Canadian Icefalls Information 2027
Please find information on your Canadian Icefalls trip
Canadian Icefalls 2027 – Essential Information
Our Canadian Icefalls courses offer the opportunity to climb some of the finest frozen waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies.
Based initially in Banff, we travel to different climbing areas throughout the week, selecting routes and objectives to suit the conditions, the experience of the group and the aims of the course.
The following information will help you prepare for your trip, arrange your travel and understand how the weeks are organised.
Course Dates and Meeting Arrangements
Our Canadian Icefalls programme runs over two consecutive weeks. Each week includes five days of professionally guided ice climbing, with time before and between the courses to relax, recover and enjoy the surrounding area.
Many clients choose to join us for both weeks, allowing them to build their experience and enjoy a wider variety of ice climbing objectives.
Week 8 – Classic Canadian Ice
Sunday 21 February – Friday 26 February 2027
We recommend arriving in Banff on Saturday 20 February, giving you Saturday evening and Sunday to settle in, recover from your journey and explore the local area.
We'll meet on Sunday 21 February at 7.00 pm for dinner, introductions and an informal discussion about the week ahead.
Our five days of guided ice climbing run from Monday 22 to Friday 26 February.
Weekend – Time to Relax and Explore
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February
For clients staying on for the second week, the weekend provides a welcome opportunity to rest, recover and enjoy Banff and the surrounding Canadian Rockies.
There is plenty to see and do locally, or you may simply prefer to take things easy before another five days on the ice.
There is no scheduled guiding over the weekend.
Week 9 – Classic & Technical Canadian Ice
Sunday 28 February – Friday 5 March 2027
We'll meet on Sunday 28 February at 7.00 pm for dinner, to discuss the programme and objectives for the second week.
Our five days of guided ice climbing run from Monday 1 to Friday 5 March.
Clients joining us for Week 9 only may prefer to arrive on Saturday 27 February, giving them time to settle in before the Sunday evening meeting.
Departure
Saturday 6 March 2027
Most clients arrange their return flights for Saturday 6 March, following the final climbing day on Friday.
We recommend allowing adequate time for the transfer from Banff to Calgary International Airport.
Getting to Banff
The nearest major international airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Banff is approximately 130 km from Calgary Airport and is accessible by road or scheduled airport transfer.
There are various flight options from the UK to Calgary, including direct and connecting services depending on your departure airport and travel dates.
For airport transfers, Banff Airporter provides a scheduled service between Calgary Airport and Banff.
We recommend arranging your airport transfer in advance and allowing sufficient time for immigration, baggage collection and any flight delays.
Accommodation
Your course includes six nights' accommodation, from Sunday night through to Friday night inclusive, on a bed and breakfast basis.
We normally spend the first night in Banff before travelling to climbing areas elsewhere in the Canadian Rockies.
During the week, we may stay in different hotels, motels or guest houses depending on conditions and the areas in which we are climbing.
This flexibility allows us to make the most of the available ice, reduce unnecessary travelling and experience different parts of the Rockies.
The exact accommodation arrangements will be confirmed closer to departure.
Staying for Both Weeks
If you're joining us for both weeks, your accommodation is included from Sunday 21 February through Friday 26 February, and again from Sunday 28 February through Friday 5 March.
Saturday 27 February is not included in either week's accommodation arrangements, so you'll need to arrange and pay for that additional night separately.
Similarly, if you arrive on the Saturday before your first course, that additional night's accommodation is not included in your course fee.
Meals
Breakfast and picnic lunches are included in the course fee.
Breakfast is provided with your accommodation, and picnic lunches are included on each of the five guided climbing days.
Evening meals are not included.
There are restaurants, cafés and other dining options in Banff, Canmore and the other locations we may visit during the week.
Your Guide will help coordinate evening arrangements where appropriate.
Please let ISM know about any dietary requirements before departure so that we can take these into account when planning accommodation and meals.
Passports and Entry Requirements
All clients are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct passport and entry documentation for Canada.
British citizens travelling to Canada by air will normally require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), unless exempt. Requirements vary according to nationality and individual circumstances.
Please check the current official entry requirements before booking travel:
You should also ensure that your passport meets the applicable requirements for your journey.
Equipment and Clothing
Ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies can involve very cold temperatures, particularly early in the morning, in shaded valleys and when standing at belays.
Although February and March bring increasing daylight, you should still be prepared for full winter conditions and potentially very low temperatures.
You will need appropriate technical ice climbing equipment and warm winter clothing.
Please refer to the ISM Ice Climbing & Winter Equipment List for our recommended equipment.
We particularly recommend:
- A warm insulated jacket for belays and periods of inactivity.
- Several pairs of gloves, including a warm spare pair kept dry.
- Appropriate insulated mountaineering boots suitable for technical ice climbing.
- Suitable layering to manage both cold conditions and the physical demands of climbing.
Equipment Hire
ISM does not operate an equipment store in Banff.
You should therefore plan to bring the technical equipment you require or arrange suitable hire locally in advance.
Equipment availability and suitability should be confirmed before travelling rather than relying on being able to hire everything on arrival.
If you are unsure about particular items, please contact ISM before departure.
Guiding and Climbing Programme
Each course includes five days of professionally guided ice climbing, Monday to Friday.
The Canadian Rockies offer a wide variety of frozen waterfalls, from classic multi-pitch routes to more technical climbing objectives.
Your Guide will select suitable venues and objectives based on:
- prevailing ice and weather conditions;
- the experience and ability of the group;
- the objectives of the course; and
- safety and appropriate professional judgement.
The itinerary remains flexible. This is an important part of making the most of a Canadian ice climbing trip, where temperatures, ice formation and local conditions can vary considerably.
Throughout the week, your Guide will also provide appropriate instruction and coaching, helping you develop your technique, confidence and understanding of ice climbing.
What's Included in Your Course Fee
Each Canadian Icefalls week includes:
- Five days of professional guiding and instruction, Monday to Friday.
- Six nights' accommodation, from Sunday night through to Friday night inclusive, on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Accommodation in hotels, motels and guest houses, selected according to the climbing areas and prevailing conditions.
- Transport throughout your guided week, including travel between your accommodation and the climbing venues.
- Picnic lunches on all five guided climbing days.
- Group climbing equipment.
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Canada.
- Airport transfers between Calgary and Banff.
- Accommodation before Sunday night or after Friday night.
- Evening meals.
- Personal climbing equipment and any equipment hire.
- Personal travel, medical and rescue insurance.
Insurance
All clients must arrange appropriate insurance for their trip, including cover for the ice climbing activities they will undertake, medical treatment and rescue or evacuation where applicable.
Please check that your policy specifically covers technical ice climbing in Canada and is appropriate for the nature of the course.
Refer to the ISM Insurance Information page for further guidance.
Any Questions?
If you are unsure about travel arrangements, equipment, insurance or any other aspect of your Canadian Icefalls course, please contact the ISM office before departure.
We're always happy to help you prepare so that you can arrive in Canada ready to enjoy your time on the ice.
International School of Mountaineering
ism@alpin-ism.com
