Johnston Canyon Icewalk in Banff
Banff, Canada

Johnston Canyon Icewalk

Outty Ranking 88 4.9 · 534 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $68

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

88/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 534 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Johnston Canyon Icewalk worth booking?

Johnston Canyon Icewalk is a 4-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $68 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 534 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
88 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (534)
Duration
4 hours
From
$68 per person

Water cascades into this narrow canyon in the heat of summer, but in the winter the thundering falls freeze solid to create natural ice sculptures. Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National

What you get

  • Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
  • Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
  • Professional guide
  • Ice cleats
  • Hiking pole

About this experience

Water cascades into this narrow canyon in the heat of summer, but in the winter the thundering falls freeze solid to create natural ice sculptures. Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park and has a network of steel catwalks built into the canyon walls that allows you to walk right along this cathedral of ice with airy views into the gorge below. As you do, you’ll get to wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the lower falls. Continue onto the awe-inducing upper falls - a glittering tower of ice that rise 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. This popular guided icewalk will lead you past the lower falls and on to view the breathtaking upper icefalls from the upper deck. You will also travel through prime wildlife habitat to reach the falls and learn the clues to how Johnston Canyon was formed.

What's included

Included

  • Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
  • Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
  • Professional guide
  • Ice cleats
  • Hiking pole

Not included

  • Optional gratuities

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

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
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.
  • A moderate level of fitness is recommended to ensure that you enjoy the tour.
  • Please note that this tour stays on the trail and does not traverse the ice due to safety concerns.
  • 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

Admire the canyon while travelling along the catwalksGet a chance to see ice climbers along the frozen wallsWe provide ice cleats to help you safely walk in the canyonWe provide ice cleats to help you safely walk in the canyonEnjoy some hot chocolate on tourExperience Canadian flavours with some maple cookies

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 534 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

7 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Knowledge and storytelling

7 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Photo opportunities

7 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Value for money

3 mentions

Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

Physical effort

3 mentions

Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

Traveler reviews

534 verified traveler reviews for Johnston Canyon Icewalk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
500
4 star
23
3 star
4
2 star
2
1 star
5
Sort
BigD73 · April 2026

Stunning scenery

Excellent trip, guide was on time and took us on the walk pointing out and sharing knowledge and info on the area. Was tricky in parts with a new snowfall but well worth the effort

via Tripadvisor

498maureenv · April 2026

Wondrous icy falls

We had a most wonderful time with Chloe. She was so much fun, telling great stories. The canyon is a must see in any season but we were very pleased that we were able to view the falls in their icy state. Highly recommend and ask for Chloe- she is great!

via Tripadvisor

Carley_B · April 2026

Storytelling and Sunshine

This was an amazing experience overall. The trail was 98% covered in ice so having crampons provided was not only convenient but necessary. Sophie was an excellent guide and helped to turn a casual walk in the (gorgeous) woods into an informative tour. Even the drive from the pick up spot to the trailhead was packed with great storytelling. We got very lucky with the weather and had a perfectly warm, sunny day in April! Couldn't have asked for a better set of circumstances. Highly recommend this beautiful tour.

via Viator

769devenj · April 2026

Amazing tour guide, amazing views

The guided tour is the way to go. Our tour guide, Neil Evans was very knowledgeable about the park, the canyons as well as the history of Banff. The views were absolutely stunning. The hike took about 4 hours and has multiple different terrain elevations but nothing too bad. My daughter and I give this tour company and the hike a 10/10. Thanks for having us Discover Banff Tours and thank you to our guide Neil Evans.

via Tripadvisor

Tiffany_V · April 2026

Breathtaking

Absolutely unforgettable experience at Johnston Canyon in Banff! From the moment we started the trail, it felt like stepping into a postcard. The turquoise water, the sound of rushing waterfalls, and the stunning canyon walls made every step worth it. The walk itself was easy to follow and incredibly scenic, with well-maintained pathways and breathtaking views at every turn. Reaching the Lower and Upper Falls was the highlight—each one more beautiful than the last. The fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere made it such a refreshing escape from everyday life. If you’re visiting Banff, this is a must-do. Whether you’re going for a relaxing walk or chasing views, Johnston Canyon delivers pure magic. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
4 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
187
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 88

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
Review evidence (18% weight)92
Booking momentum (14% weight)90
Value for money (12% weight)61
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)75
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Johnston Canyon Icewalk: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.

How much does Johnston Canyon 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 Icewalk take?

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Plan for about 4 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 Icewalk worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 534 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 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 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 4-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Johnston Canyon Icewalk?

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Around 187 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Johnston Canyon 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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