Canada’s vast, winter-kissed landscapes are home to some of the most breathtaking ice caves in the world, and with no end to the frigid winter of 2025, it’s a great opportunity to pay a visit. These frozen wonders offer a rare glimpse into a crystalline world of shimmering blues, towering ice formations, and otherworldly beauty. From British Columbia’s rugged glaciers to the icy caverns of Newfoundland’s coast, here are five of the best ice caves to explore across Canada—each promising an unforgettable winter adventure.
1. Natural Bridge Ice Cave – British Columbia
Where: Yoho National Park, British Columbia
How to Get There: Drive from Calgary or Vancouver to Yoho National Park, near Field, BC. The Natural Bridge area is easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway, followed by a short, relatively easy walk from the parking area.
What It’s Like: In the winter, the Natural Bridge, a striking rock formation carved by the Kicking Horse River, transforms into a spectacular ice cave. Frozen waterfalls drape over the rock, creating a shimmering curtain of ice, while thick icicles hang like frozen daggers. The river beneath may still flow, offering dramatic contrast to the serene frozen landscape above. The hike is short and manageable, making this one of the most accessible ice cave experiences in Canada.
2. Athabasca Glacier Ice Caves – Alberta
Where: Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park
How to Get There: Drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) between Jasper and Banff. Park at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, from where guided tours can take you onto the glacier.
What It’s Like: These breathtaking caves form within the Athabasca Glacier each winter, revealing tunnels of deep blue ice that seem almost otherworldly. The experience requires a guided tour and some hiking across the glacier, but the reward is stepping inside a frozen cavern of translucent blue ice that glows under natural light. The caves change each season as the glacier moves, making every visit a unique experience.
3. Lake Superior Ice Caves – Ontario
Where: Northern shore of Lake Superior, near Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma Country
How to Get There: Drive north from Sault Ste. Marie along Highway 17 to access various ice cave locations, such as Batchawana Bay, Coppermine Point, and Sawpit Bay. Access may require a short hike across frozen shorelines.
What It’s Like: The powerful waves of Lake Superior sculpt massive ice caves along the shoreline during deep winter freezes. These caves are shaped by a mix of wind, water, and frigid temperatures, forming intricate tunnels, frozen domes, and thick, blue-tinged ice walls. Reaching them requires caution, as conditions depend on ice stability. However, on a clear day, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the frozen lake extending to the horizon, with icebergs and jagged formations dotting the landscape.
4. Parc naturel régional de Portneuf – Quebec
Where: Saint-Alban, Portneuf Region
How to Get There: From Quebec City, drive west on Highway 40 to Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, then follow local roads to the park entrance in Saint-Alban. A winter hiking or snowshoe trek is required to access the ice formations.
What It’s Like: While not a true cave, the towering frozen cliffs of Parc naturel régional de Portneuf create a mesmerizing ice-cave-like experience each winter. Water seeping through the rock face freezes into massive ice curtains, sparkling icicles, and thick frozen cascades that transform the canyon walls into a surreal icy wonderland. The rugged beauty of the formations, paired with the quiet stillness of the surrounding forest, makes it an unforgettable winter adventure. Snowshoes or ice cleats are recommended, and guided tours are available for a deeper exploration of the area’s unique geology.
Midland Ice Cave, NB
5. Midland Ice Caves – New Brunswick
Where: Near Norton, Kings County, New Brunswick
How to Get There: From Saint John, drive northeast on Route 1 to Norton, then follow local roads to the trailhead. The hike to the caves is approximately 4.5 km round trip along an old road and forest path.
What It’s Like: The Midland Ice Caves offer a family-friendly winter hike leading to impressive ice formations nestled within the forest. The trail is relatively easy, with a gentle incline, making it suitable for hikers of all ages. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a natural amphitheater of ice, with walls adorned in shimmering icicles and frozen cascades. The serene setting provides a perfect backdrop for winter photography and exploration.
Planning An Ice Cave Adventure
Before setting out, remember that ice caves can be unpredictable. Weather conditions and ice stability change rapidly, so always check local advisories before visiting. Dress warmly in layers, wear sturdy winter boots, and consider using crampons for added traction. Guided tours are highly recommended for glacier and coastal caves to ensure safety. Whether you’re stepping inside an ancient frozen cavern in Alberta or exploring the icy shores of Lake Superior, these breathtaking ice caves offer an unforgettable glimpse into Canada’s wild winter beauty.
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