Grotto Canyon Hike

Route Description for Grotto Canyon Hike

To start the Grotto Canyon hike, exit the Grotto Creek parking lot past the Grotto Creek Trail sign, and begin the hike on a path that roughly parallels the 1A highway.

Follow this trail for roughly 1.1 km, before you reach Grotto Creek, where you have some nice views. Head right (north) at Grotto Creek.

This is a somewhat challenging hike up Grotto Canyon, with several slick boulders that are especially difficult for young children. However, it is also a lot of fun, especially for older children, as the views change with every turn and the atmospheric canyon provides an immensely satisfying hike.

As you head up the canyon you will often see rock climbers scaling the walls of the gorge. As you ascend further into the canyon, the Grotto Canyon hike crosses and re-crosses the small stream. This is a wonderful spot for a paddle on a hot day, and kids will love jumping over the stream.

Eventually you come to a rock-face, with a waterfall on your right. This is a great place to stop and people-watch and have a snack. Hiking up the side of the waterfall is quite slick, and while some people do it, we prefer to watch them go!

Return the way you came.

Hiking Trail Highlights

Grotto Canyon

Grotto Canyon is located just a short distance from the town of Canmore and can only be accessed on foot. This beautiful, narrow-walled creek bed provides the route for a satisfying and accessible hike, offering plenty of fun for the whole family. As you ascend the canyon the limestone walls get steeper and narrower, leading eventually to a beautiful cascade, spilling down over the rock face and glistening in the summer sun.

Just before the falls, if you look at eye level to the left, you should be able to see the remains of ancient wall paintings, dating back between 500 and 1300 years ago. These are Hopi pictographs, produced by visitors from a native American tribe based in what is now Arizona. Their full native name is Hopitu, meaning ‘peaceful people’. The images on the walls of Grotto Canyon represent animals and humans, including an iconic flute player, the symbol of the tribe.

Grotto Canyon makes for a wonderful hike in summer, but it’s also a good option for a winter hike. when the stream and falls freeze over, creating a sparkling white winter playground. If you’re visiting in winter, join a guided ice walk and see another side of this beautiful canyon.

Looking for more amazing hikes near Canmore? Check out the Grassi Lakes hike, Mount Yamnuska hike or the Ha Ling Peak hike.

Insider Hints for Grotto Canyon Hike

• The Grotto Canyon hike is a popular family-friendly hike, but with some slick bits getting over some rocks in places.
• The Grotto Canyon hike can be done in winter if you have appropriate gear and training.
• There are some picnic tables overlooking the pond at the parking lot. This is a great place for a picnic.