Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 89 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff worth booking?
Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff is a 8-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $201 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 89 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (89)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $201 per person
Turn one day into lifelong winter love. Hike the icy depths of Johnston Canyon, past frozen waterfalls and steel catwalks, then step out onto frozen Lake Louise, where the ice trail stretches toward Victoria Glacier and snow-loaded peaks frame every step. Skate, snowshoe, or walk the lakeshore, with free skates and snowshoes for everyone. Round out the day at the winter spots our guides love most, keeping an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep along the way. ★ Banff's top-rated tour provider, with 5,000+ five-star reviews and four Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice awards. Highlights: ❄ Skating and snowshoeing on frozen Lake Louise ❄ Johnston Canyon's frozen waterfalls ❄ Free skates, snowshoes, ice cleats, and poles ❄ Picnic lunch and hot drinks included Why book with Radventures: ▸ Max 10 guests in a premium van, never a coach ▸ Banff-born, independently owned ▸ 1% of every booking protects the places you explore
What you get
About this experience
Turn one day into lifelong winter love. Hike the icy depths of Johnston Canyon, past frozen waterfalls and steel catwalks, then step out onto frozen Lake Louise, where the ice trail stretches toward Victoria Glacier and snow-loaded peaks frame every step. Skate, snowshoe, or walk the lakeshore, with free skates and snowshoes for everyone. Round out the day at the winter spots our guides love most, keeping an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep along the way. ★ Banff's top-rated tour provider, with 5,000+ five-star reviews and four Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice awards. Highlights: ❄ Skating and snowshoeing on frozen Lake Louise ❄ Johnston Canyon's frozen waterfalls ❄ Free skates, snowshoes, ice cleats, and poles ❄ Picnic lunch and hot drinks included Why book with Radventures: ▸ Max 10 guests in a premium van, never a coach ▸ Banff-born, independently owned ▸ 1% of every booking protects the places you explore
What's included
Included
- Small group experience (max 10 guests)
- Polaroid souvenir
- Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee or tea) and ice cold water refills (please BYO water bottle)
- Essential gear: ice cleats/crampons and hiking poles
- Upscale, premium transportation
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Banff locations
- Expert local guides
Not included
- Ice skates & snowshoes hire for use on Lake Louise (please contact Radventures before booking)
- Guide gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Banff National Park
On this tour, your Radventures guide will determine the best times to visit each of the following locations, in no particular order, based on weather conditions, big bus tour schedules & a few other factors that we as locals consider to ensure that you, as our guests, are getting the best and most authentic experience on the day. Adventuring outside deep in the heart of Banff National Park is a phenomenal experience in any season! That being said, this is a part of the world where weather can change in an instant and temperatures stay well below freezing for most of the winter. Please layer up and dress for being outside in freezing temperatures! Please also ensure you have warm, waterproof footwear on.
60 minutes here
Lake Louise
Lace up your ice-skates & strap on your snowshoes on the world famous Lake Louise and glide across the ice & snow as you marvel in the incredible scenery around you. With 2 hours here you will have lots of time to ice skate on the lake, explore the lakeside trails on snowshoe or foot, be amazed by the lakefront ice sculptures and check out the incredible hotel interior & shops. There is something to do here for every guest no matter your desired activity level! Upon arrival, your guide will show you all the important landmarks and provide all the information you'll need to explore the lake at your own pace before demonstrating how to use the snowshoes & ice skates (small extra cost, please contact Radventures BEFORE booking). Once everyone is settled into their Lake Louise adventures, your guide will remain with the tour van to allow for guests to come and go as they please to pick-up/drop-off gear and to have access to a warm spot to relax as well as their belongings.
120 minutes here
Lake Louise
Around 12pm - 1pm, we will make a short stop for lunch at Samson Mall in Lake Louise Village. Guests will be able to choose to buy lunch at the local cafe or bakery, or purchase a bagged lunch from Bare Bistro in advance (extra cost, please contact Radventures before booking). Guests are also welcome to BYO. Please note: We are in a remote part of the Rockies and options for buying lunch can be limited for guests with dietary restrictions. For more information, please contact Radventures before booking.
45 minutes here
Johnston Canyon
Experience the incredible beauty of Banff National Park's epic frozen winter wonderland at Johnston Canyon! Upon arrival, your guide will equip you with crampons/ice-cleats & hiking poles and deliver amazing stories & fun facts as you explore the mellow trail together to the Lower Falls (approx 30 mins/1.2km/0.75 miles/50m elevation gain one way). Once at the Lower Falls, guests will have the option to return to the warm comfort of the tour van or to continue to the Upper Falls (an additional 30 mins/1.3km/0.8 miles/70m elevation gain) to be amazed by the biggest & most awe-inspiring frozen waterfalls in the canyon and encourage the daredevil ice climbers scaling their way up the frozen canyon walls. The return trip from the trailhead to the Upper Falls is 2 hours/5.0km/3.1 miles/120m elevation gain in total and is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels. Physical activity on this tour is encouraged but not mandatory & guests may choose to relax instead of hike.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Bow Valley Parkway
Soak in the incredible views of towering mountains, huge glaciers & alpine forest whilst keeping an eye out for wildlife as we travel along the awe-inspiring backroads of Banff National Park between Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon & Banff.
