Johnston Canyon Icewalk

4.9
(455 reviews)

4 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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.

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
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Every pickup point has a unique pickup time. Guests must be ready at their selected pickup point 5 minutes prior. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort at 7:55 AM / 12:55 PM Canalta Lodge at 8:00 AM / 1:00 PM Banff Caribou Lodge at 8:01 AM / 1:01 PM Fox Hotel & Suites at 8:02 AM / 1:02 PM Red Carpet Inn at 8:03 AM / 1:03 PM Douglas Fir at 8:06 AM / 1:06 PM Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 8:10 AM / 1:10 PM Mount Royal Hotel (Public Bus Parking behind hotel) at 8:12 AM / 1:12 PM Rimrock Resort at 8:20 AM/ 1:20 PM Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) at 8:25 AM / 1:25 PM Banff Train Station at 8:30 AM / 1:30 PM Juniper Hotel at 8:35 AM / 1:35 PM If no pickup is selected, your pick up will be defaulted to meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 8:12 AM / 1:12 PM, pending the departure time booked.

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)

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.
Supplied by Discover Banff Tours

Show 3 more

Tags

Hiking Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

4.9 Based on 455 455 reviews
5 stars
425
4 stars
21
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
4
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}