Spend the morning exploring Johnston Canyon in winter with Banff's top-rated small-group tour provider, from the frozen falls to a few quieter stops along the Bow Valley Parkway that most visitors never see.
Highlights:
Johnston Canyon's Frozen Falls: Walk the snow-covered canyon trail to the Lower Falls, where your guide fits you with ice cleats and hiking poles for the journey. For those who want to go further, the trail continues to the Upper Falls, where ice climbers work their way up the frozen cliffs.
Bow Valley Parkway, the Local Way: On the drive to Johnston Canyon, we stop at a few lesser-known viewpoints along the Bow Valley Parkway, the kind of spots most visitors drive right past.
Bow Valley Pkwy, Canada
Johnston Canyon in winter is one of the best walks in Banff National Park. Your local guide fits you with ice cleats and optional hiking poles at the trailhead, then leads the way along a gentle path toward the frozen falls, sharing stories and canyon trivia as you go. The walk to the Lower Falls takes about 30 minutes, covering 1.2 km with 50m of elevation gain. From there you can turn back to the trailhead, where a hot drink waits by the firepit, or continue on to the Upper Falls. The extension adds another 30 minutes and 1.3 km. At the top, ice climbers work their way up frozen cliffs beside some of the most impressive ice formations in the canyon. Round trip to the Upper Falls: 2 hours, 5.0 km, 120m elevation gain. Suitable for guests with average fitness.
Improvement District No. 9, Banff, Canada
Drive the scenic route between Castle Junction and Banff, through towering peaks and thick forest, on your way to Johnston Canyon. Along the way, we stop at a few local favourite spots, spots that improve your odds of seeing wildlife and taking in the best views the Rockies have to offer. Your local guide shapes the itinerary around bus timings, weather, and a few tricks only locals know, so you get the most out of the drive and the time in between stops.
Meet at the front of the hotel.
Pickup times (5 min after tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:35am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the Bus Loading Zone on Elk Street, by the roundabout across from the Train Station, next to the Banff sign.
Pickup times (tour start time):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:30am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the front of the hotel.
Pickup times (5 min before tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:25am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the Bus loading Zone outside Fairmont Shops by turn circle.
Pickup times (10 min before tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:20am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave.
Pickup times (15 min before tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:15am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave.
Pickup times (25 min before tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave.
Pickup times (25 min before tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave.
Pickup times (25 min before tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:05am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meet at the Roam Bus Stop on Tunnel Mtn Rd outside Tunnel Mtn Resort.
Pickup times (30 min before tour start):
Oct. 13 – May 31: 8:00am
Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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