Johnston Canyon Icewalk: Experience Natural Ice Sculptures in Banff National Park
4.9
409 Ratings
Banff
Experience the natural beauty of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park. Walk along steel catwalks to marvel at frozen waterfalls and towering ice sculptures. Don't miss this popular guided icewalk!
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Johnston Canyon - 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:

ullet Walking Time: 2 - 2.5 hours

ullet Return Distance: 3.4 miles (5.4 kilometers)

ullet 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
What's Not Included
  • Optional gratuities
Additional Information

Johnston Canyon, a renowned focal point in Banff National Park, offers a fascinating spectacle of natural ice formations in winter when its powerful waterfalls freeze into statuesque structures. Throughout the sun-drenched summer, the confined canyon elegantly channels wafts of water. A system of metal platforms affixed to the canyon’s faces, allows visitors to traverse this glacial cathedral and peer into the chasm beneath.

While journeying, you’ll have the opportunity to meander through a natural cavern, to marvel at the blossoming waters of the lower falls. The path leads to the dramatic upper falls, where glistening ice towers loom 30 metres above. This awe-striking sight of these frozen monoliths is the key attraction, and it’s not unusual to spot ice climbers mastering these crystallized pillars.

Through this frequently chosen guided icewalk, you’ll skirt past the lower falls to admire the stunning upper icefalls from a towering vantage point. An excursion through territories rich in wildlife is also part of the trek to the falls as you uncover the geological hints that forged Johnston Canyon.

  • 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.
Location
Mount Royal Hotel
Banff Avenue
All guests must wait at the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 138 Banff Ave. You must be ready at the pick up point at least 20 minutes prior to the tour start time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(409 Ratings)
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Katie_d
Apr 12, 2024
The most beautiful Hike of your life! - Probably the most beautiful hike I have ever been on! Stunning views the whole way and an very enjoyable walk. Lovely to have a break for some hot chocolate and a cookie!
Review provided by Viator
Alexandra_b
Apr 11, 2024
Challenging but rewarding! - This trek was amazing! I definitely wouldn't have walked this trail without a guide. It was very icy (as advertised!) and the ice cleats were crucial to the experience. Our guide was very knowledgable about the area and the geology. This is not a beginner hike! Be prepared to slip
Review provided by Viator
Brian_e
Apr 9, 2024
Walking the rail! - Neil was solid. He was knowledgeable and spent time speaking to everyone connecting and making the trip fun.
Review provided by Viator
Rachel
Apr 7, 2024
Spring hike - We went on a morning walk to the falls. Our guide Jeff was wonderful! Educated us of the wildlife, safety and the canyon itself. Answered all of our questions. Had a treat of maple cookies and hot chocolate at the top. Also we were supplied ice cleats for our hike. I do highly recommend this company tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherpa58914767083
Mar 31, 2024
Perfect experience - The staff was so kind and he explained many information about forests. And he took the pictures of us so well!! Thank you! 友達と一緒に行きました!ガイドの方がとても優しくて写真を綺麗に撮れるスポットを教えてくれて、写真も撮ってくれました!とても撮るのが上手でした。山の情報もたくさん教えてくれてとても楽しい時間でした!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Becky_m
Mar 28, 2024
Beautiful! - The canyon is beautiful! The hike is a perfect length for exercise, but not too intense. Ice spikes were definitely needed
Review provided by Viator
Bob_h
Mar 22, 2024
Experience cannot be told must be seen. - Our tour guide was the best! Very knowledgeable, and extremely professional and accommodating! The canyon was beautiful!
Review provided by Viator
Susan_p
Mar 21, 2024
Great Banff Experience - Emma was a great guide. Loved that everything was provided: pick up, drive to Canyon, cleats, hiking pole, hot chocolate, cookies, drop off. Emma was very informative and patient. Good pace for all.
Review provided by Viator
Katrina_l
Mar 21, 2024
Fantastic adventure - Absolutely amazing experience. Our guide was lovely, funny, knowledgeable and patient. Canyon is a beautiful place.
Review provided by Viator
Candace978
Mar 18, 2024
A fantastic hike at Johnston Canyon by Ros! - Roz was a fantastic guide! We had six people on the hike and she chatted with all of us - was well prepared and made sure we were all taken care of. Great historical information about Johnston Canyon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor