Summer
Experience Banff’s Iconic Hike: The Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most beloved attractions, and the wintertime Icewalk is an expedition that all visitors must experience at least once. This guided Johnston Canyon hike takes you along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls all the way to the iconic frozen Johnston Canyon Upper Falls where you’ll have stunning views of the gorge below.
Icewalk: Hike Johnston Canyon & Explore The Area
Your journey begins down the Johnston Canyon trail where you’ll take a gentle walk to the Lower Falls and wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the frozen waterfalls. The hike will take you very close to the Lower Falls where you’ll see the cascading icicles in the winter sun and take in the serene beauty of the natural formations.
You’ll then continue on to the spectacular Upper Falls—a glittering tower of ice that rises 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the highlight of the Banff walking tour and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. There are viewing platforms in the Upper Falls that give you a chance to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Throughout the Johnston Canyon hike, your friendly tour guide will share interesting tidbits about the history of Johnston Canyon. You’ll also travel through the prime wildlife habitat and get to explore nature where you may even see elk, deer, or other wildlife.
Don’t miss out on the unforgettable experience of viewing Johnston Canyon’s Lower Falls and Upper Falls in winter. Book your tour today and explore the stunning canyon, its frozen waterfalls, and all the natural beauty of this astonishing environment. Make sure to bring your camera and capture the beauty of this natural wonder!
Travel Logistics & Notes
- We offer transportation services and pick up from most hotels in Banff. Select your preferred pick-up location during the booking process.
- We’ll take you to Johnston Canyon in small shuttles with big windows so everyone has a view, and no one needs to park!
- Travel with us for a more personal experience in small groups for more access to chat with your enthusiastic guide.
- Please dress accordingly. The mountain weather can change quickly and our Icewalk tours will run in temperatures ranging from -27C (-17F) to +10C (+50F).
This tour is recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience – a collection of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences found only in Canada.
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
 |
|
Sophie's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Sophie , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
Bow Valley Parkway
Catwalks Along the Johnston Canyon Trail
Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
|
|
Sophie's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Sophie , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
We provide ice cleats that will be attached to your boots that will prevent you from slipping on the ice. We also have hiking poles if you would like to use them for extra stability.
Most guests choose to self-drive into Banff, although please note that you will need to find parking in Banff that exceeds the duration of the tour. Please refer to the Town of Banff website for general parking information, or the banffparking.ca website for live parking availability. For guests staying in Canmore, you can also use the Roam bus service and disembark at the Banff High School. The closest pick up point to the Banff High School is across the road at the Elk and Avenue Hotel.
We provide ice cleats that will be attached to your boots that will prevent you from slipping on the ice, and we have hiking poles for extra stability if you would like to use them as well.
The Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk is a 2.5 hour tour that visits the lower falls with 1.5 – 2 hours of walking 2.2 km with an elevation gain of 65 metres (213 feet) and includes a souvenir headlamp (yours to keep after the tour!) to light your way under the stars.
The Grotto Canyon Icewalk allows you to walk directly on a frozen creek bed at the bottom of Grotto Canyon past unusual rock formations, ancient Native rock art, and icefalls. The icewalk is 4.2km (2.6 miles) and has an elevation of 100 metres (328 feet), with a total walking time of 2 – 2.5 hours. This icewalk is generally considered easy, with a few small inclines.
To ensure that you enjoy the tour, please wear/bring:
- Photo ID for each adult (18+) for waiver verification.
- Thermals/base layers/long johns.
- Snow pants are recommended for this tour and are mandatory if it is below -16C (3F). Otherwise on warmer days, jeans/regular pants over long johns are okay. Snow pants can be rented from stores in Banff such as Snowtips-Bactrax.
- A warm sweater.
- A warm jacket. Ski jackets can be rented from stores in Banff such as Snowtips-Bactrax.
- A hat and mitts.
- A neck warmer or scarf.
- Sturdy warm shoes, ideally winter boots or hiking boots. They do not have to be waterproof, but they must be warm. No heels, ugg boots, flip flops or sandals. If you do not have warm shoes, we recommend a rental store such as Snowtips-Bactrax.
- A water bottle.
Please note that safety is our first priority. If the guide thinks your attire or footwear isn’t appropriate and compromises your safety on the tour, you may not be able to participate.
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
|
|
Sophie's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Sophie , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
- The minimum age is 8 years.
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
- All adults must sign a waiver, which will be sent through upon booking. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 18 years.
- This tour stays on the trail and does not traverse the ice for safety reasons.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- By participating in a tour with Discover Banff Tours, guests are acknowledging that they understand that we may take video and photographs of them during their tour. These videos and photographs may be used in promotional materials including, but not limited to, social media.
- This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
|
|
Sophie's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Sophie , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
|
|
Sophie's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Sophie , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
