21 Nov 2023
The exquisite glory of winter in the mountains cannot be understated. Have you ever seen a frozen waterfall with icicles the size of your body frozen in place? Or heard the rushing of the water underneath the ice layer? Any mountain enthusiast worth their salt has visited Johnston Canyon in the wintertime at least once.
The guided tours have limited capacity, so book your tickets in advance! Transportation is provided: a bus will collect you from your hotel, take you up to the canyon, and drop you back home at the end.
Guided tours of the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk are available in the morning, afternoon and evening. Our expert guides will take you through the Lower and Upper Falls, all while regaling your group on Johnston Canyon’s rich history. When you reach the Upper Falls, you might be treated to the sight of some daring ice climbers tackling the massive ice pinnacles that hang off the frozen falls.
This tour will take you across all types of terrain, from rocky mountain trails to steel walkways built into the canyon walls. Experience life from the perspective of a mountain goat when you hike along the steel catwalks that hug the canyon walls and gaze down into the mystical gorge below.
Planning an action-packed itinerary? Including pick up and drop off, you can expect to spend around 4 hours on this tour. The hike is around 2.5 hours and is an easy climb most people can do! Children ages eight and up can participate in the hike!
Don’t worry about slipping and sliding– we’ve got you covered! Banff Adventures provides rental ice cleats to keep you safe on the icy trails when purchasing guided Ice Walk tour tickets. During the tour, you will also receive hot chocolate and a snack to keep you warm.
As for your personal pack, you don’t need a whole lot. Make sure you’re dressed in weather-appropriate clothes, like winter jackets, pants, boots, mittens and a toque, and you’ll be set! We recommend packing an extra layer, a water bottle, and a granola bar or two. Do your part to keep Banff clean and dispose of any garbage when you return to town.
The Johnston Canyon Evening Ice Walk is an undeniably magical experience after sunset. Watch the light beams of your headlamp reflect off the icy canyon walls. Listen to your expert guide and enjoy discovering the canyon’s hidden points of interest, fascinating geological formations and rich natural history.
The evening ice walks begin mid-December after the ice forms and are available until the ice melts. The tour begins around 6:30pm, so make sure to bundle up and wear extra layers during the evening tour to keep yourself warm in the chilly mountain air.
Interested in booking tickets for the Johnston Canyon ice walk? Need help planning your mountain getaway? Our dedicated team would be happy to help. Get in touch with us today to start planning your winter vacation.
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