Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Overview
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
- Ice cleats
- Hiking pole
- Professional guide
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Optional gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
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 PMIf 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
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Johnston Canyon Icewalk?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3827JC
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 524 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Adventures & Tours
Banff Ghost Walks
Spend a spooktacular evening unearthing ghastly ghosts, ghouls and mysterious events lurking in the shadows of Banff’s historic streets. Take a walk on the other...
$29.21
Banff transforms into a winter wonderland during December. Snow-covered mountains, twinkling lights, and alpine architecture make the perfect backdrop for a holiday-themed food experience. ❄️...
$103.44
Experience winter through a private transformative journey in the breathtaking winter landscapes of Banff and Kananaskis. This private guided experience offers immersive winter adventures, intentional...
$934.71
Banff and its Wildlife - Year Round Tour
Uncover the secrets of the historic mountain town of Banff with a local guide leading the way as you gaze at stunning views and visit...
$63.24
Adventurers Who Bought This Adventure Also Bought
Banff Gondola Ride Admission
Soar up Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of Banff National Park and six mountain ranges. Walk the boardwalk, explore the interpretive building, dine at...
$65.90
Best of the Best 2026 — Top10Adventures® | #1 Tour in Canada | Top 1% Worldwide This is the highest recognition Top10Adventures® gives, awarded to...
$70.22
Explore with Banff's top-rated tour operator down backroads teeming with wildlife, plus our selection of Banff’s best viewpoints and secret spots. Along the journey, you’ll...
$99.13
Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk
Visit the Athabasca Glacier on a massive ice explorer on this 3-hour excursion. Walk along the frozen sheet of ice and fill your water bottle with...
$94.18
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Top10Adventures® customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (MDT).
- Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate.
- Ice cleats.
- Hiking pole.
- Professional guide.
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide).
- Optional gratuities.
This adventure requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 8. This adventure requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Johnston Canyon Icewalk is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Johnston Canyon Icewalk will be included in your confirmation email from Top10Adventures®. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
- Ice cleats
- Hiking pole
- Professional guide
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Optional gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
