Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Private Tour: Ice Sculptures

Walk through a canyon of frozen waterfalls and towering ice sculptures in winter.

A private guided tour of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park during winter, where you hike through limestone walls and suspended catwalks to see the Lower Falls transformed into ice formations. Your guide leads you to the base. From there you can return for hot drinks or continue on your own to the Upper Falls, a 30-metre frozen curtain. Ice cleats and hiking poles are provided, and the tour runs 4 to 5 hours with hotel pickup included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Winter hike at Johnston Canyon

• Travel along Bow Valley Parkway
• Guided hike to Lower Falls
• Explore frozen ice formations
• Optional self-guided hike to Upper Falls
• View towering frozen waterfall
• Enjoy complimentary hot drinks

The experience

What makes Johnston Canyon worth seeing in winter? The rushing water freezes mid-fall into dramatic sculptures, and the canyon itself becomes a landscape of ice and snow. You travel along the Bow Valley Parkway, a route known for wildlife sightings, before your certified guide leads you through the canyon's towering limestone walls and across suspended catwalks. The turquoise waters of Johnston Creek are now glittering ice, and the whole place has a quiet, otherworldly feel.

Your guide takes you to the Lower Falls, where the frozen formations are the main event. From there, you have a choice: return to the vehicle for complimentary hot chocolate, tea or coffee, or continue on a self-guided hike to the Upper Falls. That 30-metre waterfall becomes a frozen curtain in winter, and the canyon around it is silent except for your footsteps. Ice cleats and hiking poles come with the tour, so you can move safely across the icy terrain and steep sections without arranging your own gear.

The tour is private, which means your group sets the pace and your guide adjusts to what you want to do. Hotel pickup is included, and the whole experience (from the drive to the canyon to the hike and the warm drinks afterward) takes 4 to 5 hours. National Park entry fees are covered, so there are no surprises at the gate.

What’s included

• Ice cleats and hiking poles for safe movement on frozen terrain.
• complimentary hot chocolate, tea or coffee after your hike.
• Banff National Park entry fees.
• hotel pickup and return.
• a certified guide leading you to the Lower Falls and explaining the canyon along the way.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to10h before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Explore Banff Tours & Transfers

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so your group controls the pace and your guide adjusts to your interests. Choose it if you want personalized attention and the flexibility to decide whether to return after the Lower Falls or push on to the Upper Falls on your own.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I hike to both the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls on this tour?

Yes. Your guide leads you to the Lower Falls, and from there you can choose to continue on your own to the Upper Falls. The Upper Falls hike is self-guided, so you set your own pace and timing for that stretch.

What should I wear and bring for a winter hike in Johnston Canyon?

Dress warmly in layers since you'll be hiking in snow and ice at elevation. Ice cleats and hiking poles are provided by the tour, so you don't need to bring those. Warm gloves, a hat and waterproof boots are essential. The operator recommends a moderate level of physical fitness for the hike.

Is the Bow Valley Parkway part of the tour route?

Yes. The drive to Johnston Canyon takes you along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, which is known for wildlife sightings. This corridor is part of the journey from your hotel to the canyon.

What happens after the hike? Is there time to warm up?

After your hike, you return to the vehicle for complimentary hot chocolate, tea or coffee included with the tour. This is a chance to rest and warm up before the drive back to your hotel.

Does this tour include Banff National Park entry?

Yes. National Park entry fees are included in the tour price, so you don't need to purchase a separate park pass.