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
470 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jake is our king of the canyon.
536jameyc,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jake was an awesome guide. His knowledge of the area is off the charts. He has a great sense of humor and very friendly. My wife thought he was sexy and made me double his tip.
Great Tour and Guide
O4487VTwillf,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked the Johnston Canyon Icewalk through Discover Banff Tours. Had guide Jake. This was an excellent tour. Jake was very interactive and did a great job. I noticed he walked next to and spoke to every person on the tour. Great guide. Highly recommend.
Absolutely magical
prayerglow2,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The most magical place, especially early morning with very few people about & light snow falling. The lower falls & other scenery is stunning & mesmerising. Didn't make it to the top but photos are incredible.
Dan and Phil’s Canada trip tour of Johnstone canyon ice walk
L2306ASdaniels,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour of Johnstone canyon ice walk with and excellent guide Neil. He was brilliant gave us all amazing insight into the canyon very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting see stunning scenery.
The tour was well...
Shivani P,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was well organized. Pickup and drop of was smooth. Good equipment provided. Our Guide Neil was super friendly and knowledgeable.
Amazing and Beautiful
A1629RFhannahs,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Neil was our tour guide and he was amazing very knowledgeable and super friendly he even had great recs for other things to do in town. The tour was stunning and an easy pace. Great morning adventure! Would recommend doing the earlier times when there’s not as many people on the trail
Rob rocks!
Ngozi O,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Rob was such a joy to tour with. He’s versed on the terrain, walked us through at a steady pace and gave us great tips on how to stay warm. The tour was about 2.5 h and 2.8 kilometers- definitely one to prepare for but railing etc was helpful. Glad we did it
Amazing tour and great guide
evacU3876KZ,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip, our guide Neil was super so informative, friendly and so helpful for all things Canada as well as the ice walk. An amazing way to see a beautiful feature. Would highly recommend
Loved the Johnston Canyon!
168abigailk,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Georgia was amazing! She was a very thoughtful guide and had many interesting facts to share about the canyon and the Banff area. She also took photos of the group whenever we wanted. It was a lovely experience seeing the lower and upper falls in November while they are partially frozen but still flowing. Ice cleats and a walking pole made the experience safe and enjoyable, many people around us were slipping without the cleats. I am a novice hiker with knee problems and I found the hike very manageable. Not too much up or down at one time, but you definitely get your steps in! Go in the afternoon slot if you want to take more time at the lookout spots.
Unfortunately we faced...
Courtney D,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Unfortunately we faced travel delay after delay trying to get from California to Banff. I reached out to Viator and the tour company and let them know about our predicament. They both acknowledged that there were tours later in the week and acted like it would not be a big deal to change our date. However, after a lot of back and forth they ultimately decided that “nothing could be done,” and, “their system wouldn’t let them make the change,” so we were just out our almost $400 and they refused to change us to the open slots later in the week. I understand if they tours were already sold out but because their were still open spots, I think it’s bad customer service. Just beware if you have any travel hiccups, they will not work with you.
From CA$103.95
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Operated by Discover Banff Tours