4-Hour Johnston Canyon Afternoon Icewalk Tour
5.0 (0 reviews)
Tour Code: 200122
4-Hour Johnston Canyon Afternoon Icewalk Tour
5.0 (0 reviews)
Tour Code: 200122
Departure City
Banff
End City
Banff
Tour Type
Adventure/Activities
Duration
4 hours
Language
English Live
Guide Type
Guided Tour
Activity Level
Moderate
Quality
All Inclusive Tour
Highlights
• Travel through prime wildlife habitat on the way to the trailhead in small vehicles where everyone gets a great view
• Walk along the steel catwalks built into the canyon walls which allows a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below
• Walk through a natural cave feature for a unique view of the lower falls
• Gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. There will be a small break so you can enjoy the scenery and take photos
• Walk along the steel catwalks built into the canyon walls which allows a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below
• Walk through a natural cave feature for a unique view of the lower falls
• Gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. There will be a small break so you can enjoy the scenery and take photos
Itinerary
The Johnston Canyon hike in winter is a spectacular show of natural ice sculptures when the thundering falls freeze solid.
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park, and in winter, is home to our signature Banff Ice walk tours. Our guided icewalk takes you along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls all the way to the iconic frozen Johnston Canyon upper falls, with airy views into the icy gorge below.
The Johnston Canyon hike in winter leads to the spectacular lower and upper falls
Starting with a gentle walk to the lower falls, wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the frozen falls up close.
Then, continue onto the spectacular upper falls - a glittering tower of ice that rises 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns.
You‘’ll also travel through prime wildlife habitat to reach the canyon, and learn clues from your friendly guide as to how Johnston Canyon was formed.
Travel with us for a more personal experience, in small groups for more access to chat with your enthusiastic guide.
We'll take you there in small shuttles with big windows so everyone has a view, and no one needs to park!
Departure Time: 1:30pm
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park, and in winter, is home to our signature Banff Ice walk tours. Our guided icewalk takes you along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls all the way to the iconic frozen Johnston Canyon upper falls, with airy views into the icy gorge below.
The Johnston Canyon hike in winter leads to the spectacular lower and upper falls
Starting with a gentle walk to the lower falls, wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the frozen falls up close.
Then, continue onto the spectacular upper falls - a glittering tower of ice that rises 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns.
You‘’ll also travel through prime wildlife habitat to reach the canyon, and learn clues from your friendly guide as to how Johnston Canyon was formed.
Travel with us for a more personal experience, in small groups for more access to chat with your enthusiastic guide.
We'll take you there in small shuttles with big windows so everyone has a view, and no one needs to park!
Departure Time: 1:30pm
Tips
* This tour does not walk on the ice (as it is fragile, dangerous and you can punch through to the icy flowing water). You will be following the trail and steel catwalks that are built into the canyon wall and allow a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below. The steel catwalks are above the canyon, and vary in height from ground level up to about 10m (30 ft).
* Until January 2023, due to trail construction by Parks Canada, we are unable to reach the Upper Falls of Johnston Canyon. Instead, we may add some additional sightseeing stops. The tour will be the same duration and price during this period.
* Until January 2023, due to trail construction by Parks Canada, we are unable to reach the Upper Falls of Johnston Canyon. Instead, we may add some additional sightseeing stops. The tour will be the same duration and price during this period.
Visiting Attractions
Canadian Rockies
Banff National Park
Johnston Canyon
Meeting & Transfer Info
Transfer Info
What’s Included
Includes
- Maple cookie snack
- Hot chocolate
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Use of hiking poles
- Professional certified guide
- Ice cleats
- 5% GST
Excludes
- Service Fee for tour guide/driver
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure city
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals
- Entrance fees & optional tours (Prices vary from season to season; only the price at the ticket booth / box office is final)
Special Notes
- The minimum age is 8 years.
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
- All adults must sign a waiver, which will be sent through upon booking. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 18 years.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- This tour stays on the trail and does not traverse the ice for safety reasons.
- This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
- You are welcome to meet us at any of our pick up locations in Banff to join the tour, and a popular central downtown meeting point is the public bus parking area behind the Mt Royal Hotel (the hotel address is 138 Banff Avenue). Most guests choose to self-drive into Banff, although please note that you will need to find parking in Banff that exceeds the duration of the tour.
- This tour does not walk on the ice (as it is fragile, dangerous and you can punch through to the icy flowing water). You will be following the trail and steel catwalks that are built into the canyon wall and allow a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below. The steel catwalks are above the canyon, and vary in height from ground level up to about 10m (30 ft).
- The Johnston Canyon Icewalk in winter is considered a moderate to intermediate hike. We recommend a moderate fitness level so you can fully enjoy the tour. We do take the tour at a relaxed pace, although there is some steep areas and elevation gains throughout the 5.4km (3.4 mile) hike. The main elevation gain is done in short climbs (in some cases steep enough for steps), rather than being dispersed over the entire distance. Moderate fitness is recommended to ensure that you enjoy the tour. We provide ice cleats that will be attached to your boots that will prevent you from slipping on the ice, and we have hiking poles for extra stability if you would like to use them as well.
- Please be prepared for the mountain weather, it changes quickly and our winter tours run in anything from -27C (-17F) to +10C (+50F). Wind chill can change the temperature dramatically and you will be outside for the majority of your tour. To ensure that you enjoy the tour, please wear/bring: Photo ID for each adult (18+) for waiver verification. Thermals/base layers/long johns. Snow pants are recommended for this tour and are mandatory if it is below -16C (3F). Otherwise on warmer days, jeans/regular pants over long johns are okay. Snow pants can be rented from stores in Banff such as Snowtips-Bactrax. A warm sweater. A warm jacket. Ski jackets can be rented from stores in Banff such as Snowtips-Bactrax. A hat and mitts. A neck warmer or scarf. Sturdy warm shoes, ideally winter boots or hiking boots. They do not have to be waterproof, but they must be warm. No heels, ugg boots, flip flops or sandals. If you do not have warm shoes, we recommend a rental store such as Snowtips-Bactrax. A water bottle. Please note that safety is our first priority. If the guide thinks your attire or footwear isn’t appropriate and compromises your safety on the tour, you may not be able to participate.
- It does get icy during the winter season which is why we provide ice cleats during the tour to give you extra grip while you are doing your icewalk. We cancel our tour at around -30 degrees Celsius or -22 Fahrenheit, and would offer to reschedule or refund your tour if this occurred.
- Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel
Cancellation Policy
Pricing Info
Booking Info
Terms & Conditions
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