Waterfalls Travel · Tour
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk: Frozen Falls with Radventures, Van Groups of 10 Max
Johnston Canyon in winter is a walk on steel catwalks over a creek that has gone quiet under the snow, with the falls frozen into towers of blue and white ice. This small-group tour with Radventures from Banff takes in the Lower Falls and, for those who want more, the Upper Falls. At the trailhead the guide hands out ice cleats and optional poles, then leads the way along the catwalks, explaining how the canyon formed and what lives there. The Lower Falls are about 30 minutes in (1.2 km, 50 m of climbing). From there the group can turn back or continue another 30 minutes and 1.3 km to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers are often working their way up the frozen cliffs. The full round trip to the Upper Falls is 2 hours, 5 km and 120 m of elevation gain, suited to guests of average fitness. The drive uses the Bow Valley Parkway, the quieter back road between Banff and the canyon, with Castle Mountain ahead. Elk, deer and bighorn sheep are often seen here, and the van stops at a few lookouts on the way back. Hot drinks are served on the return. Groups are capped at 10 guests and travel in a premium van rather than a coach.
What's included
- Water refills (please BYO water bottle)
- Small group guarantee (Max 10 guests)
- Comfortable, premium transportation with large panoramic windows
- Polaroid souvenir
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- Local guide trained in photography and storytelling
- Essential gear: ice cleats/crampons and hiking poles
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Banff locations
- Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, or tea) & sweet treat
Itinerary
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1 Juniper Way Unit 2, Banff
1 Juniper Way Unit 2, Banff, AB T1L 1E1, Canada
Meet in front of the hotel. Pickup is at 8:35 am between October 13 and May 31, 5 minutes after the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
327 Railway Ave, Banff
327 Railway Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada
Meet at the bus loading zone on Elk Street, at the roundabout opposite the train station, next to the Banff sign. The tour starts at 8:30 am between October 13 and May 31. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
218 Lynx St, Banff
218 Lynx St, Banff, AB T1L 1K5, Canada
Meet in front of the hotel. Pickup is at 8:25 am between October 13 and May 31, 5 minutes before the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
405 Spray Ave, Banff
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
Meet at the bus loading zone outside Fairmont Shops, by the turn circle. Pickup is at 8:20 am between October 13 and May 31, 10 minutes before the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
300 Mountain Ave, Banff
300 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J2, Canada
Meet in front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup is at 8:15 am between October 13 and May 31, 15 minutes before the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
345 Banff Ave, Banff
345 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8, Canada
Meet in front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup is at 8:05 am between October 13 and May 31, 25 minutes before the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
521 Banff Ave, Banff
521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8, Canada
Meet in front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup is at 8:05 am between October 13 and May 31, 25 minutes before the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
545 Banff Ave #1B5, Banff
545 Banff Ave #1B5, Banff, AB T1L 1B5, Canada
Meet in front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup is at 8:05 am between October 13 and May 31, 25 minutes before the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
Banff
Banff, AB T1L 1H1, Canada
Meet at the Roam bus stop on Tunnel Mountain Road, outside Tunnel Mountain Resort. Pickup is at 8:00 am between October 13 and May 31, 30 minutes before the tour start. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; the vehicle leaves on schedule.
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Johnston Canyon
In winter the canyon freezes into walls of blue ice, with waterfalls held in place. At the trailhead the guide fits ice cleats and optional poles, then leads along the steel catwalks, explaining the canyon's formation and wildlife. The Lower Falls are about 30 minutes in (1.2 km, 50 m of climbing); guests can return to the trailhead or go on to the Upper Falls, another 30 minutes and 1.3 km, where ice climbers are often seen on the cliffs. Round trip to the Upper Falls is 2 hours, 5 km and 120 m of climbing, for average fitness. Hot drinks are served on the drive back.
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Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway is the quieter road between Banff and Johnston Canyon, winding through dense forest with Castle Mountain ahead. It is one of the best stretches in the park for elk, deer and bighorn sheep. On the way back the van pulls over at several scenic lookouts, so keep a camera handy for the winter views.
1 Juniper Way Unit 2, Banff
1 Juniper Way Unit 2, Banff, AB T1L 1E1, Canada
327 Railway Ave, Banff
327 Railway Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada
218 Lynx St, Banff
218 Lynx St, Banff, AB T1L 1K5, Canada
405 Spray Ave, Banff
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
300 Mountain Ave, Banff
300 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J2, Canada
345 Banff Ave, Banff
345 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8, Canada
521 Banff Ave, Banff
521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8, Canada
545 Banff Ave #1B5, Banff
545 Banff Ave #1B5, Banff, AB T1L 1B5, Canada
Banff
Banff, AB T1L 1H1, Canada
Not included
- Guide gratuities (optional)
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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- Children 5 and under are unable to join our small group adventures
- Up to 12 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
Reviews
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