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Walk a frozen creek through narrow limestone walls, see thousand-year-old rock art, and watch icefalls tower above on this guided 2.6-mile winter hike near Canmore. Small groups and provided ice cleats make it accessible for many travelers.
Walk a frozen creek through narrow limestone walls, see thousand-year-old rock art, and watch icefalls tower above on this guided 2.6-mile winter hike near Canmore. Small groups and provided ice cleats make it accessible for many travelers.
You step onto glassed river ice and the canyon narrows around you—walls of limestone and sandstone rising, streaked with mineral veins and curtains of blue ice that catch the light.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Discover Banff Tours · Canmore, Alberta
You step onto glassed river ice and the canyon narrows around you—walls of limestone and sandstone rising, streaked with mineral veins and curtains of blue ice that catch the light.
Guided small-group leaders thread the route, explaining ancient Indigenous rock art etched into the canyon walls and the glacial forces that carved the slot. The creek bed walk is intimate: you move through a sculpted corridor where water once rushed in spring floods and now, in winter, forms hanging icefalls that sometimes host climbers testing the frozen routes.
Geology is obvious here—layered Paleozoic limestone folded and faulted into ribs and pockets; erosional alcoves hold petroglyphs dated over a thousand years old. The guide will point out cultural context and encourage respectful viewing rather than touching the art.
In practical terms the tour is 2.6 miles round-trip with about 330 feet of ascent and 2–2.5 hours on the ice. The operator supplies ice cleats and a hiking pole, and hands out hot chocolate and a maple cookie at the end. Minimum age is eight; groups are capped at 12 for a personalized pace.
Dress like you would for a day on the slopes—insulated, waterproof boots, mittens, and layered outerwear. Expect short bursts of focused walking on uneven, slippery surfaces; bring a filled water bottle and let your guide know of any mobility limits. Sign the required waiver and arrive at the designated public-bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel to join the group.
This is a down-to-earth, sensory winter hike—part geology lesson, part cultural visit, all carved in ice and stone.
Minimum age is 8; children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult and a guardian must complete the waiver.
Yes—ice cleats and a hiking pole are included in the tour price and fit before departure.
Dress in ski wear: insulated waterproof boots, mittens, warm hat, layered clothing and a windproof outer layer; guides recommend avoiding cotton.
The operator may cancel for unsafe ice or extreme conditions; full refund is offered if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour.
Discover Banff Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step onto glassed river ice and the canyon narrows around you—walls of limestone and sandstone rising, streaked with mineral veins and curtains of blue ice that catch the light.
You step onto glassed river ice and the canyon narrows around you—walls of limestone and sandstone rising, streaked with mineral veins and curtains of blue ice that catch the light.
Guided small-group leaders thread the route, explaining ancient Indigenous rock art etched into the canyon walls and the glacial forces that carved the slot. The creek bed walk is intimate: you move through a sculpted corridor where water once rushed in spring floods and now, in winter, forms hanging icefalls that sometimes host climbers testing the frozen routes.
Geology is obvious here—layered Paleozoic limestone folded and faulted into ribs and pockets; erosional alcoves hold petroglyphs dated over a thousand years old. The guide will point out cultural context and encourage respectful viewing rather than touching the art.
In practical terms the tour is 2.6 miles round-trip with about 330 feet of ascent and 2–2.5 hours on the ice. The operator supplies ice cleats and a hiking pole, and hands out hot chocolate and a maple cookie at the end. Minimum age is eight; groups are capped at 12 for a personalized pace.
Dress like you would for a day on the slopes—insulated, waterproof boots, mittens, and layered outerwear. Expect short bursts of focused walking on uneven, slippery surfaces; bring a filled water bottle and let your guide know of any mobility limits. Sign the required waiver and arrive at the designated public-bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel to join the group.
This is a down-to-earth, sensory winter hike—part geology lesson, part cultural visit, all carved in ice and stone.