Banff: Morning or Afternoon Johnston Canyon Icewalk

If you’re looking for a winter highlight in Banff, the Johnston Canyon Icewalk is an experience you won’t forget. For just $79 per person, you get about four hours of guided exploration through one of the park’s most striking sights — the frozen waterfalls and glittering ice towers that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you prefer a morning or afternoon departure, this tour takes you along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, a route that’s as much about the wildlife and natural beauty as it is about the canyon itself.

Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides—like Tim, Neil, and Jeff, who all receive high praise—and the opportunity to walk along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls. These give you a close-up view of the icy formations with a sense of adventure and safety. The inclusion of warm hot chocolate and maple cookies at the upper falls makes the chilly experience cozy and memorable. One small consideration: this is a moderate hike with some elevation gain, so it’s not suited for very young children or those with mobility issues.

This tour appeals most to nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to experience Banff’s winter scenery without the hassle of figuring out transportation or navigating icy trails alone. If you enjoy guided outings with a focus on natural beauty and learning about the area, this is a great choice.

Key Points

• Scenic Route: The Bow Valley Parkway offers a wildlife-rich drive before the hike begins.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting stories and local insights.
• Stunning Views: The ice-covered waterfalls and towering ice formations are the main draw.
• Safety & Comfort: Use of ice cleats and hiking poles make winter hiking safer and more accessible.
• Small Group: Tours are limited to 12 guests, ensuring a more personal, relaxed experience.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, guide, gear, and snacks—all for $79.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Johnston Canyon Icewalk

When planning a winter trip to Banff, seeing the frozen waterfalls of Johnston Canyon is often at the top of the list. These waterfalls freeze into spectacular ice pillars that rise up to 30 meters high, creating an icy cathedral of nature’s artistry. What makes this tour stand out is its guided approach—meaning we don’t have to worry about navigating tricky winter trails or worrying about safety gear. Instead, you’re handed a pair of ice cleats and given a quick lesson on how to walk safely over ice and snow.

Starting with a pickup from Banff, the journey takes you along the Bow Valley Parkway. This drive alone is worth the price — it’s a scenic route teeming with wildlife, and guides often share interesting tidbits about the park’s animals and geology. For those eager to spot elk or other wildlife, this is a bonus, and guides seem to keep an eye out, pulling over if something interesting appears.

Once at the trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on your ice cleats over your winter boots — a simple process that makes walking on icy surfaces much safer. The moderate 2.7 km hike is suitable for most with some level of fitness, especially since it involves a 135-meter elevation gain. Along the way, you walk along steel catwalks tucked into the canyon walls, offering a thrilling perspective of the frozen falls and the canyon below. Some reviews mention that stopping at the Lower Falls for photos and exploring a natural cave adds a fun, adventurous element.

Reaching the Upper Falls, you’ll be treated to a small refreshment break with hot chocolate and a maple cookie, while you take in the view of the towering ice formations. These gigantic icy columns often attract ice climbers, adding an element of excitement to the scene. Many reviews highlight how the guides share details about the canyon’s formation and local environment, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

The hike back down is just as scenic, with plenty of chances to snap photos of the snow-dusted canyon and maybe even spot some wildlife. The guides’ attention to safety and their friendly demeanor often earns praise, with some reviewers commenting on how knowledgeable and helpful the guides are, regardless of skill level.

What to Expect on the Tour

This 4-hour guided icewalk begins with pickup at the designated meeting point behind the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff. After a short scenic drive, your guide will assist you in fitting your ice cleats and share some tips for winter hiking. The actual hike involves about 2.7 km of walking, with some gentle elevation, making it manageable for most people in good health.

Once at Johnston Canyon, you’ll traverse the steel catwalks, which are built into the canyon walls to provide safe passage over ice and snow. These walkways are a highlight—they offer spectacular views into the canyon’s icy depths from a vantage point that would be impossible without the platform. The stop at the Lower Falls gives a chance to walk through a natural cave formation, which many find to be a uniquely beautiful experience.

At the Upper Falls, after a brief break, you’ll marvel at the massive ice pillars. Some ice climbers can often be seen scaling the columns, adding a sense of action to the serene winter landscape. The hot chocolate and maple cookies serve as a welcome warm-up, especially on colder days, making the experience feel more leisurely and satisfying.

Throughout the hike, guides explain how Johnston Canyon was formed and share insights about the local flora and fauna, making this both an educational and scenic outing. The small group size means your guide can really focus on individual questions, adding a personal touch.

When you finish the hike, you’ll head back to Banff, with easy drop-off at your hotel. The entire experience combines exercise, scenery, and learning—a balanced and memorable trip.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

What many travelers rave about is the knowledge and friendliness of guides. One reviewer mentions that their guide, Tim, “tried to be helpful to other people” and was really engaged with the group. Others appreciate the opportunity to see wildlife like elk during the drive, which adds an unexpected bonus to the day.

The views themselves are consistently praised, with many describing the “ice-covered waterfalls” as “gorgeous” and the “reflection of sunlight on snow” as breathtaking. The hot chocolate and cookies often come up as a small but meaningful detail that rounds out the experience, making it feel warm and inviting despite the winter chill.

Travelers also note that the small group size creates a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone plenty of time for photos and questions. Some mention that the pace is perfect, not too rushed but enough time to soak in the scenery and learn about the natural history.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This tour offers great value: for $79, you’re getting transportation, a guided experience, gear, and snacks—elements that could cost more if you booked them separately. Because it’s designed to suit most fitness levels, it’s accessible for families with children over 8, provided they’re comfortable with a moderate hike.

If you’re someone who loves stunning scenery, learning about the natural environment, and enjoying a cozy snack in a scenic spot, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s perfect for photographers, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting to experience Banff’s winter beauty without the hassle of planning every detail.

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The Sum Up

The Johnston Canyon Icewalk delivers an authentic, well-organized experience that balances adventure, education, and comfort. You’ll walk through a winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls and towering ice formations, all with expert guides who enrich the journey with stories and insights. The inclusion of gear and snacks makes it a hassle-free option, especially for those new to winter hiking.

For travelers who value small group sizes and personalized attention, this tour offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s especially suited for those eager to see Banff’s iconic landscapes in their icy glory, and for anyone seeking a safe, fun way to explore the park’s winter scenery.

If you love nature, photography, and learning while you walk, this tour will leave you with lasting memories of Banff’s icy magic.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, the hike, and the snack break.

How long is the hike?
The hike covers approximately 2.7 km with 135 meters of elevation gain, making it a moderate walk.

What should I bring?
Bring thermal clothing, warm layers, snow gear, a scarf, and waterproof winter boots. The guide provides ice cleats and hiking poles.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be 8 years or older, and those under 15 need an adult present.

How many people are in each group?
Tours are limited to a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in Banff are included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about parking.

Will I see wildlife during the tour?
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, guides often share stories about local animals, and the scenic drive itself offers opportunities for spotting elk and other creatures.

This guided Johnston Canyon Icewalk is a wonderful way to experience Banff’s winter landscape, combining scenic beauty, expert guidance, and cozy treats. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s a memorable outing that showcases the park’s icy magic in a safe and engaging way.

You can check availability for your dates here: