Step into a snowy dreamscape on Banff’s most enchanting winter walk. Join a crew that shares the path like old friends leading you along the magical Johnston Canyon to witness frozen waterfalls and daring ice climbers in action. Savor warm drinks, uncover secret spots along the Bow Valley Parkway, and let the Rockies’ transformative magic unfold in a small, shared adventure. Free from worries, full of connection.
Equipped with crampons, hiking poles, and insider insights, you’ll conquer the trail’s icy paths with ease.
Legendary Local Guide Guides who turn the mountains into a story and feel like a friend by the end of the day. They know where the wildlife shows up, which hidden lookout stops you in your tracks, and the stories you won't find in any guidebook. |
Secret Stops Only We Know Some of the best moments happen off the itinerary. Your guide knows exactly where to find them. |
Your Booking Protects This Place Every time you book with us 1% goes directly to conservation. Your trip doesn't just explore the Rockies. It protects them. 1% for the Planet member |
Walk through towering limestone walls adorned with icicle chandeliers, and marvel at the Lower and optional Upper Falls.
Discover off-the-beaten-path viewpoints and hidden gems known only to locals. Keep your camera ready for stunning, crowd-free photo opportunities.
We provide top-quality ice cleats and hiking poles, so you can walk with confidence and focus on the beauty around you.
Warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, served with breathtaking winter landscapes all around you.
Your adventure begins with a seamless hotel pick-up in Banff. Settle into our spacious, panoramic-window vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway. Your guide will share local insights and hidden stories about Banff’s winter wilderness.
Step into a magical ice-covered canyon where frozen waterfalls and towering limestone walls create an unforgettable scene. Equipped with ice cleats and hiking poles, follow your guide through snow-draped trails leading to the Lower Falls, where a partially frozen waterfall flows through a cave-like opening. For the adventurous, continue to the Upper Falls, where you might catch ice climbers scaling the icy cliffs.
As we return, we’ll make exclusive stops along the Bow Valley Parkway, visiting scenic lookouts known only to locals. Keep your camera ready—this is a rare chance to capture Banff’s winter landscapes without the crowds.
Relax in comfort as we return to Banff. Your guide will share local recommendations for lunch, après-adventure drinks, or other winter activities to continue your Rocky Mountain experience. Note: This itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted based on weather or road conditions to ensure the best experience for our guests.
✓ Essential winter gear: ice cleats/crampons & hiking poles
✓ Small group experience (max 10 guests)
✓ Comfortable, upscale transportation with panoramic windows
✓ Expert local guide trained in photography and storytelling
✓ Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, or tea) & sweet treat – winter only
✓ Fresh water refills (BYO water bottle)
✓ Polaroid souvenir
✓ Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Banff locations
✕ Lunch
✕ Guide gratuities (optional)
✕ National Park Pass
The frozen catwalks of Johnston Canyon, one of Banff’s most iconic winter experiences. You’ll walk out to the Lower Falls, frozen solid and genuinely dramatic, and can optionally push on to the Upper Falls, before stopping at a few hidden Bow Valley Parkway gems on the way back. All the ice walking gear is provided too. And because it’s a daytime tour, you’ll actually get to see everything in its full glory.
Both start in Johnston Canyon, but they’re genuinely different experiences. This one is during the day, goes a little further (with the optional Upper Falls), and focuses on the canyon itself in full winter light. The Stargazing tour heads out after dark, covers a shorter section of the canyon, and then moves on to astronomy at a dark sky spot. Both are wonderful, so it really comes down to whether you’re after a daytime adventure or an evening one.
Often, yes! In winter you’ll usually spot climbers scaling the frozen Upper Falls walls. Your guide will point them out and explain exactly what they’re doing, which adds a really cool extra layer to the whole experience.
Ice cleats or crampons and hiking poles, both included. Just dress warmly and you’re ready to go.
It’s optional, and adds roughly 2.4km and about 100m of climbing. Your guide will assess the conditions and the group’s energy on the day and let you know. If you’d like to give it a go, just say so upfront.
Expect anywhere from -10°C to -25°C in peak winter, though the canyon is sheltered from the wind, which makes it feel far more bearable than open terrain. Full winter layers are essential here, so whatever you do, don’t skip the base layers.
Totally fine. Your guide will fit them properly and show you exactly how they work before you take a single step on the ice. The catwalks are well maintained and the crampons do most of the work for you, so most guests are genuinely surprised by how easy it is.
Nice and stress free. As long as you contact us by email or phone at least 24 hours before your booking start time, you can cancel or make changes without any penalty at all. Easy as that.
