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Two short but distinct hikes in one day: turquoise Grassi Lakes’ panoramic viewpoints and the narrow, pictograph-lined walls of Grotto Canyon. This full-day trip from Banff or Canmore includes winter icewalks with crampons and easy-to-moderate hiking suitable for most travelers.
Two short but distinct hikes in one day: turquoise Grassi Lakes’ panoramic viewpoints and the narrow, pictograph-lined walls of Grotto Canyon. This full-day trip from Banff or Canmore includes winter icewalks with crampons and easy-to-moderate hiking suitable for most travelers.
You step off the van into a cold, clear air that pushes your breath into small clouds. Forest trails lead to Grassi Lakes, where turquoise water sits like a polished stone below limestone cliffs; later the canyon’s narrow walls squeeze sunlight into ribbons and the creek dares you to follow its frozen path in winter.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Banff Journey · Canmore, Alberta
You step off the van into a cold, clear air that pushes your breath into small clouds. Forest trails lead to Grassi Lakes, where turquoise water sits like a polished stone below limestone cliffs; later the canyon’s narrow walls squeeze sunlight into ribbons and the creek dares you to follow its frozen path in winter.
The area sits on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies where sedimentary limestone and dolomite were compressed and folded over millions of years. Indigenous people left pictographs in Grotto Canyon — quietly human marks on ancient stone — and the Bow Valley’s history is threaded with ranching, mining and early trailblazers who first mapped these routes.
Expect two contrasting short hikes: Grassi Lakes is a roughly 4 km loop with 150–250 m of elevation gain on well-built switchbacks or a steeper scrambly alternate; Grotto Canyon is a 3–4 km out-and-back through a creek bed and narrow limestone walls with uneven footing and pictographs to spot on the way. In winter the canyon becomes an icewalk, and operators provide crampons and guidance.
Practical guidance: wear stiff-soled boots, layer for sharp valley sun and cold winds, and bring water and sunscreen even on short outings. Photography windows are best mid-morning for lake color, late afternoon for canyon light. Trails are popular—start early to avoid crowds and always follow posted signs; stay off pictographs and pack out waste. The tour’s full-day schedule includes travel time from Banff or Canmore and a town lunch break.
Both routes are generally short but variable: Grassi Lakes is mostly well-graded with a short climb, while Grotto Canyon has uneven footing and short scrambles—suitable for most active travelers.
Yes; the canyon becomes an icewalk and guides provide crampons. Expect colder temps and icy surfaces—dress warmly and follow guide instructions.
Pictographs are visible from the trail in Grotto Canyon but should be admired from a distance — do not touch or climb on the rock art.
Yes, the tour includes fixed pickup points in Calgary, Canmore and Banff—confirm your pickup location when booking.
Banff Journey operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the van into a cold, clear air that pushes your breath into small clouds. Forest trails lead to Grassi Lakes, where turquoise water sits like a polished stone below limestone cliffs; later the canyon’s narrow walls squeeze sunlight into ribbons and the creek dares you to follow its frozen path in winter.
You step off the van into a cold, clear air that pushes your breath into small clouds. Forest trails lead to Grassi Lakes, where turquoise water sits like a polished stone below limestone cliffs; later the canyon’s narrow walls squeeze sunlight into ribbons and the creek dares you to follow its frozen path in winter.
The area sits on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies where sedimentary limestone and dolomite were compressed and folded over millions of years. Indigenous people left pictographs in Grotto Canyon — quietly human marks on ancient stone — and the Bow Valley’s history is threaded with ranching, mining and early trailblazers who first mapped these routes.
Expect two contrasting short hikes: Grassi Lakes is a roughly 4 km loop with 150–250 m of elevation gain on well-built switchbacks or a steeper scrambly alternate; Grotto Canyon is a 3–4 km out-and-back through a creek bed and narrow limestone walls with uneven footing and pictographs to spot on the way. In winter the canyon becomes an icewalk, and operators provide crampons and guidance.
Practical guidance: wear stiff-soled boots, layer for sharp valley sun and cold winds, and bring water and sunscreen even on short outings. Photography windows are best mid-morning for lake color, late afternoon for canyon light. Trails are popular—start early to avoid crowds and always follow posted signs; stay off pictographs and pack out waste. The tour’s full-day schedule includes travel time from Banff or Canmore and a town lunch break.