Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
In accordance with our Cold Weather Policy, if safety conditions deteriorate, we may cancel the tour, offering guests the option to receive a refund or reschedule for another date or time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
Professional guide
Ice cleats
Hiking pole
Optional gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
This popular walk will lead you past the lower falls and to the breathtaking upper icefalls. You'll hike on steel walkways built into the canyon walls and get an airy view of the canyon below. What to expect: • Walking Time: 2 - 2.5 hours • Return Distance: 3.4 miles (5.4 kilometers) • Elevation Gain: 443 feet (135 meters)
Options
Start Times
Pickup included
Reviews
455 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well worth a visit in winter
Victoria P,
Apr 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00We were picked up in a comfortable minibus from the designated pickup point, our guide 'Geoff' was very knowledgeable and on the way to Johnston Canyon spent some time discussing local wild life and land marks. Geoff brought ice cleats for our boots which were invaluable as the walkways were still covered in ice and very slippy. I am not sure we would have completed the walk if we were just wearing trainers. Geoff tailored the pace of the walk to the group and we walked to upper falls. The falls themselves had partially melted and were spectacular.
Great views & great guide!
Gordon P,
Apr 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had Emma as our guide and she was exceptional! She was incredibly knowledgeable about the hike specifically and Banff / the overall region. She made sure that we were able to see everything of interest while moving at the right pace for the group. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in a great half-day activity.
Johnston Canyon Hike
Annie S,
Apr 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent way to learn about Banff while taking in amazing scenery. Sights were breathtaking with our awesome tour guide, Andy. He was extremely informative as well as helpful in making sure we were comfortable and enjoying our future sights in Banff. He was very friendly as well. My boys and daughter enjoyed this tour and would definitely recommend as well as take any future tour with Andy as our guide!
Gorgeous winter hike
JESSICA L,
Mar 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our hike with Tina was our favorite excursion on our trip. The canyon itself was gorgeous. The hike was uphill for the majority of the way with moderate difficulty. We were given crampons to wear which were very helpful. The hot chocolate and cookies were a great little snack! I highly recommend this hike.
Beautiful Hike!
Christina N,
Mar 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a great winter hike -:but it definitely is a hike uphill going to the Upper Falls, so a decent level of fitness is needed. The Johnston Canyon is beautiful. We saw some ice climbers too and our guide, Rob, was super knowledgeable about the area and shared lots of interesting stories. We got some lovely snowfall near the end of the hike, which just made it picture-perfect afternoon!
Related Experiences
Operated by Discover Banff Tours