Johnston Canyon offers several routes for climbers of all levels. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Banff National Park may just be the best place on the planet to scale frozen waterfalls in a winter wonderland.
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures can teach you the ropes about ice climbing, an increasingly popular sport. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Spiky crampons are an important footwear accessory when it comes to ice climbing. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Maintaining a triangular body formation is key for novice ice climbers. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
An ice climber descends a cliff in Johnston Canyon. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Ice hiking through Grotto Canyon is a popular winter activity in the Bow River Valley of Alberta, Canada. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Johnston Canyon offers one of the most popular winter hikes in Banff National Park. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Ice climbers strap crampons onto winter boots before the action begins. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
An expert ice climber hones his skills on a frozen waterfall in Johnston Canyon. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Larry Shiu, a teacher with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, keeps extra ropes and carabiners on his harness. (Mark Johanson/for the Chicago Tribune)
Frozen waterfalls abound in the Banff region of Alberta, Canada. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
A climber tests his skills on one of the many ice walls in Grotto Canyon near Canmore, Alberta. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
An ice climber uses his ax to navigate up a frozen waterfall in Grotto Canyon. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Ice axes are integral tools used in both hands while climbing frozen terrain. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Johnston Canyon is a playground for ice climbers with numerous routes from which to choose. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
Larry Shiu, a teacher with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, fixes ropes for the class. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
A group of snowshoers hikes in Kananaskis Country, on the eastern edge of Banff National Park. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)
