We are spoiled for choice when it comes to frozen waterfall hikes in Alberta and it is one of the many enjoyable winter activities in the province. Most of the winter waterfall hikes are family friendly, with little elevation gain and varying degrees of distance. They are the perfect option when you don’t want a strenuous day or if the weather isn’t great, as most of them are somewhat sheltered in canyons.
That being said, they often come with their own set of challenges, mostly in the form of well packed and icy trails requiring some form of traction device to be worn while completing these frozen waterfall hikes to stay safe!
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Frozen Waterfall Hikes In Alberta
Johnston Canyon
Possibly the most popular hike in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is a must do year round hike. With two main waterfalls which mostly freeze every winter, you can pick your adventure, seeing the first waterfall is fairly short and easy, the second waterfall involves a little more elevation gain. For those who want to spend all day, they can hike out to the ink pots.
Try and avoid this frozen waterfall hike on weekends for a more peaceful experience or head out earlier or later in the day.
Maligne Canyon
One of my absolute favourite frozen waterfall hikes in Alberta is Maligne Canyon in Jasper, you walk along the frozen creek with the towering canyon walls on either side of you. As you venture deeper there are lots of different frozen waterfalls to marvel at, which also makes it a popular spot for ice climbers.
Parks Canada recommends completing this hike with a guide in winter as there are a number of hazards from flooding to ice falls when hiking through the canyon. If you choose to go alone, make sure you are prepared, understand the risks and have good ice cleats and a helmet. Check with Parks Canada for up to date trail conditions before heading out.
Troll Falls
Incredibly popular and family friendly, the Troll Falls frozen waterfall hike is a must do if you have a few hours in Kananaskis. The trail is wide for the most part with little elevation gain. The frozen falls at the end are a treat to see and explore. This can be an exceptionally popular spot on a weekend so I’d try and hike this trail midweek if you have the option.
Head into Kananaskis village for a hot chocolate or to spend the afternoon soaking at the nordic spa if you want to make a full day of it.
Sundance Canyon
Leaving right from the town of Banff, the Sundance Canyon hike is easy and ends with a frozen waterfall, you can walk up beside the waterfall and over a bridge at the top. Stop here and listen to the water flowing under the ice.
This is probably the most accessible of the frozen waterfall hikes since the trailhead is located a short walk from downtown Banff at the Cave and Basin Historic Site, which is a great spot to visit if you want to make a full day of it.
Cline River Falls
Slightly off the main path, the Cline River Falls hike is still a popular winter hike. The trail passes a viewpoint looking down over the river before descending to the base of the falls. It’s a short and mostly easy hike.
It can be combined with a visit to Abraham Lake to see the ice bubbles, if conditions allow or it can be a small detour from the main highway if you are travelling between Banff and Jasper.
Grotto Canyon
The Grotto Canyon hike is a favourite among locals, the trailhead is a short drive from Canmore. Hike on the frozen creek in winter, through the canyon, the main frozen waterfall is towards the end of the canyon. The trail continues past the main canyon out into a more open creek if you need a bit of sunlight or want to extend your day.
This is another family friendly frozen waterfall hike, with little elevation gain, although the kids will need some kind of traction devices on their feet if they are walking the frozen creek.
Items You Might Need To Complete These Winter Hikes
To complete any of these frozen waterfall hikes, you’ll want good footwear, ideally it should keep your feet warm and dry and have good grip. I most commonly wear my La Sportiva Raptor hiking boots as they are gore tex and keep my feet plenty warm enough in winter even though they are a summer hiking boot.
You’ll definitely want some kind of ice spikes to complete these frozen waterfall hikes. Most of the trails are very popular and are therefore well packed and icy for the most part. I always pack my Yaktrax, if I don’t need them, that’s great but if I do, I have them. For any frozen water hikes which require walking on the frozen creek, you’ll definitely need ice spikes.
In winter the weather can change rapidly. You’ll want to carry a backpack and have plenty of layers! Make sure to wear a moisture wicking base layer and then layer appropriately over that. A good foundation is key though. Also make sure you have gloves and a toque even if you don’t think you’ll need them.
Hiring A Guide
A number of these frozen waterfall hikes can be completed with a guiding company, this is a great option for people who aren’t sure of the risks of frozen waterfall hikes or maybe don’t have the gear or transportation to get to some of these locations.
Check out Discover Banff Tours for an incredible experience hiking in Johnston Canyon or Grotto Canyon, they’ll pick up from your hotel as well as provide all the gear you need. Jasper Hikes and Tours can provide guided trips into Maligne Canyon.
