The Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk® is all about heightening your senses, appreciating the darkness, the scents of the fresh pine forest, and enjoying the silence of a night spent beneath the stars. At one point, you group turns out their lights, and you are immersed in the peaceful stillness of a winter night.
You’ll light your way through this narrow, water-formed canyon as your small group follows your expert guide to the canyon’s lower falls. The suspended catwalks, built into the limestone walls, make this an easy trip for everyone. Along the way, your guide will highlight unique features by powerful flashlight and pause for moments of quiet and darkness to foster an appreciation for spending time in the serenity of the canyon at night.
At the turnaround point, your guide will illuminate the expanding ice that encases the rushing water and escort you through a natural tunnel onto the viewing platform beside the cascading Lower Falls. Warm-up with hot chocolate and a maple cookie snack while you look around the Lower Falls.
The return journey is your opportunity to travel without your headlamp (should you wish!). You’ll be amazed as to how quickly your eyes adjust to the darkness, enough for you to travel through the pine forest guided only by the ambient light of the moon and the stars above.
This tour does not actually walk on the ice (as it is fragile and dangerous). You will be following a trail and steel catwalks that are built into the canyon wall. They allow for spectacular views down the canyon walls to the river and ice below. The steel catwalks vary in height from ground level up to approximately 10m above the canyon.
Highlights:
- Walk along steel walkways built into Johnston Canyon walls giving a stunning view down the canyon walls to the river and ice formations below.
- Walk through a natural cave feature for a unique view of the Lower Falls.
- See spectacular, gigantic pillars of ice.
Duration:
- 2.5 hours with 1.5 to 2 hours for the Icewalk.
Walking distance:
When:
- December – April Tours Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 6:30pm / 7:30pm *
*Subject to availability.
What’s included:
- Professional certified guide
- Ice cleats that can be attached to your boots and use of hiking poles
- Souvenir headlamp
- Hot Chocolate and a maple cookie snack
- Hotel pickup and drop off (Banff only)
Need to know:
- Minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
- This tour does not walk on the ice. You will be following the steel catwalks that are built into the canyon wall and allow a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below.
- Degree of difficulty: moderate / intermediate
- Please be prepared for mountain weather and dress in full ski wear including thermals, a sweater, a winter jacket, snow pants, winter boots, a hat, and glove.
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by someone 18 years and older.
- All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18.
- Pick up and drop off can be made from most hotels in Banff.
- Maximum group size: 12 people.
Whether you are looking for a unique experience gift idea or fun things to do in Banff in winter, the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk is the way to go.
The Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk takes place at Banff Alberta. VIEW MAP
How To Book Your Experience
CANADIAN SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE!
The Johnston Canyon Icewalk has been officially designated as part of the Signature Experiences Collection® by the Canadian Tourism Commission. The CTC believes that this esteemed group of selectees exemplify “once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences...and show the world what Canada’s tourism brand is all about”.
