11 Frozen Waterfalls You Must See Near Calgary This Winter

It’s no secret that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Venture any direction from Calgary, and you’ll find grassy prairies, ancient hoodoos, wide-open spaces and towering mountain peaks. But heading west will lead you to some truly magical formations only viewable at certain times of the year.

Our Rocky Mountains are dotted with cascading waterfalls of all sizes, tumbling over cliffs onto mossy riverbeds, eventually feeding into both the Bow and Elbow Rivers that run through our very city, providing us with water and an epic urban landscape. And in the winter, you can experience these gorgeous waterfalls in a different way — completely frozen! 

What better way to get out of the house and appreciate this natural phenomenon than adventuring to the mountains during our colder months. Below we’re sharing 11 of our favourite frozen waterfalls in Alberta to visit in the wintertime. 

Psstt… You can find a few of these waterfalls and a LOT more activities packed into our free, 21-page YYC Winter Motivation Guide.

Things To Know Before You Go

Check local trails reports, forecasts and conditions on an app like AllTrails before you head out so you can see what other people have experienced, and plan your gear accordingly. 

Keep in mind that waterfalls are constantly in flux with changing temperatures, so never stand underneath hanging ice. 

Some of these spots are popular for ice climbing, so be aware if someone is climbing above and DO NOT walk underneath them. 

Frozen Waterfalls Near Calgary, Alberta

Grotto Canyon

This hike is open year-round, but turns extra spectacular in the winter with the icy creekbed itself becoming the trail and a frozen waterfall reward at the end. It’s generally a fairly tracked out and popular trail for many to enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for the faded pictographs on the canyon walls along the way. 

Tips: Ice spikes are essential for a safe trek to this waterfall, especially if you want to get close.

Elbow Falls, Kananaskis 

For a perfect day trip out of the city, consider heading towards Elbow Falls Provincial Recreation Area just west of Bragg Creek. This low-effort, high-reward waterfall is just a few minutes jaunt from the parking lot and offers up jaw-dropping views of the Elbow River and a half-frozen, roaring waterfall against a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Continue around a short loop to see the area, or if you want to get your sweat on, double this adventure with one of the many hikes in the area (that we share in our free YYC Winter Motivation Guide here!).

Tips: If you like solitude in the mountains, aim to visit on a weekday. However, we’ve found that it’s much quieter here in the winter months vs. summer. 

Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park

Perhaps one of the most popular hiking trails in Banff, Johnston Canyon is well maintained and takes roughly 1-2 hours to complete. It’s a fairly straightforward trek, as there’s only one way along the paved/metal grate, snow-packed trail. It can get busy very quickly, so head there early or during the week to avoid crowds.

Tips: Some spots along the trail can get quite slippery, so cramp-ons / ice spikes are recommended. If you want more of a hike, continue up the trail to the Ink Pots for a 11.3km, 579m round trip.

Troll Falls, Kananaskis

This popular family friendly hike is found near Nakiska Ski Hill and takes around 1-1.5 hours to complete. The non-technical trail leads you through a tall forest with gentle incline ending at a lookout area in front of Troll Falls.  

Tips: Want more? Keep going to Marmot and Upper Falls for even more waterfall action — but be sure to bring crampons and/or hiking poles because the trail can get slick!

Lake Louise Lakeshore Waterfall, Banff National Park

Starting from the Chateau Lake Louise, take the lakeshore trail along the north side of the water. It’s fairly flat, straight and usually tracked through. You’ll eventually see a long skinny frozen waterfall on your right. If you want a closer look, climb up the short hill — maybe even slide back down if you bring your snow pants!

Tips: Keep your eyes peeled for another waterfall on the other side of the lake. We didn’t make the short trek but you’ll likely see others headed in that direction.

Bear Spirit Trail Waterfall, Banff National Park

This waterfall can get quite large depending on the season. Bear Spirit Trail is a rewarding hike following a trickling river until the last 25%, when the incline increases and the trail can get quite slippery with a few rope-assisted spots. It’s also a popular spot for ice climbers, so keep an eye out for them when you’re approaching and avoid walking too near the waterfall if they’re climbing. 

Tips: You probably notice a recurring theme here, but again we suggest cramp-ons for this trek, as you literally climb on frozen ice to reach the final waterfall. Plus, conditions can change rapidly depending on the weather.

Green Monster Icefall, Kananaskis

This Kananaskis waterfall is located on the east side of Highway 40, just past Nakiska. During this lovely walk between mountains, you’ll pass 2 smaller waterfalls while following a small creek — don’t walk on the creek as it’s very thin. About half-way, you’ll reach a short but steep incline where you’ll scale along a chain-assisted cliff for 30-40m, followed by 2-3 ropes to help you descend safely. Not long after, you’ll reach the famous Green Monster. 

Tips: The parking for this trail is at the Evan Thomas Day Use area. Crampons won’t hurt you along the chained section. Again, this can be a popular area for ice climbers so be cautious.

Wanna x-country ski while you’re out in the mountains? Check out our Where To Cross-Country Ski In & Around Calgary blog.

Frozen Waterfalls In Jasper National Park

Blessed with waterfalls galore, Jasper is a gorgeous destination year-round, but truly turns into a winter wonderland this time of year. Check the forecast and head up the Icefields Parkway if you’re ready for an out-of-city adventure. Here’s a handful of our favourite frozen outdoor stops.

Weeping Wall

On your way north to Jasper, add this quick roadside stop to your list. In the summer, the rock “weeps” water, creating a gorgeous trickling effect seen from the highway. Just imagine how glossy it would look frozen over in the wintertime. And the best part? You can see it from your car if it’s chilly out! Pull over on the lefthand side in the roadside pullout to gaze up at the cliffside attraction. 

Athabasca Falls

Make sure to check out this popular, super short, family-friendly hike found 4 hours northwest of Calgary in Jasper National Park. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’re rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a magnificent frozen waterfall. And to think some people just drive right by and miss this wonder — what a tragedy! 

Maligne Canyon

This beautiful hike takes you down and along the Maligne Canyon floor to observe walls of frozen ice from the ground up. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and snap some pics while soaking in the peace and quiet. Expect this trek to be icy along the bottom, especially if the weather has cooled recently, or wet and muddy in spots, if it’s been on the mild side. 

Tips: Crampons or spikes are generally a MUST for this icy canyon walk. 

Sunwapta Falls

You can enjoy this stunning waterfall just steps from the parking lot, courtesy of Sunwapta River.  Up for a little bit more? Take the longer hike to lower Sunwapta Falls which takes roughly an hour to complete. It’s usually a well-packed trail offering picturesque views of snow-covered trees and mountain peaks.

There ya have it! Our 11 must-see frozen waterfalls for you to explore in Alberta this winter.
Don’t have time to leave the city? We have great attractions nearby too! Check out the Fish Creek Park Ice Caves by searching for them on our YYC Adventure Atlas.