
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Water cascades into this narrow canyon in the heat of summer, but in the winter the thundering falls freeze solid to create natural ice sculptures. Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park and has a network of steel catwalks built into the canyon walls that allows you to walk right along this cathedral of ice with airy views into the gorge below. As you do, you’ll get to wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the lower falls. Continue onto the awe-inducing upper falls - a glittering tower of ice that rise 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. This popular guided icewalk will lead you past the lower falls and on to view the breathtaking upper icefalls from the upper deck. You will also travel through prime wildlife habitat to reach the falls and learn the clues to how Johnston Canyon was formed.
Inclusions
What's included
- Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Professional guide
- Ice cleats
- Hiking pole
What's not
- Optional gratuities
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 5500
- 423
- 34
- 22
- 15
Ratings come from 534 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Stunning scenery
Excellent trip, guide was on time and took us on the walk pointing out and sharing knowledge and info on the area. Was tricky in parts with a new snowfall but well worth the effort
5Wondrous icy falls
We had a most wonderful time with Chloe. She was so much fun, telling great stories. The canyon is a must see in any season but we were very pleased that we were able to view the falls in their icy state. Highly recommend and ask for Chloe- she is great!
5Storytelling and Sunshine
This was an amazing experience overall. The trail was 98% covered in ice so having crampons provided was not only convenient but necessary. Sophie was an excellent guide and helped to turn a casual walk in the (gorgeous) woods into an informative tour. Even the drive from the pick up spot to the trailhead was packed with great storytelling. We got very lucky with the weather and had a perfectly warm, sunny day in April! Couldn't have asked for a better set of circumstances. Highly recommend this beautiful tour.
5Amazing tour guide, amazing views
The guided tour is the way to go. Our tour guide, Neil Evans was very knowledgeable about the park, the canyons as well as the history of Banff. The views were absolutely stunning. The hike took about 4 hours and has multiple different terrain elevations but nothing too bad. My daughter and I give this tour company and the hike a 10/10. Thanks for having us Discover Banff Tours and thank you to our guide Neil Evans.
5Breathtaking
Absolutely unforgettable experience at Johnston Canyon in Banff! From the moment we started the trail, it felt like stepping into a postcard. The turquoise water, the sound of rushing waterfalls, and the stunning canyon walls made every step worth it. The walk itself was easy to follow and incredibly scenic, with well-maintained pathways and breathtaking views at every turn. Reaching the Lower and Upper Falls was the highlight—each one more beautiful than the last. The fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere made it such a refreshing escape from everyday life. If you’re visiting Banff, this is a must-do. Whether you’re going for a relaxing walk or chasing views, Johnston Canyon delivers pure magic. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
5Good tour
Superb tour with amazing views and lots of time to explore. It is not rushed. Lot of free time and guided knowledge sharing with other people. Very friendly people and staff.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 12 travellers
- Operated by
- Discover Banff Tours
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 8 years. All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by someone 18 years and older.
- All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18.
- Guests should dress in ski wear for this trip including hats, mittens, and warm boots. A detailed list of items to wear and bring is provided on your voucher.
- A moderate level of fitness is recommended to ensure that you enjoy the tour.
- Please note that this tour stays on the trail and does not traverse the ice due to safety concerns.
- Group bookings of 9 or more guests have a 7 day cancellation period.
How it compares in Banff
- Its from-price is 25% below the median of the 476 experiences we list in Banff.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 12 of 476.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Banff
Banff is a small mountain town inside Canada's first national park, set among the Rocky Mountain peaks of Alberta with hot springs, lakes and wildlife.
The town of Banff sits in the Bow Valley at about 1,400 metres, with Mount Rundle's sloping ridge rising over the main street and Cascade Mountain at the other end. It began as a railway town beside hot springs, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site marks the discovery that led to Canada's first national park. A gondola climbs Sulphur Mountain for views, and the Bow Falls and a château-style hotel add to the river scenery.
Top-ranked sights in Banff: Moraine Lake, Bow Falls, Lake Louise.
Special offers in Banff
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
20% offFree cancellation
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