News & Media

February 8 , 2007, MAGAZINE ARTICLE EDMONTON SUN
Subject: Grotto Canyon Icewalk with White Mountain Adventures

Grotto Canyon Icewalk Alberta

by Boyd England, Special to the Edmonton Sun

Boyd England along with his wife, Laura discover the frozen waterfalls and pictograms of Grotto Canyon, located near Canmore, AB.

Sometimes life throws you an unexpected opportunity too great to pass up. Such was the case a few weeks ago. On this particular Sunday morning, I received a call from Snow Scene editor, Barb Martowski, who was still suffering from a fall on a ski trip nearly a year ago. After taking satisfaction in jarring me out of a deep slumber at the Lake Louise Inn, she asked me to fill her boots on an ice walk up the Grotto Canyon, just outside of Canmore. Following a millisecond of consideration I agreed, but her boots would not do, so it was off to the store to get a pair of my own.

It was quite surprising to find a sport shop in Lake Louise that opened at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning - especially such a well-stocked one. But then the Village does look after its visitors.

A couple hours later we met with Kristi Beetch, a guide with White Mountain Adventures and were whisked away to the trail head of the Grotto Canyon at the base of Grotto Mountain. French botanist Eugene Bourgeau named the mountain while on the 1858 Palliser Expedition of the region.

Experienced Guide

It did not take long to feel at ease with Beetch as her spirit radiated with her smile. Beetch has been with the company for about eight years, starting as a part time guide and when she turned 40, decided it was time to “do something she really loved,” so she started guiding full time.

I have spent many hours over the years on creeks and rivers in the summer but have never walked upstream in the winter with a pair of icers strapped to my feet. With my wife Laura and our two girls Kasey and Lucy in tow, I don’t know who was more excited, us or the dogs. This is truly an adventure for the whole family.

Not a cloud in the sky, this was as Beetch said, “A pinch-me day.”

As we walked into the canyon she pointed out various nature facts, such as white spruce needles whch were once used by the First Nations people as talc for babies’ bottoms, or rose hip seeds which could be used as itching powder for your best friends’ sleeping bag.

Deep inside the canyon, faded almost beyond recognition, are pictograms believed to be created by the Hopi people of Arizona many thousands of years ago. Possibly remnants of North America’s first adventure company?

Though that company may be long gone, today we were happy to be with the Bow Valley’s longest operating adventure company. White Mountain Adventures has been operating since 1987 and its success has a lot to do with the experience of its guides.

Winding our way up the creek bed, we rounded a corner to see three spectacular waterfalls, including two named His and Hers, each extending up the canyon walls to a height near 50 ft. A favourite spot of local climbers, our visit was no exception as several climbers took advantage of the beautiful spring-like day to hone their skills.

As we trekked further up the canyon, it opened up into a wide valley filled with hoodoos, remnants of a glacier that once extended down the canyon. After a rest including hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies (my favourite) it was time to start back.

The hike back confirmed why it was important to have an experienced guide as it is entirely downhill, on ICE! Beetch said the only time she has had to use first aid was in the canyon, helping individuals that ventured out on their own.

Though the area is open to the public, you will benefit from the guides’ vast knowledge of local history, nature and answers to all your questions – and where the safest places to walk are.

Fun & Educational

If it is a family trip you are interested in I can attest to the fact that kids will remember the things the guide will tell them. I was able to recall facts like the usage of lichen and moss by the First Nations that I was told on a nature trail almost 30 years ago.

The trek takes anywhere from two to three hours, depending on the conditions – so dress warm.

If you are just too sore for another day on the ski hill and want to see more of what our national parks have to offer before heading back to the grind, be sure to call ahead and book a private ice walk tour in the Grotto Canyon at 1-800-408-0005, or check out the website at www.whitemountainadventures.com