Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 97 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk worth booking?
Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk is a 2.5-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $68 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 97 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (97)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $68 per person
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most popular hiking spots, but most people don’t think to experience it at night. Your headlight (yours to keep after the tour) makes the frozen waterfalls shimmer as you h
What you get
- Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Professional guide
- Ice cleats
- Souvenir headlamp to keep
- Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
About this experience
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most popular hiking spots, but most people don’t think to experience it at night. Your headlight (yours to keep after the tour) makes the frozen waterfalls shimmer as you hike along the suspended catwalk in quiet darkness. The 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 as you follow your guide through this narrow, water-formed canyon.
What's included
Included
- Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Professional guide
- Ice cleats
- Souvenir headlamp to keep
- Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
- Hiking pole
Not included
- Optional gratuities
What you'll see and do
Bow Valley Parkway
Travel through breathtaking scenery and nature on your way to the trailhead and learn about the history and geology of Johnston Canyon.
Pass by without stopping
Johnston Canyon
Light your way through this narrow, water-formed canyon as your small group follows your 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 darkness and quiet to foster an appreciation for spending time in the canyon at night. At the turn around 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 themselves. Warm up with hot chocolate and maple cookies while you look around the Lower Falls, the turnaround point. 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 your head. What to expect: • Walking Time: 1 - 1.5 hours • Return Distance: 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometers) • Elevation Gain: 213 feet (65 meters)
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discover Banff Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 8 years. 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.
- Guests should dress in ski wear for this trip including hats, mittens, and warm boots. A detailed list of items to wear and bring is provided on your voucher.
- Group bookings of 9 or more guests have a 7 day cancellation period.
- In accordance with our Cold Weather Policy, if safety conditions deteriorate, we may cancel the tour, offering guests the option to receive a refund or reschedule for another date or time.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 97 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
97 verified traveler reviews for Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Like a Dream
Walking through the canyon under the moonlight felt like a dream, it’s the kind of place that’s so beautiful it’s hard to believe it’s real. Jeff was very knowledgeable and kind, and did a great job of driving our group back to Banff safely in treacherous conditions! The hike is simple and pleasant, I’m rather unfit and managed it in heavy snow.
Response from the operator: That moonlit canyon magic is something special 🌙 We’re so glad Jeff helped make it both safe and memorable, even in tough conditions. Thanks for sharing your experience!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect blend of daylight and nighttime
The evening Icewalk is perfect if you want something less steep than the daytime tour. We got to see the canyon and lower falls during the daylight on the way up. On the way down you got to see it in the nighttime which was a perfect blend. Our tour guide Jake was very knowledgeable about the area and ensured everyone felt comfortable at their own pace. A couple of stops throughout to take great pictures. This might be hard to believe as bears do hibernate during winter but Jake fought off a bear in majestic fashion saving us all 🤣. I highly recommend this Icewalk, especially with Jake as he hilarious and ensured you felt comfortable during the walk no matter your age or fitness level.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a raving review about Jake! We are glad to hear that Jake and his guests shared the same type of humour! PS: Our guides are not picking up fights with bears!
via Tripadvisor
Great Night Option
Rob was excellent! This was a perfect way to send the evening. We went in the winter and not having to beat crowds or adjust to large tourist was the main draw. He was very informational and did a great job. The passion for this job rubbed off on us. Love the small groups!
via Viator
Exploring the woods by the light of the moon.
This night hike was a highlight of our trip, even though it was extremely cold, we bundled up and could walk by just the moonlight. The scenery was spectacular, our guide was informative and personable.
via Tripadvisor
Professional
Professional, took a good care of everyone in the group. Night walk was an excellent choice with a great guide. The clear night sky through the trees was beautiful this night.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 8+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $115
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 34
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discover Banff Tours, who run 14 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.0.
See everything Discover Banff Tours runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk cost?
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Prices start at $68 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 Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 97 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 Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk?
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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 Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk 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 2.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk?
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Around 34 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk 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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