Grotto Canyon Ice Walk

Scenery, Stories, Nature, Memories

Grotto Canyon Ice Walk

A walk back in time

GROTTO CANYON ICE WALK

Steep canyon walls, stunted forest, frozen waterfalls, and native artwork are a few of the highlights that make our Grotto canyon ice walk a must do for anyone visiting the Canmore area. Only a short hike in from the trail head, you enter a narrow canyon. Here, we strap on our ice cleats and make are way along the frozen creek and explore the frozen depths that lay ahead. Frozen Waterfalls, pictographs, hanging forests and of course opportunities to spot wildlife await us as your guide leads us on an epic adventure into one of the Bow Valleys hidden gems.

All our tours are led by professional guides that are trained in Wilderness first aid and interpretation. All trips include transportation from Canmore, hot drinks, tasty treats, ice cleats and poles.

Guides will meet guests at their accommodations prior to tour. We will make sure that all guests are appropriately dressed for the activity before we depart. We recommend that guests bring along some water, a small snack, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera

Details:	Distance: 4.2km (2.6 miles) Duration: 3.5 Hours round trip (2 – 2.5 hours at an easy pace on trail) Elevation Gain: 100m (328 ft) Washrooms: There are outhouses at the trailhead
Trip Includes:	Professional guide, transportation from Canmore, ice cleats, trekking poles, hot drink & tasty treat, $25.00 gift Card for the Iron Goat Pub and Grill
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Moderate Not suitable for children under 8 years old
Trip Prices:	$90.00 (Adult) $75.00 (Children 8 -12):
Departs:	8:30 am Thursday - Monday Dec 1st to March 30th

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"We wound our way through an icy canyon while hearing stories of the valley".

A big horn sheep on the cliffs above.

Deer family along the shore of the Bow River

Heavy duty ice cleats make travelling on the ice a breeze

The Canmore Raft Tours vanwith orange rafts in the background.

Sip hot chocolate and enjoy homemade treats while you take in our surroundings

While we can't guarantee it, our wilder friends often make an appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN DO YOU OPEN AND CLOSE YOUR SEASON?

We open December 1st and close April 15th. Our season is always subject to change due to snow volume and the Rocky Mountain weather.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

A 1-hour drive west of Calgary, Alberta - Canmore is located along the Trans-Canada on the East boundary of Banff National Park. We operate online though out the fall and winter months and bookings can be made via our website or by phone call. We have a seasonal kiosk that runs May 15th(ish) to the September Labour Day weekend.

IS THERE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THE TRAIL HEAD?

Yes. Our tours include transportation from Canmore. Guests are welcome to drive themselves to the trail head but require a Kananaskis Park Pass to park in the area. Please arrange with the office if you are driving yourselves to the trail head before the tour date.

ARE THERE RESTRICTION ON AGE AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES?

Yes. Guests must be in healthy shape and able to walk with snowshoes on though deep powder or hard packed conditions. Trails are easy for the most part but do have elevation gains and losses that include uneven terrain. Ages 8+, but exceptions can be made. Please call us (1-888-748-3770) if you would like to discuss the exceptions. All guests must wear appropriate clothing for cold wintery conditions.

CAN I WEAR MY OWN GEAR?

Yes, guests are required to wear the appropriate clothing, footwear, and outer layers for cold wintery environments. Please call the office if you have questions about what to wear.

DO WE NEED TO FILL OUT A WAIVER AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS WITH SNOWSHOING/ICEWALKS?

Yes, all guests must fill out a waiver. Although snowshoeing/ice walking are generally safe activities when with professionals, there are always risks involved. Hazards include but are not limited to: cold environments, snow, ice, uneven terrain, cold water, trees and rocks, wildlife encounters, slips that may cause injury, and sunburn. You can view our waiver here.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

Dress appropriate for the weather on the day you trip. Warm jacket or winter shell with proper under layers like fleece sweaters, merino wool underwear, wool socks, gloves, toque, hand warmers, snow pants. CRT will have a few rental items available for any forgotten or missing items. Please call or email the office for any questions on dressing for these activities.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO SNOWSHOEING/ICE WALKING?

December to April – Although most snow starts to fall in mid to late January, at higher elevations where most of our tours operate, we usually have enough snow by the end of November. Ice forms in the canyon by mid November allowing earlier access on most years for ice walks.

HOW LONG IS THE TRIP?

Our trips run about 4 hour from meet-up to drop off back in Canmore. Trips can be delayed for a variety of reason in winter so its best to keep a light schedule the date of your trip.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

Sometimes we deal with heavy winds, heavy snow falls, extreme cold, and other environmental situations. We operate until we feel its no longer safe to do so or the enjoyment factor of the experience is diminished. In those cases we will try and accommodate another time slot, credit or refund if necessary.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THE TOUR?

A tours maximum capacity is 12 people, plus guide. Minimum numbers 2-4.

CAN WE BRING A CAMERA/GOPRO; CAN I WEAR IT ON THE TRIP?

Yes, but Canmore Raft Tours does not take any responsibility for items lost or broken on any trip including cameras/GoPros.

IS SNOWSHOEING/ICE WALKING DANGEROUS?

With Canmore Raft Tours' activities, an element of risk is inherent & beyond human control; this is often what attracts people to the outdoors. Canmore Raft Tours spares no effort to ensure that you are aware of risks and hazards but cannot assume responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment.

HOW CAN WE BOOK?

We take bookings online. Just click on the book now button under the trip you wish to join and follow the instructions. You can also book by phone or make a reservation in person at our raft shack located downtown once it opens.

DO WE NEED TO RESERVE THE WHOLE TOUR?

No, you just book for the amount of people who wish to join; we will fill the rest of the trip with other guests.

CAN WE PAY CASH UPON ARRIVAL?

Not really. We require your reservation to be paid in full prior to your trip. Without full payment, we cannot hold the spots for you. Guides must be reserved for the day.

DO YOU GIVE REFUNDS?

Full refunds are given if a cancellation is received 48 hours prior to the trip date. The deposit is non-refundable within 48 hours of trip. If a booking is made the day of the trip, no refunds will be given. If the weather approaches extreme and safety is a concern, the trip will be reassessed, delayed, cancelled or re-scheduled. We live in the mountains where the weather can change in a moment, so decisions may be last minute.

Making a reservation is quick and easy! If you wish to view our waiver, cancellation policies and to answer any questions you may have before booking, please click on the tabs above! Use the booking tool below to select a date, enter your contact details and securely make payment. When you select the date, any tours available that day will show in the booking portal below. Example - Private tours are available starting June 1st, so it's visible at the moment, but as soon as you click July 1st on the booking tool, the regular Townie Tours become available to book. If you have any troubles or questions, don't hesitate to contact us. See you at the river!

Making a reservation is quick and easy! Use the booking tool below to select a date, enter your contact details and securely make payment. You'll receive a confirmation immediately and so will we. If you have any troubles or questions, don't hesitate to contact us. See you at the river!