Exploring Alberta’s spectacular Canyon Creek Ice Cave

High on a mountain slope in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, lies the Canyon Creek Ice Cave.

After a six-kilometre bike ride and steep, snowy hike, I reach its massive entrance. The deeper into the cave I venture, the darker and quieter it gets.

Jagged stalactites and stalagmites of brownish ice pierce the darkness, making for eerie scenes.

At a point where the light of day no longer reaches, twin pillars of ice join the floor and ceiling of the narrowing cave.

Finally, I reach the end and find that the wall is covered in thick layers of ice. Could it be blocking a passageway deeper into the mountain?

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I return to the cave’s entrance and climb a steep chimney in the wall to gain a bird’s-eye view. After squeezing through a tight constriction on my belly, the view is incredible.

A steep and airy downclimb caps off the adventure, in a cave that has been nothing short of amazing.

Watch the video above to see the epic adventure.

Thumbnail courtesy of Kyle Brittain.