto Canyon Ice Walk tour with Canadian Rockies Experience to uncover all its secrets.