My FAV winter hike: Grotto Canyon

WE MADE IT! Out of the deep freeze that is… Since much of the province has been gripped by a polar vortex over the last week, we Calgarians are itching to get back to our mountain fun! One of my absolute FAVOURITE winter hikes is Grotto Canyon, it’s a relatively easy jaunt through a frozen river bed, lots of rocky views and pristine frozen waterfalls - the perfect backdrop to any selfie!

About a 1.5-2.5h round trip, this fall/winter hike starts off pretty rocky so make sure you have a well supported boot or shoe, in the fall it can be a little wet so water-resistant is not a bad idea either! If your totally after a cool “gram shot” there are lots of little jut outs in the walls of the riverbed to snap a great shot, in fact this is probably one of the most Instagramable hikes in the area. I HAVE BEEN TOLD it is known for lots of cougar sitings so I would recommend going as a larger group, or heading out on a weekend when the trails are a little more busy.

Winding through the riverbed you will end up at a waterfall area, this is a great spot to snap some pics and then head back - BUT - if you are after a little more panoramic view, go a little further and you will not be disappointed! The farthest I’ve ever ventured was all the way to the end of the riverbed and up the hill a little ways, after the trail started to thin out we decided to head back. As far as winter hikes go this is one of the easiest in Kananaskis and offers great views for not too much effort, 10/10 would recommend to anyone trying to make the most of winter in the Rockies!