AM vs PM: Which Johnston Canyon Icewalk is Right for You?
Are you looking to explore one of Banff’s most popular attractions this winter? The Jonhston Canyon Icewalk is waiting for you! Enjoy stunning scenery while you wander across suspended steel catwalks and through canyon trails, all paired with educational facts and unique stories from local experts.
At Banff Adventures, we offer both daytime and nighttime guided tours for tourists looking to visit this must-see location. Not sure which tour is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll discuss our morning, afternoon, and evening options in-depth, including some insider tips to help make your decision easier. Keep reading!
Why Choose the Johnston Canyon Icewalk
This tour is beloved by visitors and locals alike–and for good reason! In the winter months, Johnston Canyon turns into a stunning frozen wonderland, complete with sparkling icicles, icy blue waters, and an awe-inspiring frozen waterfall. No matter what time of day you choose to visit, all our tours include:
- A beginner-friendly hike
- An expert guide to provide a safe, fun, and educational experience.
- Hotel pick up and drop off for guests in Banff.
- Hot chocolate, a snack, and ice cleats for safe exploring.
Day Icewalk
Interested in seeing as much of the Canyon as possible? Our daytime tours are the best way to experience all the natural beauty of this location. With a complete duration of 4 hours, this tour includes both the Lower and Upper Falls. While this hike is fairly easy, we recommend a moderate fitness level for this activity, due to some steep areas and elevation gains.
Here are some key details about this experience:
- Total Tour Duration: 4 hours, with 2–2.5 hours of walking
- Hike Distance: 1.2km to the Lower Falls, 2.5km to the Upper Falls
- Departure Time Options: 8:30 am, 10:00 am, and 1:30 pm
- Provided Equipment: Ice cleats
Do you have additional questions about this tour? Check out our FAQ page for more details.
Evening Icewalk
Looking for something a little quieter and intimate? Opt for our Evening Johnston Canyon Icewalk, which offers a completely new perspective on this historic location. Since this tour sticks to the Lower Falls, you can enjoy a shorter tour and an easier hike with minimal steep or challenging areas.
Essential information about this tour includes:
- Total Tour Duration: 2.5 hours, with 1.5–2 hours of walking
- Hike Distance: 4.2km
- Departure Time: 6:30 or 7:30 (varies throughout the season)
- Provided Equipment: Ice cleats and a souvenir headlamp.
For more information about this tour, visit our FAQ page.
Beyond Johnston Canyon: Grotto Canyon Icewalk
Curious about other icewalks near Banff? Try Grotto Canyon! This tour lets you walk directly on the frozen creek bed, leading you to a stunning ice waterfall. Another highlight of this experience is the ancient Indigenous pictographs, which your guide will point out and provide more insights about.
Which Banff Icewalk is Right for You?
Still not sure which option you want to go with? Let’s break it down:
Choose the daytime Johnston Canyon Icewalk if you:
- Want to see the full canyon, including the Upper Falls.
- Prefer hiking and exploring during the daytime.
- Enjoy a more strenuous hike.
- Are visiting with young children who need earlier bedtimes
On the other hand, opt for our evening option if you:
- Prefer a shorter, less demanding experience (2.5 hours)
- Enjoy stargazing and quieter moments in nature
- Have other daytime plans or activities in Banff
Finally, consider Grotto Canyon if you want:
- A quieter, more secluded experience.
- An easier walk with limited elevation gains.
- The unique experience of walking directly on a frozen creek.
Book Your Johnston Canyon Icewalk Today
Ready to explore one of Banff’s best attractions? Get your tickets now through Banff Adventures! In addition to our icewalk options, we also offer tons of different experience packages. Learn more about our packages and activities on our Things to Do page or contact our office for more information
We're here to help
Got questions? We would love to chat with you. Our team of expert staff are ready to help create your dream mountain adventure!
Get in touch on 403-762-4554
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