Banff: Guided Johnston Canyon Icewalk with Hot Chocolate

Summary

Walk frozen catwalks in Banff’s canyon with a local guide

You’ll walk steel catwalks above Johnston Canyon’s icy gorge with a local guide leading your small group past frozen waterfalls and through snowy caves. Taste hot chocolate and maple cookies as you watch climbers scale towering icefalls. The hush of winter and those surreal blue walls will stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to walk inside a canyon that’s basically turned into an ice cathedral? I didn’t, honestly, until we bundled up and met our guide just outside Banff for the Johnston Canyon icewalk. There was this hush in the air — not total silence, but that muffled sound you get when snow covers everything. Our group was small (maybe eight of us), and Li, our guide, handed out these spiky ice cleats that made me feel half-mountain goat, half-awkward tourist. She grinned and told us to trust our feet — easier said than done at first.

The steel catwalks cling right to the canyon wall, so you’re kind of floating above this deep blue crack in the earth. Water still trickles under the ice somewhere below — you can hear it if you stop talking for a second. We ducked into a little cave to peek at the lower falls, which were half-frozen and throwing up mist that instantly frosted my glasses. I tried to take a photo but my fingers were too cold (pro tip: mittens over gloves). Li pointed out animal tracks in the snow and explained how the whole canyon was carved out over thousands of years — she made geology sound like gossip somehow.

The upper falls are wild — thirty meters of solid ice hanging there like someone pressed pause on a waterfall mid-crash. There were two climbers inching up one side while we watched from the viewing deck, sipping hot chocolate that tasted way better than it had any right to after all that cold air. Someone passed around maple cookies (I ate two, no regrets). The walk back felt shorter, maybe because everyone was swapping stories or just quietly watching their breath cloud up in front of them.

I still think about how blue the light looked bouncing off the ice walls — almost fake-looking but not quite. If you’re anywhere near Banff in winter and want something more than just another ski day, this is worth it. Just don’t forget your warm socks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour

• Start walk on steel catwalks
• Pass lower frozen waterfalls
• Walk through natural ice cave
• View upper icefalls from deck
• Observe ice climbers on columns
• Return along canyon trail

Top questions

How long is the Johnston Canyon icewalk?

The guided walk takes about 2 to 2.5 hours round-trip and covers 5.4 kilometers (3.4 miles).

Is hotel pickup included for the Johnston Canyon tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; travelers meet at a designated spot near Banff.

What should I wear for the Johnston Canyon icewalk?

Dress in ski wear including hats, mittens, warm boots, and layers suitable for cold weather.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, hot chocolate and maple cookies are included during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 8 years old; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

Do I need special equipment for walking on ice?

Ice cleats and hiking poles are provided by your guide for safety on icy paths.

Can I join if I have limited fitness?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended as there is some elevation gain (135 meters).

Will we see wildlife during the walk?

You’ll pass through wildlife habitat but sightings aren’t guaranteed; guides may point out animal tracks.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from a professional local guide who provides ice cleats and hiking poles for safety on icy trails, plus hot chocolate and maple cookies shared along the way with your small group before heading back through Banff National Park’s winter landscape.