Winter
8:30am, 1:30pm
Departure Time
5 Hours
Duration
All Ages
Age
Active
Activity
Nov-Apr
Season
Book a private icewalk tour of the majestic Johnston Canyon Trail for just your group with a knowledgeable, friendly guide.
The Johnston Canyon Trail is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park, and in winter is home to Banff’s most spectacular frozen waterfalls. This private guided hike takes you along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls all the way to the iconic frozen upper falls, with airy views into the icy gorge below.
Starting with a gentle walk to the lower falls, wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the frozen falls up close. Then, continue onto the awe-inducing Johnston Canyon Upper Falls – a glittering tower of ice that rises 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.
You’ll also travel through prime wildlife habitat to reach the canyon, and learn from your knowledgeable guide about the area and how Johnston Canyon was formed.
This tour is recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience – a collection of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences found only in Canada.
Contact Us for Custom Quote:
We can also accommodate different private Johnston Canyon Icewalk® itineraries and vehicle sizes. Call 1 -877-565-9372 to chat with our reservations team, or complete the form below. Please include the name of the tour, number of guests, ages of guests, date, pick-up location and if you would like a full day or half day service.
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
 |
|
Gina's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Gina , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
4.5 
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
1
Private Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Choose your vehicle size best suited to your group and enjoy a private guided icewalk at Johnston Canyon direct from your Banff hotel.
2
The Frozen Johnston Canyon Falls
Gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns.
3
Everything Is Included
Private tours include a dedicated professional guide, comfortable vehicle, use of ice cleats and hiking poles, and a snack of hot chocolate and maple cookies.
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
|
|
Gina's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Gina , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
4.5
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+
The tour is 5 hours long which includes 2 – 2.5 hours for the icewalk.
This half day tour includes transport to popular Johnston Canyon for a guided hike to see the frozen waterfalls. Guests will hike along snow and the steel walkways called ‘catwalks’ built into the canyon walls that give an airy view of the gorge below, and past the lower falls and to the breathtaking upper falls. Please note that this tour stays on the trail, and does not traverse the ice due to safety concerns.
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.
We pick up from most hotels in Banff, and you can select your preferred pick-up location during the booking process. For drop offs, our guide will ask you on the way back where you would like to be dropped off either in town or at your hotel.
This tour does not walk on the ice (as it is fragile, dangerous and you can punch through to the icy flowing water). You will be following the trail and steel catwalks that are built into the canyon wall and allow a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below. The steel catwalks are above the canyon, and vary in height from ground level up to about 10m (30 ft).
This Johnston Canyon icewalk in winter is considered moderate/intermediate. Moderate fitness is recommended to ensure you fully enjoy the tour. We aim to go at a relaxed pace however you do need to feel comfortable walking 3km /1.75 miles per hour to enjoy the experience. The main elevation gain is done in short climbs (in some cases steep enough for steps), rather than being dispersed over the entire distance.
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.
We can also accommodate different timeslots, locations, tour durations and itineraries. Please contact us for further details.
Please be prepared for the mountain weather, it changes quickly and our winter tours run in anything from -27C (-17F) to +10C (+50F). Wind chill can change the temperature dramatically and you will be outside for the majority of your tour.
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.
It does get icy during the winter season which is why we provide ice cleats during the tour to give you extra grip while you are doing your icewalk. We cancel our tour at around -30 degrees Celsius or -22 Fahrenheit, and would offer to reschedule or refund your tour if this occurred.
There is a 7 day cancellation policy for private tours, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 7 days outside your booked tour.
Gratuity is automatically added to every private booking and so any further tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
|
|
Gina's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Gina , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
4.5
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
- All adults must sign a waiver. 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.
| Included |
|
| Walking Distance |
|
| Elevation Gain |
|
|
|
Gina's Pick
"Johnston Canyon is amazing in the morning when no one else is there." - Gina , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
4.5
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+
