Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Banff, Canada
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the winter wonderland of Banff’s Johnston Canyon on this ice walk tour. Join a professional guide on a hike along the canyon’s steel walkways, to visit the beautiful lower and upper waterfalls, and learn how this majestic canyon was formed. Your excursion includes round-trip transportation, ice cleats, and a hiking pole, plus a light snack and hot chocolate to help warm you up.
- Enjoy frozen beauty of the Johnston Canyon Icewalk®
- Look out for the various types of wildlife which inhabit the area
- Learn about the history and geology of the area from your knowledgeable guide
- Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while you admire the views
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Ice cleats
- Hiking pole
- Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Optional gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
Explore the unique ice-covered waterfalls and beautiful scenery of Banff’s renowned Johnston Canyon during this ice walk. Strap the provided ice cleats, and hike on steel walkways along the canyon’s edge for winter adventure.
Your adventure is available in the morning or in the afternoon and begins with a pick up from Banff. Then, venture out to Johnston Canyon to begin your hike. As you set out, keep an eye out for winter wildlife, and listen in as your guide shares details about the canyon’s history and geology.
Continuing on along the frozen path, you reach the canyon’s breathtaking lower and upper icefalls, trapped in beautiful layers of ice by the arctic air. Finish your invigorating walk through this icy environment with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a snack before heading back to Banff.
Note: The return distance of the hike is about 3.4 miles (5.4 kilometers), and elevation gain is 443 feet (135 meters).
Your adventure is available in the morning or in the afternoon and begins with a pick up from Banff. Then, venture out to Johnston Canyon to begin your hike. As you set out, keep an eye out for winter wildlife, and listen in as your guide shares details about the canyon’s history and geology.
Continuing on along the frozen path, you reach the canyon’s breathtaking lower and upper icefalls, trapped in beautiful layers of ice by the arctic air. Finish your invigorating walk through this icy environment with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a snack before heading back to Banff.
Note: The return distance of the hike is about 3.4 miles (5.4 kilometers), and elevation gain is 443 feet (135 meters).
1
Johnston Canyon
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kristina_N
The views and nature experience were epic. I would recommend this hike for an unforgettable experience. The hike itself, however, is not for beginners in my opinion. There is a lot of it that's uphill, so be prepared for that. It lasts about 2.5 hours (travel time not included). Most importantly, the trail is covered in snow and ice. The tour guide gives you ice cleats but there are still a lot of areas that have uphill or downhill slopes that are ice covered so they're challenging to navigate. I definitely recommend you go with a friend who can help you out a bit.
Our tour guide Lucy was amazing. She was knowledgeable and helpful. She kept a good pace and waited for all those who took longer than others. She took lots of rest breaks which were needed. To Lucy's mom, your daughter is amazing!
Reviews
4.9
based on 528 reviews
Crystal_R, Mar 2026
Georgia was great with a blend of humor, facts, stories…and even geology! She even enticed us with treats. Thanks Georgia!
John_A, Mar 2026
The hike was not overly strenuous. You definitely need ice cleats. The views are worth every step. Georgia was our guide and she was fabulous! The hot chocolate and cookies she served when we got to the turnaround were such a nice treat. We have only positive things to say about this experience. Georgia was even kind enough to drop us off at our hotel when we got back to town.
Claudia_S, Mar 2026
It was fantastic. The guide was extremely personable and well-informed. Also, they ensured the safety of the entire group and kept us all well-connected.
Mary_H, Mar 2026
Anick was an amazing guide and super informative about the area and canyon. Hike was not too difficult but snow cleats are a must in winter. A fresh dusting of snow made it even more beautiful !
LeAnne_F, Mar 2026
Amazing experience! The guide was great, the hike was everything I expected, plus amazing views along the way. Inclines could be tricky for some on the way up, easy to moderately hard hike.
ARA_T, Mar 2026
Just awesome!!! Anik was an awesome guide—great Banff info and lots of laughs!! Trail was beautiful, moderate hike, and had a great time!! Well worth it!!!
Jordan_O, Mar 2026
Beautiful views and excellent tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and ice cleats were provided to us. Also enjoyed the cookies and hot chocolate!
Kristina_N, Mar 2026
The views and nature experience were epic. I would recommend this hike for an unforgettable experience. The hike itself, however, is not for beginners in my opinion. There is a lot of it that's uphill, so be prepared for that. It lasts about 2.5 hours (travel time not included). Most importantly, the trail is covered in snow and ice. The tour guide gives you ice cleats but there are still a lot of areas that have uphill or downhill slopes that are ice covered so they're challenging to navigate. I definitely recommend you go with a friend who can help you out a bit.
Our tour guide Lucy was amazing. She was knowledgeable and helpful. She kept a good pace and waited for all those who took longer than others. She took lots of rest breaks which were needed. To Lucy's mom, your daughter is amazing!
Pamela_P, Mar 2026
Robb was our tour guide and did an awesome job explaining the history of the National park and leading us on the Johnston Canyon Icewalk. We had a great group and we all had a great time!
grant_m, Mar 2026
Beautiful winter wonderland with ice formations. Neal was a great guide, he kept the walk entertaining and educational. Highly recommend
Nadine_S, Mar 2026
Great adventure and a workout depending on the time of year. Our guide Heidi was very knowledgeable. We saw ice climbers which added value to the trip.
