Grotto Canyon: Icewalk tour with guide & pickup

Summary

Step onto the frozen creek in Grotto Canyon for a real winter walk

You’ll walk right on the frozen creek bed through Grotto Canyon with a local guide, passing ancient rock art and watching ice climbers tackle frozen waterfalls. Warm up with maple cookies and hot chocolate mid-tour before heading back—these are moments you’ll remember long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch — not snow, but that weird hollow sound your boots make when you step straight onto frozen water. We’d just clipped on our ice cleats (I fumbled mine, of course) and followed our guide into the narrow start of Grotto Canyon. The walls rose up fast on both sides, streaked with old mineral lines and patches of snow clinging wherever they could. There was this sharp smell in the air — pine mixed with something colder, almost metallic. Our group shuffled along quietly at first, everyone listening to their own footsteps echoing off the rock.

I didn’t expect to see ancient pictographs here. Our guide stopped us by this faded patch of ochre-red shapes on the canyon wall — over a thousand years old, apparently. He told us about the people who painted them, and I tried to imagine what it would’ve felt like standing here back then. Someone behind me whispered “wow” under their breath. The sun hit the ice just right and everything glowed blue for a second. Then we turned a corner and there were these wild icicles hanging down like teeth — some climbers were actually scaling one of the bigger falls while we watched. It looked impossible but also kind of peaceful.

Halfway through, my toes started to go numb (should’ve worn thicker socks), but then our guide handed out maple cookies and poured hot chocolate from a thermos that steamed up my glasses. I don’t know if it was just relief or what, but that snack tasted better than any café pastry I’ve had lately. The whole walk took about two hours — maybe a bit more because we kept stopping to stare at things or ask questions about rocks (I still can’t remember half those geology facts). On the way back I caught myself walking slower, not really wanting it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grotto Canyon Icewalk Experience

• Hike on frozen creek bed
• View unusual rock formations
• See ancient native rock art
• Observe spectacular icefalls
• Learn history and geology from guide
• Watch ice climbers on frozen waterfalls

Top questions

How long is the Grotto Canyon Icewalk tour?

The walk covers 2–2.5 hours over 2.6 miles (4.2 km) round trip.

Is pickup included for the Grotto Canyon Icewalk?

Yes, pickup is included from the public bus parking behind Mount Royal Hotel.

What should I wear for the Grotto Canyon Icewalk?

You should dress in ski wear including hats, mittens, and warm boots; a detailed list is provided after booking.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, maple cookies and hot chocolate are included as part of your experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 8 years; all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

Do I need special equipment for walking on ice?

No, ice cleats and hiking poles are provided by your guide at the start of the tour.

Can I use public transportation to reach the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from behind Mount Royal Hotel, all guiding services from a knowledgeable local expert, use of ice cleats and hiking poles so you can walk safely on the frozen creek bed, plus maple cookie snacks and hot chocolate served during a break in the canyon before heading back together.