Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls: Small Group Winter Tour Banff

Ice cleats and canyon walls: what a winter walk in Banff actually shows you

A small-group winter tour from Banff that walks you into Johnston Canyon on snow and ice, with a local guide fitting you with ice cleats and poles at the trailhead. The morning includes the Lower Falls (30 minutes, 1.2 km), with the option to push on to the Upper Falls and watch ice climbers work frozen cliffs. Hotel pickup, hot drinks by the firepit, and stops along the Bow Valley Parkway on the drive there are included; the tour runs 4 hours total and suits anyone with average fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Johnston Canyon and Bow Valley Parkway

• Drive scenic Bow Valley Parkway
• Stop at local viewpoints
• Arrive Johnston Canyon trailhead
• Get fitted with ice cleats and poles
• Walk to Lower Falls
• Option to return to trailhead
• Option to continue to Upper Falls
• Observe ice climbers at Upper Falls
• Return to trailhead for hot drink

The Experience

You start with hotel pickup in Banff, then drive the Bow Valley Parkway toward Johnston Canyon. Your guide stops at a few local spots along the way—the kind of viewpoints most visitors drive past—and shapes the route around weather and what's moving that morning. The drive gives you a chance to settle in and ask questions before you're on the trail.

At the canyon trailhead, your guide fits you with ice cleats and optional hiking poles, then leads you along the snow-covered path toward the Lower Falls. The walk takes about 30 minutes and covers 1.2 km with 50 meters of elevation gain—gentle enough that you can look around and listen to canyon trivia as you go. When you reach the Lower Falls, a hot drink (hot chocolate, coffee or tea) waits for you by a firepit. From there, you can head back to the trailhead or continue another 30 minutes and 1.3 km to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers work their way up frozen cliffs beside some of the most impressive ice formations in the canyon. The full round trip to the Upper Falls is 2 hours and 5 km with 120 meters of elevation gain.

The small-group format keeps numbers under control, and your guide is trained in winter conditions and photography, so if you want your memories captured, they can help. Water refills are available (bring your own bottle), and the tour wraps up with drop-off back at your Banff hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at select Banff locations.
• ice cleats and optional hiking poles fitted at the trailhead.
• hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee or tea) by the firepit.
• water refills with your own bottle.
• a local guide trained in winter conditions and photography.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Radventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided walk on snow and ice with equipment provided, and prefer a small group that stops at quiet Bow Valley Parkway spots most visitors miss.

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Top questions

How difficult is the walk to Johnston Canyon's Lower Falls?

The Lower Falls walk is 1.2 km with 50 meters of elevation gain and takes about 30 minutes—it's a gentle path suitable for anyone with average fitness. Your guide fits you with ice cleats and optional poles at the start, so the snow and ice underfoot stay manageable.

What happens if I want to see the Upper Falls instead of just the Lower Falls?

The Upper Falls trail continues another 30 minutes and 1.3 km from the Lower Falls, adding 70 meters of elevation gain. The full round trip to the Upper Falls is 2 hours and 5 km total, and you'll stand beside ice climbers working their way up the frozen cliffs—it's the more dramatic end of the canyon, but you can turn back at the Lower Falls if you prefer.

What's included in the tour price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Banff, ice cleats and hiking poles, hot drinks at the firepit, and a local guide. Bring your own water bottle for refills, and wear warm layers—winter canyon walking means cold and wind even on a clear day.

What is the Bow Valley Parkway, and why do we stop there?

The Bow Valley Parkway is the scenic drive between Castle Junction and Banff, running through peaks and forest. Your guide stops at a few local favourite spots along the way—viewpoints and wildlife-watching areas that most visitors miss because they drive straight through—so you see more of the Rockies before you even reach the canyon.

How long is the whole tour, and when does it start?

The tour runs 4 hours total, including hotel pickup, the Bow Valley Parkway stops, and the canyon walk. Your guide will arrange a pickup time when you book; the morning departure gives you the rest of your day free.

Can children join this tour?

Children ages 5 and up can join the small group. Children under 5 are not able to participate in this tour.