Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 87 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour worth booking?
Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour is a 8-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $275 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 87 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (87)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $275 per person
Set out on a full day of winter exploration in the Canadian Rockies, immersing yourself in the crystalline beauty of Lake Louise, the mystique of frozen waterfalls, and more, coupled with local insights that only our exp
What you get
- 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
About this experience
Set out on a full day of winter exploration in the Canadian Rockies, immersing yourself in the crystalline beauty of Lake Louise, the mystique of frozen waterfalls, and more, coupled with local insights that only our expert guides know. Lake Louise on Ice: Glide across the icy expanse of world-renowned Lake Louise with breathtaking glaciers and mountain backdrops. Whether you’re skating, snowshoeing, exploring the lakeside trails or enjoying a gourmet Irish coffee inside the luxury hotel, it promises an unmatched experience. Johnston Canyon's Ice Magic: Walk snowy trails to mesmerizing frozen waterfalls, leaving a deep sense of awe. Wildlife Watch: Be alert at known spots to observe the region's wildlife. A Special Day's End: After Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon, your local guide will surprise you with a hidden gem, offering potential wildlife encounters and overlooked vistas.
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 87 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
87 verified traveler reviews for Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and 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
The Penultimate Guide!
Gini our guide was fabulous, fantastic, friendly, forthright, flexible, facilitating, fervent and freaking awesome! 😎 My wife and I were the only ones on the Johnston Canyon tour and we received “First” class service. Gini is an experienced guide who made for an unforgettable experience. The roads were snow covered but Gini navigated the trip safely and is a skilled winter driver. 10/10, 5 stars!
Response from the operator: We have to say, that might be the most creative review we've ever received, and Gini absolutely deserves every F word on that list! 😄 A private Johnston Canyon tour with Gini navigating snowy roads, that's a pretty special way to experience Banff. We're so glad she delivered first class service and kept you safe throughout. She'll be absolutely delighted to read this. 10/10 right back at you, thank you! ❄️🏔️
via Tripadvisor
Fun and interesting, beautiful scenery
Nolan was friendly and informative. His love and knowledge of local birds was infectious. We would definitely recommend this tour and company
Response from the operator: Thank you for this lovely review! Nolan's knowledge of local birds is truly something else, he has a way of making you see the Rockies from an entirely new angle, quite literally! 🐦 We're so glad his enthusiasm was contagious and that you'd recommend both the tour and the company. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures with Nolan soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 8+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- 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 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour cost?
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Prices start at $275 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 Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour 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 Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 87 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 Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour?
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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 Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 8. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour?
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Around 30 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 Banff, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon Winter Wonderland Tour 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 Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, ShuttleBus 2way Banff to Lake Louise (1Hr) and Moraine Lake (1Hr). 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.
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