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Explore Johnston Canyon Icewalk in Banff, Alberta

Experience the dramatic transformation of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, where summer water cascades through a narrow gorge and winter turns those thundering falls into towering natural ice sculptures-perfect for a guided icewalk you won’t forget. You’ll follow steel catwalks built into the canyon walls that let you walk right along this cathedral of ice with airy views into the gorge below, wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the lower falls, and continue to the awe-inspiring upper falls-a glittering 30-metre tower of ice often scaled by ice climbers. Along the way you travel through prime wildlife habitat and learn the clues to how the canyon was formed, all within the spectacular surroundings of Banff, Alberta, making this accessible, family-friendly and adventure-packed experience ideal for visitors booking through Varoom.

About this activity in Banff

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

Highlights

  • Walk the famous Johnston Canyon catwalks in Banff National Park and admire towering frozen waterfalls that become glittering 30 m ice pillars in winter.
  • Explore a natural cave and take airy viewpoints over the canyon gorge for dramatic winter photo opportunities in the area.
  • Watch ice climbers scale the upper falls and learn about the canyon’s formation from an expert guide as you move along the trail.
  • Experience a small-group guided icewalk with included ice cleats, a hiking pole, a maple cookie snack and hot chocolate to warm you up.

Important Information

  • This guided Johnston Canyon icewalk runs on established trails and catwalks only; you will not traverse the ice for safety reasons.
  • You should have at least a moderate level of fitness and dress in warm ski wear (hat, mittens and insulated boots); a full packing list is provided on your voucher.
  • Minimum age is 8; children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All adults and guardians must sign a waiver prior to the tour.
  • Groups are capped at 12 guests per guide; gratuities are optional. If conditions become unsafe due to weather, the operator may cancel, offering a refund or reschedule.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Johnston Canyon trailhead parking lot in Banff National Park. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers, get fitted with ice cleats and meet your guide; public transit options are available nearby.

Includes

  • Enjoy a maple cookie snack and hot chocolate-perfect for warming up after a chilly outing in Banff and the surrounding area.
  • Travel in a small group (maximum 12 guests per guide) so you get a personalized experience and more time to ask questions.
  • Follow a professional guide who knows the local trails and safety protocols for this destination.
  • Use provided ice cleats to help with traction on slippery sections of the trail.
  • Benefit from a hiking pole supplied for added stability on uneven terrain.

Excludes

  • Optional gratuities are not included.

Other

  • Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the meeting point within the Banff area.
  • You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy this experience in the region.
  • Minimum age is 8 years; all children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by someone 18 years or older.
  • All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour; a parent or guardian must complete a waiver for any child under 18.
  • Dress in ski wear for this trip-include hats, mittens, and warm boots; a detailed list of items to wear and bring is provided on your voucher.
  • 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.
  • If safety conditions deteriorate under our cold weather policy, we may cancel the tour and offer you a refund or the option to reschedule.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Odyssey47759111496
• Jul 26, 2025 12:56:24 AM
Summary: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Unforgettable Experience Thanks to Georgia! Our trip wouldn’t have been the same without Georgia — she is, without a doubt, one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had. From the moment the tour began, Georgia was kind, thoughtful, and incredibly accommodating. She made sure every single person in our group felt safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. Her attention to detail and warm personality made every stop along the way even more enjoyable. We saw everything we hoped for — and more — and never once felt rushed or overlooked. Georgia’s knowledge of the area and her ability to tailor the experience to our group’s needs made the journey feel personal and unforgettable. This wasn’t just a tour; it was a beautiful experience, and Georgia is the reason why. If you’re lucky enough to have her as your guide, you’re in for something truly special. Highly recommend!
Richard131
• Jul 12, 2025 11:23:03 PM
Summary: Fantastic scenery, words cannot describe! Excellent guide Jake; interesting, fun, very friendly and flexible when requested. The chicken wrap was gorgeous, worth the trip on its own!
simonp339
• Apr 21, 2025 05:23:27 PM
Summary: Our guide Tim was friendly and very informative. The walk itself was relatively easy and was made extra special by the freshly fallen snow that morning. Although late in the season for the ice walk, there was still plenty of ice about. Spectacular views all the way.

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Know more about Banff

You’ll walk along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls and witness thundering falls that freeze into towering natural ice sculptures. The narrow gorge, airy views from the decks, and the glittering upper icefalls make this one of the most dramatic winter sights in Banff National Park.
You remain on the trail and steel catwalks that run along the canyon walls. The tour provides close, airy views into the gorge and the frozen falls without traversing the ice itself.
Yes - the glittering pillars of ice at the upper falls are a popular spot for ice climbers, and the approach passes through prime wildlife habitat where your guide will point out natural clues and viewing opportunities.
The guided icewalk takes you past the lower falls through a natural cave to view the flowering waters, then on to the awe-inducing upper falls - a 30‑metre-high tower of ice. Along the way you’ll travel through prime wildlife habitat and learn about how the canyon was formed.
The route follows maintained catwalks and trails through the canyon; a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended so you can comfortably enjoy the lower cave views and the upper deck overlooking the massive icefalls.
Photographers will want to capture the cathedral-like ice formations, the narrow gorge framed by steel catwalks, and the dramatic upper icefalls. Families can enjoy wandering through the natural cave at the lower falls and viewing the towering frozen columns from the upper deck.