Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour in Banff, Canada
Banff, Canada

Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour

Outty Ranking 61 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $102
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour worth booking?

Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour is a 6-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $102 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
6 hours
From
$102 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 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 you get

    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

    • Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Crampons/Hiking pole (on request)
    • Tour Guide
    • 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)

    Not included

    • All meals
    • All personal expenses including activities and travel insurance
    • Gratuities for guide CAD$15/head

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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.

    Ends at

    You can choose where to drop off

    Ends at

    You can choose where to drop off

    Ends at

    You can choose where to drop off

    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
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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

    Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour in Banff, photo 2Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour in Banff, photo 3Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour in Banff, photo 4Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour in Banff, photo 5Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour in Banff, photo 6Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour in Banff, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Laura S · April 2025

    Great Experience

    I really enjoyed the trip to Grassi Lake and Grosso Canyon. We were there very early so that we could still enjoy the lake ‘on our own’. Grosso Canyon was very impressive - I really enjoyed the hike to both places. William told us a lot of things about the areas and was a great guide.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you had such a great time exploring Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon — and how wonderful that you got to enjoy the peacefulness of the lake early in the day! We're also happy to know that William helped make the experience even more special with his knowledge and guidance. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again on another adventure soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Irvin_B · November 2024

    Recommended for people who enjoy walking

    The trip was very good and we were able to see places that were a bit off the beaten track. The driver was excellent and ensured that we made most of the day. The walks require a fair level of physical conditioning.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed exploring those lesser-known spots, and we're happy to know that the guide helped you make the most of your day. We also appreciate your mention of the walks requiring a certain level of physical fitness – the challenge is always worth it, as the beautiful views make it all the more rewarding. We look forward to having you join us on another trip in the future!

    via Viator

    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
    Price range
    $102 to $139
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    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 runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)16
    Booking momentum (14% weight)12
    Value for money (12% weight)91
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.

    How much does Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $102 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Banff usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour take?

    +

    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 Banff is not rushed.

    Is Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour?

    +

    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 Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour?

    +

    Around 1 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 Banff 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?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Banff and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Banff 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 Banff?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Lake Louise Emerald Lake Natural Bridge Half Day Tour. 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 Banff?

    +

    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 Banff?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour?

    +

    Included: Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff; In-vehicle air conditioning; Crampons/Hiking pole (on request); Tour Guide; and 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). Not included: All meals; All personal expenses including activities and travel insurance; and Gratuities for guide CAD$15/head. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Banff. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Chinese, Cantonese, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Kindly let us know if you'll be bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller, or anything that. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What booking options are available for Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including Calgary, Banff, Canmore. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Kananaskis: Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Hiking Day tour.

    Pick your date