Johnston Canyon Icewalk: Experience Natural Ice Sculptures in Banff National Park

Experience the natural beauty of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park. Walk along steel catwalks to marvel at frozen waterfalls and towering ice sculptures. Don’t miss this popular guided icewalk!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Johnston Canyon - 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:

ullet Walking Time: 2 - 2.5 hours

ullet Return Distance: 3.4 miles (5.4 kilometers)

ullet Elevation Gain: 443 feet (135 meters)

What's Included
  • Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
  • Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
  • Professional guide
  • Ice cleats
  • Hiking pole
What's Not Included
  • Optional gratuities
Additional Information

Johnston Canyon, a renowned focal point in Banff National Park, offers a fascinating spectacle of natural ice formations in winter when its powerful waterfalls freeze into statuesque structures. Throughout the sun-drenched summer, the confined canyon elegantly channels wafts of water. A system of metal platforms affixed to the canyon’s faces, allows…

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(525 Ratings)
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1 star
Markca1091fo
Jan 30, 2026
Not to be missed (Jake) - Jake pick us up right on time. Was funny and gave great information about the area and where we were going. Scenery was fantastic, so was the snacks. My partner said ‘he was just the eye candy she needed’. What a great tour I would recommend. When I grow up I want to be just like Jake.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heather_d
Jan 18, 2026
Johnson canyon ice walk... - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Mwilliams2486
Jan 18, 2026
Fantastic experience. - Really enjoyed our morning ice walk to the falls with Neil. He was very knowledgeable about the area and why the ice forms the way it does. We learned a lot while seeing the gorgeous landscape. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samantha_k
Jan 14, 2026
Absolutely incredible! - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Samanthako7433uk
Jan 14, 2026
Incredible experience!! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trailblazer747372
Jan 13, 2026
Nicholas enhances the amazing beauty of this winter wonderland. - We purchased the services of a professional guide to show us Johnston Canyon and Marble Canyon. The mountains, canyons, rivers, landscapes were incredibly beautiful. Seeing pure white snow all around as you walk into, or above, the canyon walls was so serene, so peaceful and just so beautiful. It’s hard to describe because it’s an emotional experience that just brings serenity and happiness. A definite recommend. But all the beauty aside, our guide Nicholas was so passionate, so knowledgeable, so enthusiastic and so very human with a sense of wonderment and human beauty equal to his knowledge of the geography, history and geology. He made our experience a million times more than it otherwise would have been. What a great day! Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
807darceem
Jan 11, 2026
Johnston canyon ice walk - The tour was amazing! Jake and Edmon were wonderful guides. They were so knowledgeable and so much fun. We really enjoyed our experience and highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
902anabeatrizb
Jan 11, 2026
Worth the walk - Discover Banff Tours – Ice Walk Experience We joined the Discover Banff Tours Ice Walk and it turned out to be a truly sensory and memorable experience. Walking through the frozen landscape and seeing the waterfall completely iced over offered a perspective that goes far beyond a traditional tour. It was not just about the scenery, but about slowing down, feeling the cold air, listening to the silence of winter, and reflecting on how nature transforms itself. Our guide, Emma, made all the difference. With her thoughtful explanations and warm approach, she turned the walk into a meaningful journey rather than a simple sightseeing activity. Her stories, attention to detail, and genuine passion kept us engaged from start to finish. It was a different way of experiencing Banff — reflective, immersive, and deeply memorable. This is the kind of tour that stays with you long after it ends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_v
Jan 9, 2026
Lucy was our guide and... - 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!
Review provided by Viator
Jameshr4700jb
Jan 7, 2026
Would Recommend! - We had a great time walking through the beautiful Johnston canyon with Emma as our guide. She did an awesome job of explaining about the local history as well as giving restaurant recommendations on our drive home. Would highly recommend to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $79
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).