Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Travelers will discover a charming mountain retreat surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty. They can explore the vibrant streets lined with boutique shops and restaurants, visit historic landmarks like Banff Avenue. (Lunch at Banff Town)
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please ensure that you are prepared and present 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Our tour guide will pick you up and drop you off at the lobby. Here are the designated departure times and locations: 07:15 Delta Hotel by Mariott, 209 4 Ave SE 08:40 Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2) 09:00 Banff Caribou Hotel, 521 Banff Ave The pick-up times may vary depending on the status of the tour.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Reviews(2)
I really enjoyed the trip to Grassi Lake and Grosso Canyon. We were there very early so that we could still enjoy the lake ‘on our own’. Grosso Canyon was very impressive - I really enjoyed the hike to both places. William told us a lot of things about the areas and was a great guide.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you had such a great time exploring Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon — and how wonderful that you got to enjoy the peacefulness of the lake early in the day! We're also happy to know that William helped make the experience even more special with his knowledge and guidance. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again on another adventure soon!
The trip was very good and we were able to see places that were a bit off the beaten track. The driver was excellent and ensured that we made most of the day. The walks require a fair level of physical conditioning.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed exploring those lesser-known spots, and we're happy to know that the guide helped you make the most of your day. We also appreciate your mention of the walks requiring a certain level of physical fitness – the challenge is always worth it, as the beautiful views make it all the more rewarding. We look forward to having you join us on another trip in the future!
