This magical canyon hike is only 10 minutes from a famous Alberta mountain town

When temperatures drop, Wild Rose Country comes to life, and Grotto Canyon just outside Canmore, Alberta, is a wonderland in the winter.

While it’s beautiful all year round, the ice and snow gives adventure-seekers an opportunity to explore more, and this season is the perfect time to check it out.

What to expect at Grotto Canyon

Located just 10 minutes from Canmore, this exciting trail is even ‘cooler’ when it’s fully frozen over — especially if you’ve got eagle eyes!

Before starting your engine, check for any advisories, dress in warm clothing, and wear weather-appropriate footwear. You’re in for a frosty Journey.

The trail can be reached from the Grotto Mountain day-use parking lot, then once there, you’ll have to walk about a kilometre to get to the narrow-walled creek bed.

Through smooth limestone walls, which will get steeper and steeper along the way, you’ll also see Inuksuks, trees, and (if you’re lucky) wildlife—but that’s not all!

The highlight of the hike is the icy waterfall, just right of the fork in the creek bed.

While it’s incredible in its own right, just to the left of the falls hikers will also see Hopi Pictographs.

According to Explore Canmore, these images were painted between 500 and 1,000 years ago, so please be respectful and refrain from touching them.

Feel free to take photos and enjoy, then visit again for a totally different experience in the summertime!

Stay safe and watch your step.

It really is a spectacular place, Alberta, and you won’t want to miss it.

Grotto Canyon – near Canmore, Alberta

Where: Grotto Canyon Trail Parking Lot, Bighorn No. 8, AB

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