Looking for an Alberta adventure that’s a bit out of the ordinary, taking you to highs you never thought possible?  Discover canyon walks, where you can explore some fantastic scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

It’s no news that Alberta has some of the most beautiful views in the world.  But what might be news is that Alberta is home to several unique canyon walks that offer a hands-on experience of Alberta’s glory.  The best part of all is the fact that these walks can be tailored to a variety of skill levels, so that no one has to be left behind.

Magnificent Maligne Canyon Walk

Murray Morgan is the owner of Jasper Adventure Centre in scenic Jasper National Park.  For his money, the walk through Maligne Canyon (pronounced ma-leen) offers one of the most captivating experiences going – and one that is attracting travelers from all over the world.  Their Magical Mystical Maligne Canyon Walk is a popular offering at the Adventure Centre from early spring to late fall.

The town of Jasper is an authentic, laid-back mountain town in a protected national park teeming with wildlife and activities for visitors.

“Maligne Canyon is one of Jasper’s gems,” Murray says.  “It’s part of the most extensive underground river system in North America that’s yet to be explored.”  Experts still aren’t sure how extensive the system is, though they have used dye and various tests to see if they can track exactly where the water flows. 

Half a century ago, Parks Canada had staff exploring the area, to see if any of the underground caves could be developed for tourism, but they were never able to find an ideal location.  And that means the area is relatively pristine, compared to what might have been.

The experience at Maligne Canyon can be as low key or enthusiastic as you want.  The walk to the fifth bridge and back takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. The Magical Mystical Maligne Canyon Walk itself runs about three hours in total. Close-toed shoes are a must for the undulating natural trail, which sees visitors walking downhill about 400 feet.  With handrails and clear trails, the walk is accessible for hikers of all ages.  Many visitors enjoy a stop at the restaurant and gift shop at the top of the Canyon.

The Maligne Canyon Walk is a favorite with schools and tour groups, and individuals as well.  “We work with our clientele, and tailor the experience to fit the people,” Murray says. 

Guides from the Jasper Adventure Centre are well versed on the flora and fauna in the area, providing a lively interpretation. “We touch on everything,” Murray adds.  They’ll point out the area wildlife, including some unique features, like the recently discovered and very rare nest of an American Viper (formerly called a European Water Weasel).

Many visitors choose to combine the Maligne Canyon walk with other packages from Jasper Adventure Centre.  Their Sunburst Canoe Program is a particularly popular choice, which sees visitors hitting the waters at 6:45 a.m. for a visit to Pyramid Island.

For Murray, part of the charm of the Jasper National Park is that it’s still relatively untouched compared to a lot of popular destinations.  “Lots of people say ‘hey, Jasper National Park is a long way to go,’ but the further you go, the greater the rewards,” Murray says. 

Spectacular Southern Canyon Walks

When it comes to canyon walks in the southern half of the province, there’s little doubt that Johnston Canyon is the granddaddy of them all.  White Mountain Adventures of Banff has a package that offers a tour of the Canyon, located 30 minutes west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway. Visit Calgary, the international gateway city to the Canadian Rockies, to start your trip, and you’re just a few hours away from your adventure.

Banff is in protected Banff National Park and offers shopping, dining, arts and culture along with outdoor activities in the midst of the mountains.

Caroline Green, Operations Manager, says this hike is a popular and scenic way to see one of the most beautiful sites in the area.  “The Johnston Canyon walk is known as one of the best short hikes in the Rockies,” Caroline says.  “It’s definitely one of the easier hikes, since the elevation gain isn’t that extreme.” Most people can complete the hike in 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

The Johnston Canyon Walk with White Mountain can be booked on a private basis, and customized to fit each group’s pace, numbers and needs. “The guides give lots of stops along the way to provide information on the geology of the area, and the wildlife,” Caroline says.  “We really focus on the interpretive side of the trip.  We work with a lot of families, and the guides are great with children.  They will totally customize the hike so that everyone is comfortable.”

Did we mention that you’ll have a chance to see as many as seven waterfalls?  You might even see a Black Swift if you look carefully, since this is one of only three Alberta locations where this bird breeds.  Keep an eye out for their nests, which are most often found high up on the canyon walls.

People can make the hike shorter by stopping at the lower falls, or extend it further by heading to the upper falls.  “The upper falls, particularly in winter, are a spectacular sight to see,” Caroline says.

If you are feeling ambitious, you can carry on to the Ink Pots, which will result in a four to five hour round-trip.  The Ink Pots are six green-colored pools of clear spring water that stay at 1 degree Celsius all year, winter or summer.

The Canyon Walks Less Traveled

If you’re interested in escaping the crowds, and going off the beaten path, you might want to plan a visit to one of Alberta’s lesser-known canyons. 

Mistaya Canyon, 159 km (99 mi.) south of Jasper and 71 km (44 mi.) north of Lake Louise, is a beautiful slot canyon, featuring a gorge with pot holes (slots) that have been carved in the canyon walls by the Mistaya River

Red Rock Canyon in Waterton National Park can be found off the end of the Red Rock Parkway, and offers a spectacular view of wildflowers and the mountainous landscape.

The Sundance Canyon Trail is located conveniently behind Banff’s Cave and Basin Centennial Centre.  The trail runs along the Bow River, and then up the canyon, and includes a picnic shelter.

Horseshoe Canyon is located on Hwy 9, just 17 km (11 mi) southwest of Drumheller.  Considered a miniature “Grand Canyon,” a walk of the area features an up-close look at the volcanic and sedimentary strata.

Stewart Canyon is a shallow canyon, with its main claims to fame being the Cascade River and the Stewart Canyon Bridge.  You’ll find it on Lake Minnewanka Road, off the Trans Canada Highway.

The Cline River Canyon can be found 1.6 km (1 mi) west of the David Thompson Resort, near Cline River, and features a hike to the spot where Coral Creek joins the Cline River.

Winter Fun: Ice Walks in Alberta

Many of the most popular canyon walks, including Maligne and Johnston Canyons, can be taken in the winter months as an Ice Walk.  Be sure to check with your outfitter to find out what kind of clothing you’ll need.  They’ll provide all the gear, and make sure that your ice walk experience is both safe and satisfying.

Resources:

Jasper Adventure Centre
White Mountain Adventures