Ice climbing in Canada

Johnston Canyon offers several routes for climbers of all levels. (Mark Johanson/For the Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

Dec. 10, 2018 9 AM PT

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)