Grotto Canyon Icewalk: hike frozen creek with guide

Walk the canyon floor on ice instead of the trail above it

Grotto Canyon Icewalk is a guided hike on a frozen creek bed through a narrow canyon, past unusual rock formations, ancient rock art and icefalls. The tour runs 2 to 2.5 hours of walking over 2.6 miles with 330 feet of elevation gain; groups stay under 12 guests per guide. Pickup from the public bus parking behind Mount Royal Hotel is included, along with ice cleats, hiking poles, a maple cookie snack and hot chocolate. Children from age 8 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

The Experience

What makes this different from a regular canyon hike is the surface itself—you're walking directly on the frozen creek bed instead of a trail cut into the rock above it. That puts you at eye level with the canyon walls and gives you a completely different angle on the geology. Your guide explains the rock formations and the history of the rock art, which is over a thousand years old, as you move through the narrow canyon. You might also see ice climbers scaling the frozen waterfalls that line the route.

The walk covers 2.6 miles with 330 feet of elevation gain over 2 to 2.5 hours. Ice cleats are provided so you can move safely on the frozen surface, and hiking poles help with balance on the ice. The group stays small—no more than 12 people per guide—which means the pace can adjust and you get room to ask questions. Pickup is arranged from the public bus parking behind Mount Royal Hotel, so you don't need your own transport to get to the trailhead.

You'll finish with hot chocolate and a maple cookie snack. Dress in ski wear including hats, mittens and warm boots; a detailed packing list comes with your voucher. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though the ice surface and the canyon's narrow sections mean you need to be comfortable with basic winter hiking. Children from age 8 can join when accompanied by someone 18 or older.

What’s included

• Pickup from the public bus parking behind Mount Royal Hotel.
• ice cleats and hiking poles.
• hot chocolate and a maple cookie snack.
• professional guide leading a small group of up to 12 guests.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Discover Banff Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide leading you across the frozen creek bed—their knowledge of safe footing and ice conditions is what makes the difference on tricky terrain, whereas a self-guided walk here requires experience reading winter conditions.

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Top questions

What is the rock art I'll see on the Grotto Canyon hike?

The rock art in Grotto Canyon is over a thousand years old and was created by Indigenous peoples. Your guide explains the history and the mystery of the markings as you walk past them on the canyon floor.

How slippery is the frozen creek, and will the ice cleats keep me safe?

Ice cleats are provided and are essential for walking safely on the frozen creek bed. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, which means the surface is manageable with proper footwear, though you do need to be comfortable moving on ice.

Can I bring my kids on this hike?

Children from age 8 can join the Grotto Canyon Icewalk when accompanied by an adult (someone 18 or older). The small group size and the guide's pace make it manageable for kids who are used to winter hiking.

How long is the actual walking, and how much elevation gain is there?

The Grotto Canyon hike covers 2.6 miles with 330 feet of elevation gain, and the walking time is 2 to 2.5 hours. The total tour time is about 4 hours including pickup, setup and the snack break at the end.

Will I see ice climbers on the frozen waterfalls?

You might have the unique opportunity to witness ice climbers scaling the frozen waterfalls that line Grotto Canyon, though it depends on the day and the conditions. Your guide will point them out if they're active during your hike.