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Winter visitors to the lower Rockies in Alberta, Canada, can enjoy a couple of opportunities to visit frozen canyons without having to strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes. In fact, no special skills other than the ability to walk about three miles are required to participate in what the locals call “ice walks.”
The hikes take place in ancient canyons carved by streams and rivers near Canmore, about 65 miles west of Calgary. A handful of outfitters offer daily hikes through Grotto Canyon. Walking on a frozen creek, guests wander past unusual rock formations, ancient petroglyphs and frozen waterfalls that have morphed into free-form ice sculptures.
Ski Holidays Canada offers three-hour tours at 9:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. The cost is about $70 for adults and $35 for children ages 8-12 and includes walking poles and cleats that fasten to guests’ boots, plus the obligatory hot chocolate.
Seventeen miles farther west along the TransCanada Highway, the town of Banff provides further opportunities to enjoy a winter hike through icebound Johnston Canyon, but without having to walk on the ice itself.
In this canyon, visitors hike on steel staircases and walkways secured to the rock walls as guides explain the various natural features, including towering icefalls.
Discover Banff Tours leads morning, afternoon and early evening hikes. They’re priced at $65.10 for adults and $42 for children.
Ice walkers are urged to dress warmly, in much the same way they would take to the slopes. That means winter parkas, hats, gloves and suitable footwear.
Further information on this outdoor adventure is also available from Travel Alberta, the provincial government’s official site.
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