Experience one of Banff National Park’s most spectacular winter landscapes on a guided walk through Johnston Canyon. Travel from Banff along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway before following the canyon trail through snow-covered forest, towering limestone walls and spectacular frozen waterfalls.
Your local guide will lead you to both the Lower and Upper Falls, sharing the story of the canyon and pointing out interesting geological features and winter wildlife along the way.
With Banff hotel pickup and drop-off, ice cleats and walking poles included, this easy half-day experience is a simple way to explore Johnston Canyon in winter.
Explore the Frozen Canyon
Winter transforms Johnston Canyon into a completely different landscape.
The creek winds through the narrow canyon beneath layers of snow and ice, while waterfalls freeze into impressive formations along the canyon walls. The trail includes sections of steel catwalk built into the canyon, giving you a unique perspective of the frozen creek below.
At the Lower Falls, walk through the short tunnel in the rock for a close-up view before continuing deeper into the canyon towards the Upper Falls.
Depending on conditions, you may also see ice climbers making their way up the frozen waterfalls.
A Winter Experience for Everyone
No previous winter hiking or technical experience is required. Your guide will provide ice cleats and walking poles and help you get comfortable with the equipment before setting off.
The pace is relaxed, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and learn about the area.
It’s an ideal introduction to the Canadian Rockies in winter and a great option for visitors looking for something beyond Banff’s usual sightseeing stops.
Tour Details
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Approximately 4 hours, including transportation
Walking time: Approximately 2–2.5 hours
Departure times: 8:30 AM & 1:30 PM
Pickup: Banff hotels & Banff Train Station
Operating days: Daily during the winter season
- Difficulty: Easy – suitable for families and first-time visitors
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours (hotel pick-up and drop-off included)
- Departures: 8:30 AM & 1:30 PM from Banff hotels
- Operating Days: Every Day
Prices
*Subject to Availability
Adult: $74.99
Child: $44.99
Infants: Free
Includes
- Round-trip transportation from your Banff hotel
- Experienced local guide
- Guided walk through Johnston Canyon
- Ice cleats
- Walking poles
What To Bring
- Warm winter clothing
- Waterproof winter boots
- Hat and gloves
- Warm layers
- Water
- Camera or phone
Is the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk difficult?
The walk is rated easy and is suitable for many first-time visitors. Winter conditions can make sections of the trail icy, so ice cleats are provided for additional traction.
How long does the walk take?
The full experience takes approximately 4 hours, including transportation from Banff. You’ll spend around 2–2.5 hours walking and exploring the canyon.
Do I need experience with winter hiking?
No. You don’t need previous winter hiking experience. Your guide will provide the necessary traction equipment and explain how to use it.
Do you walk on the frozen creek?
Yes. Winter conditions can create impressive ice formations around both the Lower and Upper Falls. The exact appearance of the waterfalls changes throughout the season depending on temperature and snowfall.
Will I see frozen waterfalls?
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean.
Can I see ice climbers?
Johnston Canyon is a popular ice climbing area, so you may see climbers on the frozen waterfalls during your visit.