Stacia_L, Mar 2026
Great hike, beautiful views, extremely knowledgeable tour Guide (jeff). Really enjoyed the hike, and Pro wear hiking shoes. They provide the spikes.
Kevin_H, Mar 2026
Canyon hike is spectacular
Our guide was awesome
Full of knowledge and good energy!
Highly recommend this tour
Jasmine_A, Feb 2026
Such a fantastic way to experience the Johnson Canyon ice-walk. The guided tour made it easy and safe, with ice cleats provided so we could comfortably explore the paths. It was the perfect mix of adventure and scenic beauty, beautiful frozen waterfall's, peaceful, magical, and truly one of the highlights of visiting Banff in winter. ❄️ Our guide, Heidi was incredibly friendly and impressively knowledgeable sharing insights into the local culture and the black bears, which was fascinating. If you have the opportunity to go, be sure to ask for Heidi 🐻❄️🩵🇨🇦
StephanieG, Feb 2026
Our tour to Johnston Canyon with Lucy and Anick was unforgettable. The scenery was stunning, but they made the experience even better. They were informative, patient, and kept everything running smoothly while still making it fun. We never felt rushed and learned so much along the way. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip!
Roger_S, Feb 2026
There was a great view of the falls and canyon. Our guide was very helpful. It was a good thing that cleats were supplied since the trail was sometimes slippery.
John_Z, Feb 2026
This is a "must do" when in Banff! We went in February, when the waterfalls are frozen. It's not a difficult hike - and you enter a magical winter wonderland! Our guide was personable, knowledgeable, and professional. We had a wonderful day! (Be sure to go to the upper falls. That's where it's REALLY spectacular!)
Lori_H, Feb 2026
They need to know that it’s not flat that there are some elevations in the hike.
It’s absolutely stunning and beautiful! Loved our guide Neil!
Janice_S, Feb 2026
This is a must do excursion when visiting Banff. The views are great and the experience is fun Anecka and Tom were great guides.
Mike_S, Feb 2026
Beautiful scenery. Emma was an excellent guide. The hike had a few hills but, overall, it was fairly easy.
Margaret_G, Feb 2026
Tom was an amazing guide who provided expert knowledge about the area. He was very attentive 2 everyome's safety and photo-journaling needs. Tom recommended photo-op spots and also offered 2 take pix. We were very fortunate great weather and 2/hv Tom as quide. Only suggestion to Viator is to allow tipping when booking this adventure as apparently local site allows.
Dallas_R, Feb 2026
Great informative and beautiful hike. Emma was a very informative guide and was easy going and funny.
Josephine_O, Feb 2026
Make sure to look at the pickup times within the booking under a collapsed list setting to find the exact pickup time.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi, thank you for sharing this helpful tip.
We’d like to kindly clarify that the tour start time is different from the tour pickup time. The exact pickup time can be found as well as in the confirmation message sent immediately after the reservation is made.
We always recommend reviewing these details carefully prior to the tour date to ensure a smooth experience. We appreciate you taking the time to point this out for future guests.
Heather_D, Jan 2026
Johnson canyon ice walk was a nice afternoon guided hike. It was an easy hike but definitely kept you warm due to some of the areas of elevation. Some areas were icy so it was nice to have the ice shoes that were provided. Hiking shoes or light weight boots are fine. Heavy winter boots are too much. We were not cold at all and it was -4 C the day we went. Snow pants were not necessary. Our Guide Neil was very friendly and informative. We stopped at all the views and never felt rushed. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Banff.
Samantha_K, Jan 2026
This experience was the perfect start to our trip! What a BEAUTIFUL hike, and our guide Neil made it that much better! What a unique experience to see flowing water behind a frozen top layer. It wasn’t a difficult hike, mostly a slight incline the whole time and super well maintained so the icy conditions weren’t a problem. There was only maybe two spots where it got a little steeper, but Neil gave us breaks and used that time to point out unique features of the area and the critters who inhabit it. The studded cleats they provided were perfect to combat the snow, and they had walking poles for anyone who needed them. It took about 2.5 hours -ish to do the entire hike. We had a small group so we were able to go to both lookout points for the upper falls, which was incredible.
Neil was so accommodating, such a wealth of knowledge, and was so patient with all of our questions. He was personable and it was evident he really cared about the area and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. We actually learned so much, that the rest of the trip we were able to reference what Neil told us. We could not have gotten luckier with having him for a guide.
While you don’t technically need a tour to visit this area, 10/10 recommend booking with Discover Banff. Not only was the transportation great because we didn’t have a car, but there’s no way we would have seen everything and learned so much if we hiked it solo.
Mary_V, Jan 2026
Lucy was our guide and she was fantastic! Super knowledgeable and very entertaining. Even a novice hiker could do this tour. It was absolutely breathtaking!
Heidi_V, Dec 2025
Very knowledgeable guide. Super safe. Easy to rent winter gear on Banff if needed. Two of my cousins needed boots and rented for $13 each. Good for all ages. Oldest was 74 years old.
Gabe_F, Dec 2025
Chole and Lucy are Rockstars. Fantastic guides with great knowledge of the trail, we had a great hike.
Heather_M, Dec 2025
Neal was awesome. Worked with a group a varying physical levels and everyone seemed to still had a great time. We sure did.
Shivani_P, Dec 2025
The tour was well organized. Pickup and drop of was smooth. Good equipment provided. Our Guide Neil was super friendly and knowledgeable.
From $80.34
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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