Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk

4.9 (86)
Duration
2.5 hours
Group Size
1 to 9 people
Ages
8 - 99 yrs
Languages
English

Tour Overview

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most popular hiking spots, but most people don’t think to experience it at night. Your headlight (yours to keep after the tour) makes the frozen waterfalls shimmer as you hike along the suspended catwalk in quiet darkness. The evening icewalk is all about heightening your senses, appreciating the darkness, the scents of the fresh pine forest and enjoying the silence of a night spent beneath the stars as you follow your guide through this narrow, water-formed canyon.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.
  • 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.

Pickup

DIRECTIONS Each pickup point has a unique time. Guests must be ready at their selected pickup 5 minutes prior: Banff Rocky Mountain Resort at 17:55 / 18:55 Canalta Lodge at 18:00 / 19:00 Banff Caribou Lodge at 18:01 / 19:01 Fox Hotel & Suites at 18:02 / 19:02 Red Carpet Inn at 18:03 / 19:03 Douglas Fir at 18:06 / 19:06 Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 18:10 / 19:10 Mount Royal Hotel (Public Bus Parking behind hotel) at 18:12 / 19:12 Rimrock Resort at 18:20 / 19:20 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) at 18:25 / 19:25 Banff Train Station at 1:30 PM Juniper Hotel at 1:35 PM If no pickup is selected, you’ll be defaulted to the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 18:12 / 19:12, based on the tour time. • Hotel pickup from select Banff hotels is available but must be arranged in advance by phone. • Refer to your booking confirmation in the traveler message centre. Questions? Call 1-877-565-9372. • Minimum age is 8. Guests 15 and under must be with someone 18+. • All adults must sign a waiver. A parent/guardian must complete one for anyone under 18. • Mountain weather changes quickly. Winter tours run in temps from -27°C (-17°F) to +10°C (50°F), often colder with wind chill. You’ll be outside most of the time. Safety is our top priority—if attire or footwear is unsafe, you may not be permitted to join. What to wear/bring: • Thermals/base layers/long johns • Snow pants (mandatory below -16°C / 3°F; jeans over long johns OK on warmer days; rentals available) • Warm sweater & jacket (ski jackets rentable in Banff) • Hat, mitts, neck warmer or scarf • Warm, sturdy footwear (winter or hiking boots—no heels, Uggs, flip-flops, or sandals). Contact our Reservations Team if you need help sourcing boots. • Water bottle

What's included

Maple cookie snack, hot chocolate
Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
Professional guide
Ice cleats
Souvenir headlamp to keep
Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
Hiking pole
Other

Itinerary

Stop 1:
Travel through breathtaking scenery and nature on your way to the trailhead and learn about the history and geology of Johnston Canyon.
Stop 2: 1.5 hours
Light your way through this narrow, water-formed canyon as your small group follows your guide to the Canyon’s lower falls. The suspended catwalks, built into the limestone walls, make this an easy trip for everyone. Along the way, your guide will highlight unique features by powerful flashlight and pause for moments of darkness and quiet to foster an appreciation for spending time in the canyon at night. At the turn around point, your guide will illuminate the expanding ice that encases the rushing water and escort you through a natural tunnel onto the viewing platform, beside the cascading Lower Falls themselves. Warm up with hot chocolate and maple cookies while you look around the Lower Falls, the turnaround point. The return journey is your opportunity to travel without your headlamp (should you wish!). You’ll be amazed as to how quickly your eyes adjust to the darkness, enough for you to travel through the pine forest guided only by the ambient light of the moon and the stars above your head. What to expect: • Walking Time: 1 - 1.5 hours • Return Distance: 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometers) • Elevation Gain: 213 feet (65 meters)

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

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

  • Min 1 days: 100%
  • From 0 to 1 days: 0%
From
Tickets
Adult (13 - 99 years)
Minimum: 1, Maximum: 9
Children (8 - 12 years)
Minimum: 0, Maximum: 9
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