Canyon Creek Ice Cave facts for kids

The Canyon Creek Ice Cave, also known as the Bragg Creek Ice Cave or Moose Mountain Ice Cave, is a cool ice cave found in limestone rock. It's located in a beautiful area called Kananaskis Country, close to the town of Bragg Creek in Alberta, Canada. People have known about this cave for a very long time, even before it was "officially" discovered by Stan Fullerton in 1905.

This ice cave is a popular spot for visitors of all ages. It's only about twenty minutes west of the big city of Calgary. From the parking lot, you can often see the cave's entrance high up on the mountain. It might look close, but getting there and back is a fun adventure!

Exploring the Canyon Creek Ice Cave

The Canyon Creek Ice Cave is a natural wonder. It's a place where you can see amazing ice formations, especially in the colder months. The cave is a great example of how water and ice can shape the land over many years.

Getting There: A Fun Adventure!

Getting to the Canyon Creek Ice Cave is part of the adventure! In the past, you could drive closer to the cave. But because so many people visited without being ready for a caving trip, the road to the old parking lot is now closed.

Today, there's a new parking lot right off Highway 66. From there, you'll enjoy a 7-kilometer hike along the old road to reach the former parking area. This makes the trip longer and more challenging. For experienced hikers, the whole trip might take about 6 hours. If you're new to hiking, it could take around 8 hours. Remember, it's a journey, not just a destination!

Staying Safe on Your Trip

Safety is super important when visiting the ice cave. Since the road was closed, fewer accidents have happened. This is because most hikers who now make the trip are serious about exploring the cave. They come prepared with the right gear.

When you visit, make sure to bring essential items like a helmet to protect your head. A headlamp is also a must, as the cave is dark inside. Don't forget food and water to keep your energy up. Other safety equipment, like sturdy hiking boots and warm clothes, are also very important for a safe and fun trip.

How the Cave Was Formed

The Canyon Creek Ice Cave was created by water slowly dissolving and enlarging cracks in the limestone rock. Over time, these small cracks grew into bigger passages. The entrance to the cave became much larger due to something called frost wedging. This happens when water gets into cracks, freezes, and expands, pushing the rock apart. It's like how ice cubes can crack a glass if you fill it too full!

A lot of the cave's passages are now filled with permanent ice. In the winter, you can see beautiful ice formations near the entrance. The cave also has some loose rocks, so always be careful when hiking, especially on the slopes leading up to the entrance.

Protecting This Special Place

The Canyon Creek Ice Cave is a special natural place, and it's important to protect it. In the past, some visitors have left spray paint marks and garbage behind. This damages the cave and makes it less enjoyable for everyone.

When you visit, please respect the cave's natural formations. Do not touch or break any of the ice or rock structures. Always take all your garbage with you when you leave. By following these simple rules, we can help keep the Canyon Creek Ice Cave beautiful for many years to come!