Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls and Backroads Wildlife Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Immerse yourself in the winter wonderland that is Johnston Canyon. From breathtaking vistas of frozen falls to the hidden gems along Bow Valley Parkway, experience a morning packed with awe-inspiring beauty and heartwarming moments.

Highlights:

- Johnston Canyon's Icy Allure: Traverse through the enchanting snow-draped Johnston Canyon. Your expert guide will prep you for everything you need to journey to the mesmerizing Lower Falls, where nature's frozen artistry awaits. For the more adventurous, continue onward to the Upper Falls and witness grandeur on a whole new scale with daredevil ice-climbers scaling the icy towers.

- Bow Valley Parkway Revealed: As we travel en route to Johnston Canyon, we'll make special stops at lesser-known viewpoints along the Bow Valley Parkway. Ready your camera for scenic shots that locals are privy to!

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children 5 and under are unable to join our small group adventures

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Water refills (please BYO water bottle)

Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee or tea)

Upscale, modern & spacious transportation with large panoramic windows

Local expert guides: Trained in winter driving & photography to capture your memories.

Essential gear: ice cleats/crampons and hiking poles

Lunch (BYO or contact Radventures BEFORE booking to purchase a picnic lunch for the end of tour)

Tips for our dedicated guides (not mandatory but greatly appreciated)

Hotel pick up (for hotel pick-up, contact Radventures BEFORE booking)

Park Pass

What To Expect

Johnston Canyon

Discover the breathtaking splendor of Banff National Park's premier winter walk at Johnston Canyon! Upon arrival, your expert local guide will regale you with fascinating tales and trivia as you journey along the gentle road towards the Johnston Canyon falls trail. They will provide you with ice cleats/crampons and (optional) hiking poles for your journey to the frozen falls. This trek takes about 30 minutes, covering a distance of 1.2 km with an elevation gain of 50m. Upon reaching the Lower Falls, you can either return to the trailhead where a complimentary hot drink by a toasty firepit awaits or venture further to the Upper Falls, which adds another 30 minutes and 1.3 km to the trek. There, you'll be spellbound by the most magnificent frozen waterfalls in the canyon and can watch intrepid ice climbers navigate the icy cliffs. The complete round trip to the Upper Falls spans 2 hours, 5.0 km, with an elevation gain of 120m, suitable for those of average fitness.

2 hours • Admission Included

Bow Valley Parkway

Immerse yourself in the captivating vistas of Banff National Park, from towering peaks to lush forests, as we navigate scenic routes between Castle Junction & Banff. Along our journey to Johnston Canyon, we'll pause at local-favored spots, amplifying our chances of witnessing the Rockies' grandeur and wildlife. Though there's plenty to explore, our tour ensures maximum outdoor immersion. Prioritizing an authentic experience, our knowledgeable local guides adjust the itinerary considering bus timings, weather, and exclusive tips. We aim to craft an unforgettable adventure, evoking envy in others.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls and Backroads Wildlife Tour

Reviews

4.93

29 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A Truly Amazing Experience!
Stephen W,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a morning! Gini picked us up and took us to Johnson Canyon where we hiked both the lower and upper falls. She provided crampons, history of the area, and hot cocoa when we finished. The canyon half frozen was absolutely stunning and Gini was the best tour guide! Definitely fit this tour in if you can.
Johnston Canyon = Five Stars!!
lorisH2684EG,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a fantastic trip! The van was spotless, large and comfortable and our guide Gini was very friendly and personable as well as being knowledgeable about the area in general, the Canyon, its wildlife and its history. We had plenty of stops to get photos and to just breathe in the beauty! The hot drinks at the end were the perfect wind-down. I would highly recommend!
Good hike, great guide and amazing sights
Kush M,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was engaging and punctual. The Johnston Canyon sights were amazing. It was a good hike in the morning.
Enjoyable & Relaxed
Phil R,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a fantastic time with our tour guide Taylor, who was helpful and knowledgeable about the canyon and even gave advice on other activities we would enjoy. Journey up to the upper falls was enjoyable with some wonderful views
Exceptional sights with a great guide
G6570SMleanneg,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Aaron was great. Knowledgeable about everywhere we went. Passionate about the wildlife and environment. Had a fantastic trek up Johnston canyon with stunning scenery. We saw a grizzly just off the side of the road. Woo hoo
Stunning Johnston
Ian W,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great morning at Johnston Canyon,picked up on time and taken to the canyon,Bea our excellent tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of information about the history and geology of Johnston,nice hot chocolate as well
Breathtaking scenery and must do tour
Brid G,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An amazing tour with breathtaking scenery. Nolan was a fantastic guide, sharing his experience and knowledge. Highly recommend
Awesome Excursion!
Barbara G,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Taylor our guide was extremely knowledgeable. Every question I asked pertaining to the falls , nature , animals and Canada he knew. Including the northern lights He was funny and charismatic. Made sure we were ok along the hike .stopped frequently for us to catch our breath Made it PHENOMENAL!!
A light jog on ice
S M,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Johnston canyon was amazing, and so so beautiful. Definitely worth it. However our guide was way too fast. He told us it wasnt a photo tour so basically couldnt stop for photos unless he stopped. He was running ahead and leaving the group at all times, people were then wary of the speed and almost fell numerous times to try and keep up. I asked about the pace, and he said he was keeping it the same. It was difficult to fully enjoy the experience as we were so rushed.
Fantastic Trip
698tonil,
Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Spectacular trip, beautiful site great tour guide! The canyon was very icy so was thankful the tour company provided ice cleats, it made the walk pleasurable!