9 Best Frozen Waterfall Hikes In Kananaskis Alberta Area

There are many frozen waterfalls to discover throughout Alberta and B.C. However, these are my best-frozen waterfall hikes in the Kananaskis area, including Banff, Canmore, and Crowsnest Pass.

Any waterfall can be enjoyed through the winter months however some waterfalls are not accessible in the summer season due to high runoff from the above snowpack. The below-freezing temp through the winter months allows one to explore these gems up close as well as climb in behind them for a jaw-dropping experience.

It’s always important to carry Backcountry Essentials for safety. A helmet is also a good idea when entering these ice caves. Please be aware of the dangers associated with glaciers and ice falls.

#1 Grotto Canyon Ice Walk, Canmore Alberta

Grotto Canyon is a hop, skip, and jump away from Kananaskis along HWY 1A between Exshaw and Canmore Alberta. This 7km (approx)hike can be done as a summer or a winter hike however the route trail is altered depending on the weather and runoff. Ice walk the creek to 3 stunning falls.

Read more on this hike here>

#2 Troll Falls, Kananaskis Country

Troll falls is another hike that can be accessed in all seasons. The hike varies from 3-6 km depending on how many falls one decides to injure. Read more on this hike here>

#3 Kananaskis Creek Falls Cave, Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Falls Cave hike is best done in winter while the creek bed is frozen however it is possible to hike it during summer when the runoff is low. The waterfall cave is really cool with the trickling of water flowing through the aqua-colored frozen water cascading from the rocks above.

Read more on this hike here>

#4 Evan Thomas, Kananaskis Country

Evan Thomas is a popular hike as it has stunning scenery with up to 7 frozen waterfalls to discover. Famous for the enormous Green Monster. Approx a 10km hike that winds over creeks which also has a chain and rope area to ensure public safety. This hike is accessible in winter only due to runoff.

Read more on this hike here>

#5 King Creek Canyon, Kananaskis Country

See this hike on YouTube here. Avalanche territory and terrain.

#6 Coal Creek Waterfall, Turner Valley

Located on HWY 546 west of Turner Valley.

Read more on this hike here

#7 Bear Spirit Waterfall, Banff Alberta

Located on HWY 1A, Bow Valley Parkway entrance.

See more on this hike on YouTube here.

#8 Johnston Canyon, Banff Alberta

Located on HWY 1A, Bow Valley Parkway. Two beautiful waterfalls, and a cave on a well-marked busy trail.

Read more on this hike in Fall here

Johnston Canyon is a very busy touristy hike. The best times to visit are in Spring and fall as crowds get extremely heavy. I was surprised at how many people are so unprepared for this hike or any hike for that matter.

Watch the Full YouTube Video Below

#9 Silverton Falls, Banff Alberta

Silverton Falls is a 1.8km trail that leads up to a stunning waterfall cascading down to the canyon below. Although this is an easy hike I recommend caution as the trail narrows, a bit of a climb to a very small viewing area that has severe drops off surrounding. Keep dogs and children close.

Watch the YouTube video for more info on this hike HERE

Be prepared for a winter hike

Always check for Avalanche dangers before heading out on the trail in winter.

Winter hikes can be very slippery and cold resulting in a miserable hike if not prepared. Always carry a backpack with an emergency kit, water, food, and footwear with traction devices such as microspikes, etc.

Flat-soled shoes, and high heels, do not work and can be very dangerous. Also, remember bears can be seen all year round and can be on busy hikes as well, drawn by the scent of food, and garbage, so Bear Spray is always a necessity.

Find Backcountry Essentials Here:

Crowsnest Pass Frozen Gems

In the Crowsnest Pass in the Coleman area, Star Falls, and Miners Path more frozen stunning waterfalls await. It’s slick as you are walking up a frozen lower fall to get to the grand falls. Use caution (as pictured below) has very unstable areas.

One of the best traction devices in my opinion is the Kahtoola Micro Spikes. Absolutely love them, they allow me to feel more confident on icy/slippery surfaces as well as using trekking poles too.

Easy To Get To Frozen Waterfalls

Falls are beautiful all year round but in the winter they look so magical. If you aren’t able to do longer hikes there are a few that are easier to access. Still, have a magical frozen display to enjoy.

A few easy-access waterfalls are:

• Sheep River Falls, open until Dec 1
• Tiger Jaw Falls
• Elbow Falls, open until Dec 1
• Heart Creek Falls, is always open

What creates the blue color in a frozen waterfall?

The blue and turquoise colors in a frozen waterfall are often a result of light interacting with the ice. Certain conditions and factors can contribute to the development of these vibrant colors such as ice crystals, bubbles, mineral content and the angel of the sun.

In summer I recommend 40 Plus Alberta Waterfalls.