Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff

Overview

Available languages

Chinese

Cantonese

English

French

Spanish

Mobile ticket

Discover the natural wonders just beyond Canmore and Banff, where every stop offers a new story and unforgettable views. The journey begins with Grassi Lake, a hidden gem tucked in the forest. In the warmer months, its crystal-clear turquoise waters sparkle under the sun, while in winter, the lake transforms into a quiet frozen scene, surrounded by snow-dusted evergreens and dramatic mountain peaks.

Nearby, Grotto Canyon offers a completely different kind of adventure — walk through towering rock walls where ancient pictographs still whisper stories of the past. In winter, the frozen creek becomes a natural ice path, leading you past hanging icicles and frozen waterfalls; in summer, it’s a peaceful trail lined with flowing water and striking stone formations.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All pick-up times and locations are fixed. Please carefully review the pick-up detail and choose the location that best suits you. If you have any special requests, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.

This is a local bus tour, and you will join the tour with other travelers locally. If you would like a private tour, please contact us directly.

If there are not enough participants for a tour in your selected language, we will contact you to discuss joining a tour in another language.

If the minimum number of participants is not met, we reserves the right to cancel your booking or change the tour date. We will contact you prior to the departure to inform you of any changes.

Total tour duration includes travel time

We will send a reminder the day before your tour. Please be sure to check your email or messages.

Due to the unpredictable road conditions and weather, the itinerary may be subject to adjustments. We will inform you of any changes to the itinerary the day before the tour.

Kindly let us know if you'll be bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller, or anything that may require extra storage space, as there may be an additional charge.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff

Crampons

Air-conditioned vehicle

Tour Guide

All meals

All personal expenses including activities and travel insurance

Gratuities for guide CAD$15/head

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Grotto Canyon

Grotto Canyon is a stunning natural attraction near Canmore, Alberta. Known for its unique rock formations, the canyon features impressive limestone cliffs, ancient Indigenous pictographs, and a scenic creek that freezes in winter, creating an ideal spot for ice walks. The trail through the canyon offers a peaceful and adventurous experience, making it a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers year-round.

2 hours • Admission Included

Grassi Lakes

Famous for their crystal-clear, vibrant turquoise waters and panoramic views of the Bow Valley. In winter, the lakes and surrounding area take on a serene, magical quality, with snow blanketing the trails and cliffs. The frozen lakes create a stunning backdrop for winter photography, and the area is also popular with ice climbers. It's a tranquil winter escape, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Banff

Banff poickup from: Banff Caribou Lodge
Pickup included

Canmore

Canmore pickup from: Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore)
Pickup included

Calgary

Calgary pickup from: Calgary Downtown Delta Hotel by Marriott
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Totally recommendable 2
carolinaaZ1107FD,
May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Once again, my experience today was completely AMAZING. William does everything possible to make you feel good and enjoy the tour... In two days, I knew many beautiful places and incredible landscapes. :)
Awesome Tour with Banff Journey!
H1533TUangelae,
May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This trip with Banff Journey was amazing! Our tour guide, William, was so knowledgeable, flexible and made my tour so memorable.
Unique Experience
Haley E,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I highly recommend this tour as it provides 3 unique experiences from a winter canyon walk, to a beautiful Canadian lake, to the charm of Banff Town. Grotto Canyon Ice Walk (winter only) – Great tour/hike in the Grotto Canyon! Beautiful photo opportunities along the hike. I appreciate how safety is a priority. Crampons and hiking sticks (on request) are provided so travelers don’t slip on the snow/ice. As a solo female traveler I also appreciate how friendly and helpful the tour guides are. They are always offering to take everyone’s photo and are helping those that may need a little extra help on the hike. Grassi Lake – Beautiful turquoise waters with sooo many photo opportunities! Once you reach the top, you’re able to walk around the lake giving beautiful angles and views of the lake. Banff – The tour guides gave us the option of seeing the Banff Gondola or spending time in Banff Town. As I was staying in Banff, I appreciated the flexibility. William truly goes above and beyond. He took us to Banff Town and other less traveled scenic spots. I felt as if I was getting the local experience making this tour one of the most memorable tours I’ve been on.
Grotto canyon ice walk
AbdulrahmanMans,
Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an amzaing experience, totally recommend to do during winter time if you have time. Deprture was from our stay in Calgary, we were provided with newded equipment. We were accompanied by tour guide. We reallybenjoyed the ice walking experience on the grotto canyon. We visited lakel lous Iouise and banff town too and we were dropped back to Calgary.