If you’re searching for an unforgettable winter hike to a frozen waterfall near Calgary, look no further than Green Monster Icefall in Kananaskis Country. This hidden gem offers an 11.5 km out and back trail through a snowy canyon, leading to a spectacular frozen waterfall with striking blue-green ice.
We recently hiked this trail and were blown away by its beauty. The journey along Evan-Thomas Creek is peaceful, with frozen streams, snow-covered trees, and even some ice climbers tackling sheer walls of ice. The final challenge? A short but steep climb up “The Wall” before reaching the breathtaking frozen cascade. Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing winter adventure!
Hiking Overview: Green Monster Icefall
- Trailhead: Evan-Thomas Day Use Area
- Distance: 11.5 km round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~250 m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours round-trip
- Recommended Gear: Microspikes, warm layers, trekking poles
- Parking: Requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass ($15/day or $90/year)
- Best Season: December – March
How to Get to This Frozen Waterfall Near Calgary
- Navigation Tip: Set Evan-Thomas Day Use Area as your destination in Google Maps.
- Driving Directions: From Calgary, take Highway 40 south. After passing Nakiska Ski Resort, turn left into Evan-Thomas Day Use Area parking lot.
- Parking: Free, but you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which can be purchased online or at an information center.
- Tip: This is a popular winter hiking area, so parking fills up quickly on weekends. We passed several times during the weekdays, the parking is always half full. So arrive early!
Hiking to Green Monster Icefall: Our Experience
A Scenic Creekside Hike
From the parking lot, the trail follows the Evan-Thomas Creek riverbed, making for an easy and scenic start. Snow-covered trees line the path, and in places where the creek has frozen over, the ice glistens under the winter sun.
We found the trail well-packed due to frequent hikers, so snowshoes weren’t necessary. However, microspikes were a must, especially when crossing short sections of ice. Along the way, we spotted a couple of ice climbers scaling the frozen canyon walls—an incredible sight!
The Final Challenge: Climbing “The Wall”
The last section of the hike is where things get interesting! To reach Green Monster, the most stunning frozen waterfall near Calgary, we need to climb a steep, icy section, someone calls “The Wall.”
There are chains and ropes for support, but with the added challenge of snow and ice, we took it slow. The climb is one-way only, so we had to wait our turn. If you’re not comfortable with this section, you can stop here.
After the climb, it was just a short walk to Green Monster Icefall – and wow, it was absolutely worth it! The massive greenish-blue frozen waterfall was a breathtaking reward for the effort.
Why Visit Green Monster Icefall?
- Should be the closest frozen waterfall near Calgary – Easy day-trip access.
- A perfect mix of easy and moderate hiking – Mostly flat with just one challenging section “the wall”
- Less crowded than Troll Falls or Johnston Canyon – A true hidden gem in Kananaskis.
Hiking Tips for Visiting Frozen Waterfall Near Calgary
✅ Bring microspikes (affiliate link) and other hiking essentials.
✅ Download an offline map (like AllTrails) – Cell service is limited in Kananaskis.
✅ Check the weather – Conditions can change quickly. We had a sunny day, but strong winds made it feel colder.
✅ If you’re unsure about climbing “The Wall”, don’t force yourself! Instead, let your hiking partner take photos while you head back at your own pace. It takes about 30 minutes round-trip from “The Wall” to the icefall. If you’re waiting, you can warm up in the car at the parking lot, where there’s a washroom available.
More Frozen Waterfall Hikes Near Calgary
If you love winter hikes and frozen waterfalls, here are a few more amazing trails in the area:
- Troll Falls – A short, family-friendly winter hike leading to a beautiful frozen waterfall.
- Ribbon Falls – A longer but scenic hike, great for those looking for a peaceful winter escape.
- Rawson Lake & Frozen Upper Kananaskis Falls – A stunning alpine lake hike with a frozen waterfall bonus.
For a winter hike that is 50 minutes drive from Calgary, we recommend:
- Elbow Valley Trail – An 8.3 km loop following Elbow River, with gentle elevation.
- Bragg Creek Fullerton Loop Trail – A classic short hike, great for all skill levels, beautiful year-round.
- Cox Hill Winter Hike – 13 km out and back with 790 m elevation gain for stunning panorama views at the top.
Is Green Monster Icefall Worth the Hike?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a frozen waterfall near Calgary that combines gorgeous scenery, a manageable challenge, and fewer crowds, Green Monster Icefall is the perfect choice.
We loved this hike and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys winter hiking. Whether you’re chasing frozen waterfalls, looking for a fun adventure, or just want a beautiful place to explore in Kananaskis, this trail is a must-visit!
Would You Hike to This Frozen Waterfall Near Calgary?
Have you been to Green Monster Icefall or any other frozen waterfalls near Calgary? Let us know in the comments below!
