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 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)
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
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Start Times
Pickup included
Reviews
492 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Johnson canyon ice walk...
Heather D,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Johnson canyon ice walk was a nice afternoon guided hike. It was an easy hike but definitely kept you warm due to some of the areas of elevation. Some areas were icy so it was nice to have the ice shoes that were provided. Hiking shoes or light weight boots are fine. Heavy winter boots are too much. We were not cold at all and it was -4 C the day we went. Snow pants were not necessary. Our Guide Neil was very friendly and informative. We stopped at all the views and never felt rushed. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Banff.
Fantastic experience.
mwilliams2486,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed our morning ice walk to the falls with Neil. He was very knowledgeable about the area and why the ice forms the way it does. We learned a lot while seeing the gorgeous landscape. Highly recommend!
Absolutely incredible!
Samantha K,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was the perfect start to our trip! What a BEAUTIFUL hike, and our guide Neil made it that much better! What a unique experience to see flowing water behind a frozen top layer. It wasn’t a difficult hike, mostly a slight incline the whole time and super well maintained so the icy conditions weren’t a problem. There was only maybe two spots where it got a little steeper, but Neil gave us breaks and used that time to point out unique features of the area and the critters who inhabit it. The studded cleats they provided were perfect to combat the snow, and they had walking poles for anyone who needed them. It took about 2.5 hours -ish to do the entire hike. We had a small group so we were able to go to both lookout points for the upper falls, which was incredible. Neil was so accommodating, such a wealth of knowledge, and was so patient with all of our questions. He was personable and it was evident he really cared about the area and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. We actually learned so much, that the rest of the trip we were able to reference what Neil told us. We could not have gotten luckier with having him for a guide. While you don’t technically need a tour to visit this area, 10/10 recommend booking with Discover Banff. Not only was the transportation great because we didn’t have a car, but there’s no way we would have seen everything and learned so much if we hiked it solo.
Incredible experience!!
samanthakO7433UK,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was the perfect start to our trip! What a BEAUTIFUL hike, and our guide Neil made it that much better! What a unique experience to see flowing water behind a frozen top layer. It wasn’t a difficult hike, mostly a slight incline the whole time and super well maintained so the icy conditions weren’t a problem. There was only maybe two spots where it got a little steeper, but Neil gave us breaks and used that time to point out unique features of the area and the critters who inhabit it. The studded cleats they provided were perfect to combat the snow, and they had walking poles for anyone who needed them. It took about 2.5 hours -ish to do the entire hike. We had a small group so we were able to go to both lookout points for the upper falls, which was incredible. Neil was so accommodating, such a wealth of knowledge, and was so patient with all of our questions. He was personable and it was evident he really cared about the area and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. We actually learned so much, that the rest of the trip we were able to reference what Neil told us. We could not have gotten luckier with having him for a guide. While you don’t technically need a tour to visit this area, 10/10 recommend booking with Discover Banff. Not only was the transportation great because we didn’t have a car, but there’s no way we would have seen everything and learned so much if we hiked it solo.
Nicholas enhances the amazing beauty of this winter wonderland.
TrailBlazer747372,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We purchased the services of a professional guide to show us Johnston Canyon and Marble Canyon. The mountains, canyons, rivers, landscapes were incredibly beautiful. Seeing pure white snow all around as you walk into, or above, the canyon walls was so serene, so peaceful and just so beautiful. It’s hard to describe because it’s an emotional experience that just brings serenity and happiness. A definite recommend. But all the beauty aside, our guide Nicholas was so passionate, so knowledgeable, so enthusiastic and so very human with a sense of wonderment and human beauty equal to his knowledge of the geography, history and geology. He made our experience a million times more than it otherwise would have been. What a great day! Thank you!
Johnston canyon ice walk
807darceem,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing! Jake and Edmon were wonderful guides. They were so knowledgeable and so much fun. We really enjoyed our experience and highly recommend it!
Worth the walk
902anabeatrizb,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Discover Banff Tours – Ice Walk Experience We joined the Discover Banff Tours Ice Walk and it turned out to be a truly sensory and memorable experience. Walking through the frozen landscape and seeing the waterfall completely iced over offered a perspective that goes far beyond a traditional tour. It was not just about the scenery, but about slowing down, feeling the cold air, listening to the silence of winter, and reflecting on how nature transforms itself. Our guide, Emma, made all the difference. With her thoughtful explanations and warm approach, she turned the walk into a meaningful journey rather than a simple sightseeing activity. Her stories, attention to detail, and genuine passion kept us engaged from start to finish. It was a different way of experiencing Banff — reflective, immersive, and deeply memorable. This is the kind of tour that stays with you long after it ends.
Lucy was our guide and...
Mary V,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lucy was our guide and she was fantastic! Super knowledgeable and very entertaining. Even a novice hiker could do this tour. It was absolutely breathtaking!
Would Recommend!
jameshR4700JB,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time walking through the beautiful Johnston canyon with Emma as our guide. She did an awesome job of explaining about the local history as well as giving restaurant recommendations on our drive home. Would highly recommend to anyone!
Great Tour with Neil of Johnston Canyon
dillony771,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Neil E. was an excellent guide, and I wish all guides were as knowledgeable and personable as he. He took the time to get to know each and every person on the tour. His background and familiarity with the area was impressive. He was full of facts and information relating to everything from history of the area to geological commentary to fun, random facts to the best places to eat depending on your mood. It was easy to tell that Neil enjoys what he does and that it wasn’t just a job.
From CA$109.15
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Operated by Discover Banff Tours