Spend a brisk half-day crossing the continental divide on guided icewalks through Marble Canyon (Kootenay) and Johnston Canyon (Banff). Two easy, one-hour walks, gear provided, with warm transport and hot chocolate between stops.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the van into a cold, thin air that bites at exposed faces. A guide fits ice cleats over your boots and gestures to a slice of blue ice clinging to a vertical wall; the canyon seems to breathe, every drip paused in the freeze. This is a half-day that hops the continental divide—one canyon sending water to the Pacific, the other to the Atlantic.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; able to walk up to an hour on packed snow with brief stairs.
Wildlife
History
Banff (est. 1885) and Kootenay are among Canada’s earliest national parks; canyons here reflect long-term glacial and fluvial sculpting of carbonate bedrock.
Conservation
Stay on designated paths and catwalks to protect fragile winter plant life and avoid destabilizing ice; pack out all waste and follow Parks Canada guidelines.
Reserve your spot on the Half Day Marble and Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Combo Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring warm, waterproof boots
Canyon bottoms stay wet and cold; waterproof insulated boots improve comfort and grip inside ice cleats.
Use wrist straps for cameras
Icy railings and steep drops make secured cameras or phones essential to avoid accidental drops.
Dress in layers and spare gloves
Temperatures can change quickly between open canyon rims and sheltered gorges; dry gloves keep fingers usable for trekking poles.
Watch for icy catwalks
Catwalk sections can be slippery despite cleats—take shorter steps and use poles when offered.
Insulated waterproof boots
Keeps feet dry and warm when using supplied ice cleats.
winter
Warm gloves + thin liner pair
Layering allows dexterity for poles and camera use while retaining warmth.
winter
Daypack with water bottle
Small pack holds extra layers, snacks, and camera without getting in the way on catwalks.
winter
Phone/camera tether or wrist strap
Secures valuables over cliffs and icy walkways.