Banff: Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk offers a captivating wintertime adventure. Trekking through the serene, illuminated landscape, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the frozen lower falls, guided by knowledgeable experts who share insights into the area’s rich history and geology. With provided ice cleats and hiking poles, adventurers can enjoy the magic of Banff’s winter wonderland, indulging in warm refreshments as they take in the awe-inspiring scenery. But the true wonder lies in what awaits beyond the trail, inviting curious explorers to discover…

Key Points

• The Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk is a 2.5-hour tour in Banff, Canada, where participants hike to the frozen lower falls, illuminated by headlamps, with a knowledgeable guide.
• The tour includes transportation to the trailhead, warm clothing, safety equipment like ice cleats and hiking poles, and refreshments of hot chocolate and maple cookies.
• The tour is suitable for those aged 8 and above, with children under 15 required to be accompanied by an adult, and participants must sign waivers.
• The hike is a 2.2 km round-trip with a 65m elevation gain, rated as easy to moderate difficulty, and the tour has received high customer feedback for its value, safety, and guide quality.
• Pickup locations are available in Banff, and modern minibuses provide comfortable transportation with scenic views of the Canadian Rockies.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk is an activity that allows visitors to explore the frozen beauty of the canyon at night for a price starting from $75.55 per person.

This 2.5-hour tour is limited to 12 participants and is conducted in English. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

During the experience, hikers will trek to the frozen lower falls, illuminated by headlamps, and learn about the local history and geology from a knowledgeable guide.

Participants can also enjoy hot chocolate and maple cookies at the viewing point and have the option to walk through a natural cave for unique views.

Experience Highlights

Participants on the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk can expect to hike to the frozen lower falls at night, their path illuminated by the glow of headlamps as they explore the canyon in darkness.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the group will learn about the local history and geology of the area. Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to:

• Marvel at the frozen waterfall, beautifully lit in the night.

• Venture through a natural cave for unique canyon views.

• Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and maple cookies at the viewing point.

• Appreciate the serene atmosphere of the canyon after dark.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the natural wonders of Banff National Park.

Tour Details

Modern minibuses transport participants along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to the trailhead of the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk.

From there, the guided 2.2 km round-trip hike with a 65m elevation gain takes guests through easy to moderate terrain to the frozen lower falls.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the local history and geology of the canyon.

For safety, the tour provides ice cleats and hiking poles to help navigate the winter conditions.

Warm clothing is required, as guests will be exploring the canyon in the dark, illuminated only by headlamps.

The tour culminates at the viewing point, where participants can enjoy hot chocolate and maple cookies while taking in the unique views.

Participant Information

For the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk, there’s a minimum age requirement of 8 years, and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will also need to sign waivers, with parents or guardians signing for minors. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 or for those bringing large bags or luggage.

Participants should be prepared for a moderate 2.2 km round-trip hike with a 65m elevation gain. Ice cleats and hiking poles are provided to ensure safety on the frozen trails.

Warm and weatherproof clothing is essential for the evening excursion in the Canadian Rockies. The tour offers the unique opportunity to explore the canyon illuminated only by headlamps.

Guests can enjoy hot chocolate and maple cookies at the viewing point overlooking the frozen lower falls.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the 42 reviews, customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback for the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk, rating it an impressive 4.6 out of 5 overall.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who earned a standout 4.8/5 rating.

The transportation experience also received a perfect 5/5 score, with customers noting the comfort and reliability of the modern minibuses.

Despite the higher-than-average price, participants felt the tour offered excellent value for money, with a rating of 4.4/5 on this metric.

The professionalism and attention to safety of the tour operators were also highlighted, earning a top-notch 5/5 service rating.

Pickup and Transportation

Participants are picked up from designated locations in Banff and transported to the trailhead via modern minibuses along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. The transportation is both comfortable and reliable, providing a smooth journey to the starting point of the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk.

The minibuses are equipped with large windows, allowing participants to take in the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies during the drive.

The buses are well-maintained and adhere to strict safety standards, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.

Pickup times are coordinated to minimize waiting and maximize the time spent exploring the frozen canyon.

The transportation is included in the tour price, providing a seamless and hassle-free start to the adventure.

Participants can sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy the magic of the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk.

Hiking and Safety

The hike to the frozen lower falls covers a round-trip distance of 2.2 km with an elevation gain of 65m, making it an easy-to-moderate difficulty trail.

Participants are provided with ice cleats and hiking poles to ensure their safety and stability on the icy terrain. Although the trail is well-maintained, the darkness and frozen conditions require extra caution.

The tour guide leads the group, sharing insights about the local history and geology along the way. Sturdy, warm clothing is a must, as the evening temperatures can be quite chilly.

With the guide’s expertise and the provided safety equipment, even those new to winter hiking can enjoy this enchanting nighttime adventure through the Johnston Canyon.

Age Restrictions and Waivers

Before embarking on the evening icewalk, participants must meet certain age requirements and sign waivers.

Children under the age of 8 aren’t permitted on this tour, and those under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants, including minors, are required to sign waivers to acknowledge the inherent risks and agree to the tour’s terms and conditions.

• The minimum age for solo participation is 8 years old.

• Children under 15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

• Waivers must be signed by all participants to ensure their safety and understanding of the risks involved.

• The tour isn’t suitable for those with large bags or luggage.

These policies ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wildlife Might We See During the Evening Tour?

Visitors on the evening tour may spot local wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, or deer. While sightings are not guaranteed, the tranquility of the canyon at night increases the chances of encountering the area’s diverse fauna.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

The tour does not offer options to extend the experience or add additional activities. However, visitors may be able to book separate day tours or experiences in the Banff area to further explore the region.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes complimentary hot chocolate and maple cookies at the viewing point, which are provided as part of the experience.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations for Visitors With Disabilities?

The tour company offers some accessibility accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Guests should contact the company in advance to discuss their specific needs and determine if the tour can accommodate them.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

The cancellation policy is flexible – participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather, customers will also receive a full refund with no penalties.

Recap

The Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk in Banff is a captivating winter adventure.

Trekking through the illuminated, snow-covered landscape to the frozen lower falls, guided by knowledgeable experts, offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

With provided ice cleats and hiking poles, and warm refreshments along the way, this tour immerses visitors in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

You can check if your dates are available here: