MichelleLooking for a magical winter hike near Canmore that combines adventure, natural beauty, and even ancient history? Grotto Canyon Icefall in Kananaskis Country during winter is an unforgettable experience that will leave you awestruck. With frozen waterfalls, towering canyon walls, and ancient Indigenous pictographs, this icy trail offers a surreal walk through a frozen world. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a traveler seeking a unique winter activity, Grotto Canyon is one of Alberta’s best winter hikes—and it’s just a short drive from Calgary or Canmore.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Kananaskis Conservation Pass is compulsory visiting Kananaskis Country. You can purchase online beforehand, or purchase the pass when you visit Kananaskis.
You can be warned or even be fined if you did not purchase Kananaskis Conservation Pass when visiting Kananaskis.
Overview of Grotto Canyon Icefall
Grotto Canyon offers a truly unique winter hike. Instead of trekking on a dirt path, you’ll walk directly on a frozen creek bed, through a narrow slot canyon surrounded by towering limestone walls. The hike leads to two stunning frozen waterfalls that draw ice climbers and photographers from all over.
- Distance: 4 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 100 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Grotto Canyon Trail Parking Lot
How to get to Grotto Canyon Hike Parking
The Grotto Canyon trailhead is conveniently located just off Highway 1A, about 10 minutes from Canmore and roughly an hour from Calgary. Take Highway 1A and park at the Grotto Canyon Trail Parking Lot. This is one of the popular hikes near Calgary, easily accessible, so the parking lot can be full even in winter.
Parking Info:
- The trailhead is located at the Grotto Mountain Day Use Area.
- The lot can fill up on weekends, especially when conditions are good for ice climbing or photography.
- Winter road conditions vary—ensure your vehicle is equipped for snowy or icy roads.
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for parking and can be purchased online.
Pro tip: There are basic restrooms (pit toilets) at the trailhead, but no water or facilities—come prepared.
The Grotto canyon trail head begins near the information sign. It is a rather narrow trailhead, which is in the middle of the parking lot.
Trail Description
Begin with the Gravel Path
Right when you enter the trailhead, you will see a wooden board mentioning the history of Grotto Creek Trail. This Grotto Creek is believed to have 500-1000 years history.
As you leave the parking lot, the trail starts with a short, tree-lined walk that brings you past a working Bayer chemical plant. Don’t worry—it’s only a brief section before you enter the heart of Grotto Canyon.
After passing the narrow gravel road, you will encountrer a folk in the road. When we went there, we could not see any sign showing which way to go. Fortunately, we saw hikers coming back, so we just chose the road they were from.
We later found out both roads actually go the same way!!
You will see a few more folks in the road. Just like I mentioned, they all go the same way, so you can go any routes you want.
At this point, you will get closer to the nearby factory. It could be a bit noisy, this part of the trail is less entertaining.
After passing the factory, you will see a sign showing you to turn right to reach Grotto Creek Canyon.
The gravel path ends here, where a broader area appears. The sign show you to turn left to Grotto Canyon.
You can’t resist taking a break here for the beautiful scenery. The day I went there was super windy, windproof jacket would definitely help.
Starting the Ice Walk
After taking gorgeous photos at the scenic spots, you will walk down to the creek bed and start the Grotto Canyon Icewalk. During colder months, the water freezes solid, creating a natural ice path right through the canyon. This is where the real magic begins.
There is only one short steep slope before the Icewalk, so the Grotto Canyon hike is generally an easy hike.
Once you start walking on the Grotto Canyon Icewalk, you will see both sides turn slowerly from forest to towering limestone.
These walls narrow progressively as you go further, creating a dramatic corridor that amplifies the winter experience.
This part is probably a rock climbing location, you can see the left side of the wall is attached with some rock climbing bolt hangers.
Look closely at the canyon walls on your left side, about halfway into the canyon—you’ll see faint red ochre markings, painted by First Nations peoples centuries ago. Unfortunately, we were not able to spot it.
Arriving Grotto Canyon Ice Fall
We finally arrived Grotto Canyon Ice Falls after an hour. It’s really a huge limestone wall! You can see how small Evan is compared to the gigantic rock!
The Grotto Canyon Icefall already melted some part of it because of the weather is getting warmer. Maybe we should come visit Grotto Canyon next time in a cooler weather and see a larger icefall.
You can reach a larger icefall turning right of the main fall. We tried but did not make it there because it’s too steep and icy. But we saw some climbers were doing ice climbing! It looks really cool, we want to try ice climbing in the future!
Most hikers turn back after the main fall, we did as well. But some people said you can walk further more to reach a tiny cave. We would definitely try that next time! If you have tried that, tell us the way!
History of Grotto Canyon
One of the most remarkable and humbling features of Grotto Canyon is its ancient Indigenous pictographs, painted in red ochre along the canyon walls. These artworks are believed to be between 500 and 1,000 years old, possibly even older, and they serve as a rare and powerful reminder of the deep cultural and spiritual history of the area.
