Banff Johnston Canyon: Evening icewalk with guide + pickup

Summary

Walk Johnston Canyon by moonlight in Banff with a local guide

You’ll walk Johnston Canyon after dark with a local guide, using your own headlamp as icy waterfalls shimmer around you. Pause for hot chocolate and maple cookies by the Lower Falls before heading back under starlight — an experience that feels both peaceful and quietly thrilling, something you’ll remember long after you leave Banff.

What’s the experience like?

I’d only seen Johnston Canyon in daylight before — full of chatter and camera clicks. But this time, we met our guide just as the last streaks of sun faded behind the pines near Banff. There was a hush I didn’t expect, like the whole forest was holding its breath. Our group fumbled with headlamps (mine kept slipping over my beanie), and then we set off along the catwalks, boots crunching on packed snow. The air smelled sharp, almost sweet — pine needles and cold stone.

Li, our guide, pointed out how the limestone walls were shaped by water over thousands of years. She’d pause sometimes and switch off her flashlight so we could just stand there in the dark, listening to the Bow River somewhere below us. It’s weird — you start to notice your own breathing when everything else is quiet like that. At one point, someone tried to say “frozen waterfall” in French (don’t ask me why), and Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her thermos.

The lower falls looked unreal under our lights — all blue-white ice with water still rushing behind it if you listened close enough. We squeezed through this little tunnel to get right up next to them; I banged my knee but honestly didn’t care because hot chocolate was waiting on the other side (and those maple cookies… I ate two). On the way back, Li suggested we try walking without our headlamps for a bit. I thought I’d be nervous but your eyes adjust fast — suddenly you’re just following moonlight through the trees, everyone whispering like kids at a sleepover. That part stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Icewalk at Johnston Canyon

• Travel to trailhead and learn about canyon history
• Guided night hike to Lower Falls with headlamp

Top questions

How long is the Johnston Canyon evening icewalk?

The walk covers about 1.4 miles (2.2 km) round trip and takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

Is pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff.

What should I wear for the evening icewalk?

You should dress in ski wear including hats, mittens, and warm boots; a detailed list is provided after booking.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get hot chocolate and maple cookies at the turnaround point near Lower Falls.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 8 years old; children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

Do I get to keep the headlamp?

Yes, each guest receives a souvenir headlamp to keep after the tour.

What happens if weather conditions are unsafe?

If safety conditions deteriorate due to cold weather, tours may be canceled or rescheduled with refund options available.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the pickup location in Banff.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from central Banff, use of ice cleats and hiking pole if needed, a professional local guide leading your small group (up to 12 guests), plus hot chocolate and maple cookies at Lower Falls. You’ll also receive a souvenir headlamp to keep after your night walk through Johnston Canyon.