Banff: Grotto Canyon Icewalk
ID: GYG303298-530178
Category:
Country: Canada
Country: Canada
Duration: 04:00 hours
Description
Explore the icy beauty of Grotto Canyon as you hike on a frozen creek and explore surreal rock formations, spectacular icefalls and indigenous wall art on this small-group tour. This off-the-beaten-path tour is a local favorite that many visitors miss.
Enjoy the drive from Banff in a modern minibus after your friendly guide picks you up from the meeting point. You'll take the scenic drive to Grotto Canyon in Canmore, a local's secret. On arrival at the Grotto Canyon trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on ice cleats over your winter boots, as well as give you some tips on winter hiking.
From here, you'll start the moderate 2.1 kilometer hike along the frozen creek bed through the narrow canyon to the spectacular icefalls. Walk directly on the ice and on the creek bed floor for a unique view of the canyon.
Your guide will point out the stunted pine forest and hidden ancient native pictographs, which were likely created by Hopi visitors from the Arizona region. Learn more about First Nation history in the Bow Valley. Warm up with hot chocolate and maple cookie snack before hiking back.
Enjoy the drive from Banff in a modern minibus after your friendly guide picks you up from the meeting point. You'll take the scenic drive to Grotto Canyon in Canmore, a local's secret. On arrival at the Grotto Canyon trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on ice cleats over your winter boots, as well as give you some tips on winter hiking.
From here, you'll start the moderate 2.1 kilometer hike along the frozen creek bed through the narrow canyon to the spectacular icefalls. Walk directly on the ice and on the creek bed floor for a unique view of the canyon.
Your guide will point out the stunted pine forest and hidden ancient native pictographs, which were likely created by Hopi visitors from the Arizona region. Learn more about First Nation history in the Bow Valley. Warm up with hot chocolate and maple cookie snack before hiking back.
Highlights
- Hike through Grotto Canyon on a frozen creek bed as you look up at the canyon walls
- Your guide will point out the ancient native pictographs that are easily missed by the general public
- Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and maple cookies while you admire the spectacular icefalls
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• The minimum age for this tour is 8 years old
• Children aged 15 and under must have someone 18 years and older with them
• All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour, a waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18
• Guests should dress in winter clothing for this trip including a winter jacket, snow pants, hats, mittens, and waterproof winter boots
• In total this is a 4.2 kilometer hike with 100 meters of elevation gain, and is considered an easy hike
Wait at the public bus parking spot located behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 138 Banff Ave. You must be ready 5 minutes before the 8:12am pick-up time. - Specific hotel pick up and drop off - Please contact 403-760-5007 to request
• Children aged 15 and under must have someone 18 years and older with them
• All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour, a waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18
• Guests should dress in winter clothing for this trip including a winter jacket, snow pants, hats, mittens, and waterproof winter boots
• In total this is a 4.2 kilometer hike with 100 meters of elevation gain, and is considered an easy hike
Wait at the public bus parking spot located behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 138 Banff Ave. You must be ready 5 minutes before the 8:12am pick-up time. - Specific hotel pick up and drop off - Please contact 403-760-5007 to request
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.