The canyon lies on the traditional lands of the Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, and Tsuut’ina Nations, as well as the Métis people. For centuries, these Indigenous groups have traveled through, hunted in, and found spiritual connection within this landscape.
As you hike through the canyon, keep an eye out for these pictographs on your left-hand side about halfway through the canyon, just before you reach the falls. They are faint but visible—figures that look like humans, animals, and symbols. The exact meanings remain open to interpretation, but they likely held spiritual or ceremonial significance.
Essential Gear
Winter hiking brings a new set of requirements—especially on a trail made entirely of ice. Here’s what you’ll want to pack for a successful Grotto Canyon hike:
Insulated winter boots
Waterproof and warm with good ankle support.
Microspikes
These are absolutely critical. Walking on ice without them is dangerous.
Trekking poles
Optional, but helpful for balance.
It is also essential to wear UV-blocking sunglasses for bright conditions where sun reflects off snow and ice.
Best Time to Visit
Grotto Canyon is best experienced in the deep winter months, when the creek is fully frozen and safe to walk on.
Ideal Timeframe:
- Mid-December to mid-March offers the most reliable conditions.
- Always check trail reports for ice thickness and weather warnings.
Why Winter is Best:
- The creek bed becomes a walkable ice trail.
- Frozen waterfalls create stunning natural ice sculptures.
- Fewer crowds than summer.
- A unique chance to explore the canyon from a completely different perspective.
Avoid visiting in early winter or spring thaw when the ice might be unstable or partially melted. Safety first!
Pets and Kids-Friendly?
Yes, Grotto Canyon is suitable for both pets and children, with the right preparation. While the trail is relatively short and manageable, winter conditions can pose unique challenges that require a little extra caution.
For Kids
Grotto Canyon is a great winter outing for adventurous families. Kids often love the novelty of walking on a frozen creek and seeing massive icefalls up close. The gentle gradient of the canyon makes it doable for children who are comfortable on icy surfaces.
Equip them with kids-sized microspikes, slipping on the ice is no joke!
For Pets
Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be leashed. The ice can be slick for paws, and if it’s especially cold, your furry friend might need dog booties for traction and warmth.
Both kids and pets can thrive on this hike with a bit of extra preparation and supervision. Grotto Canyon in winter is an unforgettable memory-maker for the whole family.
Nearby Adventure
Grotto Canyon is just one piece of a winter adventure paradise in the Kananaskis-Canmore area. If you’ve made the trip, it’s worth exploring these other gems nearby:
1. Grassi Lakes Trail (Winter Option): Just 15 minutes away, this short hike leads to turquoise lakes nestled beneath towering cliffs. In winter, it’s a bit icy but still stunning—bring spikes.
2. Canmore Nordic Centre: Less than 20 minutes from the trailhead, this world-class center offers cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing trails. Rentals are available onsite.
3. Cougar Creek Trail: This less-trafficked trail just outside Canmore follows a wide creek bed through rugged terrain. Great for a peaceful snowshoe trek.
4. Ice Climbing Tours: If watching climbers at Grotto Falls has you curious, companies like Yamnuska Mountain Adventures offer introductory ice climbing lessons nearby.
5. Explore Downtown Canmore: Cap off your adventure with a stroll through Canmore’s quaint downtown. Grab a cozy coffee at Eclipse or enjoy apres-hike eats at The Grizzly Paw.
Accommodations
Grotto Canyon is located next to Lac Des Arcs, which is close to Canmore Town and Dead Man’s Flats. The following are the suggested accommodations:
| Accommodation | Type | Amenities | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Malcolm Hotel | Luxury Hotel | Outdoor pool, mountain views, upscale dining | $$$$$ |
| Stoneridge Mountain Resort | Condo Resort | Full kitchens, heated pool, sauna, spacious suites | $$$$ |
| Blackstone Mountain Lodge By Clique | Luxury Resort | Outdoor hot tubs, fitness center, pet-friendly | $$$ |
| Spring Creek Vacations | Condo Rentals | Modern designs, great for families, central location | $$$$$ |
| Canmore Downtown Hostel | Budget Hostel | Shared kitchen, dormitory and private rooms | $ |
| Banff Gate Mountain Resort | Mountain Cabins | Full kitchens, great for groups and families | $$ |
FAQs
Is it safe to hike Grotto Canyon in winter?
Yes, but only with proper gear. Microspikes or ice cleats are essential for walking on the frozen creek. Always check trail and weather conditions before you go.
How long does it take to hike Grotto Canyon Icefall?
Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours for the round-trip hike, depending on pace and how often you stop to explore or take photos.
Can I see the waterfalls frozen in winter?
Yes! That’s one of the main highlights. The waterfalls freeze into dramatic blue-white ice walls, often used by ice climbers.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome. Just make sure they have good traction and stay close by in the icy terrain.
Do I need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass?
Yes. All vehicles parked in Kananaskis Country, including Grotto Canyon’s trailhead, require a valid Conservation Pass, available online.
Time for Adventure