60 minutes here
Banff
On Radventures full day epic guided adventures, our expert local guides like to throw in a surprise or two along the way to really make our guests day! On this tour, we guarantee visiting Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon & experiencing the beauty of the Bow Valley Parkway at a minimum. In between or before/after these stops, your guides will utilize all their local experience and knowledge of the weather, how to avoid big bus schedules & recent wildlife sightings to make a secret stop or two.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Banff
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (5 min after tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Banff
Meet at the Bus Loading Zone on Elk Street, by the roundabout across from the Train Station, next to the Banff sign. Pickup times (tour start time): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:30am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Banff
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (5 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:25am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Banff
Meet at the Bus loading Zone outside Fairmont Shops by turn circle. Pickup times (15 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:15am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Banff
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Banff
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Banff
Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Banff
Meet at the Roam Bus Stop on Tunnel Mtn Rd outside Tunnel Mtn Resort. Pickup times (30 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (5 min after tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the Bus Loading Zone on Elk Street, by the roundabout across from the Train Station, next to the Banff sign. Pickup times (tour start time): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:30am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (5 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:25am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the Bus loading Zone outside Fairmont Shops by turn circle. Pickup times (15 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:15am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the Roam Bus Stop on Tunnel Mtn Rd outside Tunnel Mtn Resort. Pickup times (30 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Radventures
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children 5 and under are not able to join our small group adventures (please contact Radventures if travelling with children for alternative options)
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 89 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
89 verified traveler reviews for Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful tour
Perfect tour- made more perfect with Gareth as our spectator guide!
via Tripadvisor
Winter Wonderland for sure
This tour is one of the best we’ve ever taken, and we’ve been to Banff many times! Our guide Gareth was wonderful and made our trip something we will never forget. He was very knowledgeable, easy to laugh with, and, most of all, considerate of our needs!
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
Tyler was an awesome guide and so informative. Not just about the activities themselves but the wider National Park. The activities were pitched to allow varied levels of participation and challenge by choice. I would certainly look to book another experience with Radventure if ever in Banff again.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, this is a brilliant review! Tyler's ability to pitch activities so that guests of all abilities can participate at their own level is something we're really proud of, and it's great to hear it made such a difference to your experience. His wider knowledge of the National Park beyond just the activities themselves really does set him apart. We'd absolutely love to have you back with Radventures if you ever find yourself in Banff again! 🏔️😊
via Tripadvisor
Top Trip with Taylor and Tyler
We had the absolute pleasure of spending time with two fantastic guides, Taylor ‘Swifty’ and Tyler, who were great fun and perfect company to spend the day with. They truly made the experience unforgettable. Our walk through Johnson Canyon felt like stepping into a winter winter wonderland. They paced everything perfectly, sharing fascinating insights along the way while making sure everyone felt comfortable and included. We made it all the way to the top of the Upper Falls, and were rewarded with such an incredible view. Snowshoeing at Lake Louise was a real highlight – we had such a giggle. What an experience, surrounded by stunning scenery. What stood out most was how thoughtful and attentive they were throughout. Nothing felt rushed, and they went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a memorable experience. If you’re considering a guided adventure in this area, don’t hesitate. These two are absolute gems, and we’d book with them again in a heartbeat.
Response from the operator: This review absolutely made our day, thank you so much! Taylor and Tyler are a brilliant duo and we're so glad they made the experience so special for you. Johnston Canyon in winter really is a wonderland, and reaching the Upper Falls is always worth every step! And snowshoeing at Lake Louise, there are few better ways to experience that scenery. We love that you had a giggle along the way. 😄 The thoughtfulness and care you described is exactly what we strive for on every tour, and hearing it come through so clearly means everything to us. We'd love to have you back with Radventures anytime, Taylor and Tyler will be over the moon to read this!
via Tripadvisor
The Canadian Rockies ROCK!
Ray was an AMAZING guide! The day’s experiences will remain with me forever!
Response from the operator: Those caps are well earned, thank you! 😄 Rae has a real gift for creating moments that stay with you, and hearing that the day left a lasting impression means so much to us and to her. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Banff soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $201 to $275
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 31
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Radventures, who run 12 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.4.
See everything Radventures runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff cost?
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Prices start at $201 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Banff usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Banff is not rushed.
Is Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 89 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff?
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Around 31 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Banff can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Banff and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Banff within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Banff?
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On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Lake Louise Emerald Lake Natural Bridge Half Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Banff?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Banff?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff?
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Included: Small group experience (max 10 guests); Polaroid souvenir; Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee or tea) and ice cold water refills (please BYO water bot; Essential gear: ice cleats/crampons and hiking poles; and Upscale, premium transportation. Not included: Ice skates & snowshoes hire for use on Lake Louise (please contact Radventures before book; and Guide gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff?
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Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (5 min after tour start): Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Day Tour from Banff?
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Across 89 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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