First, what IS an Icewalk (or ‘ice walk’)? Alberta’s Rocky Mountains are home to beautiful winter landscapes, and most can only be safely accessed with an experienced guide or the right equipment. So, many Rocky Mountain tour and adventure companies offer ice walks along some of Jasper, Banff, and Nordegg’s frozen surfaces.
The Icewalks reveal views and scenery of frozen waterfalls, frozen rivers, and unique ice structures within mountain canyons. If you are still up for more adventure, some of the Icewalk tours can be combined with other winter adventures like snowshoeing, sleigh rides, or Abraham Lake’s ice bubbles. The Icewalks are suitable for kids as young as 6 or 12 years old, depending on the tour. Equipment like ice cleats is provided when required.
Abraham Lake Ice Walk
Abraham Lake is an exceptional and unique Icewalk locale with not only the giant reservoir to see but also possibly wildlife, sunsets, and the famous Abraham Lake methane bubbles. The bubbles are a natural occurrence and give the ice’s surface a polka dotted look! Nordegg Adventures offers its Icewalk alongside other experiences like photo tours or sunset tours.
How much: Half day from $85 per person/ Free for d-i-y
Maligne Canyon – SunDog Tours
SunDog Tours offers two ways to explore the Jasper-area Maligne Canyon: either through their Icewalk, which is about 3.5 hours, or their Wildlife Deal, which can vary in length. Both tours are suited to children over six years of age and offer the chance to spot moose, deer, coyotes, sheep, deer, elk, or other smaller wildlife.
How much:
Wildlife Deal: $99 per adult
Maligne Canyon Icewalk: $74 Adult | $36 Children/ Free for DIY
Maligne Canyon – Jasper Hikes & Tours
You can tour Maligne Canyon with Jasper Hikes & Tours as well. Tour bright blue ice formations, the deep canyon, and the walls of snow; tour as a family (for kids 7 and up), or book with another small group or couple.
How much: Adults (15 years+) $74, Youth (7-14 years) $45/ Free for DIY
Johnston Canyon – White Mountain Adventures
Explore Banff’s frozen falls and deep canyons with White Mountain Adventures‘ guided Icewalk tours. They can take you through the frozen paradise at Johnston Canyon on tours that can be booked as public or private. White Mountain Adventures are also a great place to consider for rentals while you’re in Banff.
How much:
Johnston Canyon Icewalk: $82 per adult, $52 per child, $656 per private group/Free DIY
Winter Canyoning – Bow Valley Canyon Tours
Canyoning is just a more extreme form of ice walking! But, Bow Valley Canyon Tours make their experiences, including their winter Canyon Tour, suitable for kids over 12 years old. Included with your tour are ice cleats, rope and other equipment, insane canyon views, hot chocolate, and cookies.
Adult (Age from 13 to 99): $101.17
Child (Age from 8 to 12):$63.50
Grotto Canyon
Hike on the frozen creek bed through the narrow Grotto canyon in Kananaskis, past unusual rock formations and spectacular icefalls on a guided walk with Discover Banff Tours or White Mountain Adventures.
How much:
Adult (Age from 13 to 99): $98.70
Child (Age from 8 to 12): $61.95