Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff worth booking?
Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff is a 6-hour experience in Calgary, Canada, from $149 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $149 per person
Discover the natural wonders just beyond Canmore and Banff, where every stop offers a new story and unforgettable views. The journey begins with Grassi Lake, a hidden gem tucked in the forest. In the warmer months, its c
What you get
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff
- Crampons
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
About this experience
Discover the natural wonders just beyond Canmore and Banff, where every stop offers a new story and unforgettable views. The journey begins with Grassi Lake, a hidden gem tucked in the forest. In the warmer months, its crystal-clear turquoise waters sparkle under the sun, while in winter, the lake transforms into a quiet frozen scene, surrounded by snow-dusted evergreens and dramatic mountain peaks. Nearby, Grotto Canyon offers a completely different kind of adventure — walk through towering rock walls where ancient pictographs still whisper stories of the past. In winter, the frozen creek becomes a natural ice path, leading you past hanging icicles and frozen waterfalls; in summer, it’s a peaceful trail lined with flowing water and striking stone formations.
What's included
Included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff
- Crampons
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
Not included
- All meals
- All personal expenses including activities and travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide CAD$15/head
What you'll see and do
Grotto Canyon
Grotto Canyon is a stunning natural attraction near Canmore, Alberta. Known for its unique rock formations, the canyon features impressive limestone cliffs, ancient Indigenous pictographs, and a scenic creek that freezes in winter, creating an ideal spot for ice walks. The trail through the canyon offers a peaceful and adventurous experience, making it a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers year-round.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Grassi Lakes
Famous for their crystal-clear, vibrant turquoise waters and panoramic views of the Bow Valley. In winter, the lakes and surrounding area take on a serene, magical quality, with snow blanketing the trails and cliffs. The frozen lakes create a stunning backdrop for winter photography, and the area is also popular with ice climbers. It's a tranquil winter escape, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Banff
Travelers will discover a charming mountain retreat surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty. They can explore the vibrant streets lined with boutique shops and restaurants, visit historic landmarks like Banff Avenue. (Lunch at Banff Town)
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Calgary
Calgary pickup from: Calgary Downtown Delta Hotel by Marriott Pickup included
Banff
Banff poickup from: Banff Caribou Lodge Pickup included
Canmore
Canmore pickup from: Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore) Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, yue, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Banff Journey
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All pick-up times and locations are fixed. Please carefully review the pick-up detail and choose the location that best suits you. If you have any special requests, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
- This is a local bus tour, and you will join the tour with other travelers locally. If you would like a private tour, please contact us directly.
- If there are not enough participants for a tour in your selected language, we will contact you to discuss joining a tour in another language.
- If the minimum number of participants is not met, we reserves the right to cancel your booking or change the tour date. We will contact you prior to the departure to inform you of any changes.
- Total tour duration includes travel time
- We will send a reminder the day before your tour. Please be sure to check your email or messages.
- Due to the unpredictable road conditions and weather, the itinerary may be subject to adjustments. We will inform you of any changes to the itinerary the day before the tour.
- Kindly let us know if you'll be bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller, or anything that may require extra storage space, as there may be an additional charge.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Banff Journey, who run 22 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.8.
See everything Banff Journey runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Calgary.
How much does Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff cost?
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Prices start at $149 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Calgary usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Calgary is not rushed.
Is Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Calgary, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Calgary can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Calgary and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Calgary/Canmore/Banff start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Calgary within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Calgary?
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On Outty we rank every Calgary experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Explore Banff National Park Premium Day Trip, Discover Banff National Park - Premium Day Trip, Day of Dinosaurs & Hoodoos from Calgary to Drumheller Badlands. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Calgary?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Calgary?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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