Adventure Collective
Banff Winter Adventure: Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls with Radventures - Banff

Banff Winter Adventure: Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls with Radventures

Banffmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have good general fitness and be comfortable walking on snow and ice

Overview

Discover the icy marvels of Johnston Canyon on this guided winter tour. Witness frozen waterfalls, capture striking landscapes, and enjoy an unforgettable mountain adventure amid Banff’s snowy wilderness.

Banff, Alberta

Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure

Experience Banff's premier winter walk & local secrets on the Bow Valley Parkway!

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About This Adventure

Experience the enchanting winter beauty of Johnston Canyon on this guided tour. Marvel at frozen waterfalls, explore hidden gems along the Bow Valley Parkway, and capture stunning views. With expert guidance and intimate group sizes, this adventure promises unforgettable moments in a breathtaking winter wonderland. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike!

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.


Duration:

4 hours (Banff pick-up to drop-off)

Tickets:

$90 CAD + tax & processing fee

This tour is restricted to those aged 8 and above. Families with younger children can reach out for alternate experiences, such as private tours.

Did you know? This experience is part of our Ultimate Rockies Explorer package.


Highlights:

Johnston Canyon's Icy Allure: Traverse through the enchanting snow-draped Johnston Canyon. Your expert guide will fit you with ice-walking equipment and provide detailed instructions to view the 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 only locals are privy to!

Rekindle by the Fire pit: For those looking for a cozy end to the journey, snuggle up by a fire pit and immerse in the serenity of the surroundings, hot beverage in hand.


Inclusions:

  • Essential gear: ice cleats/crampons and hiking poles
  • Intimate, small group guarantee (Max 12 guests)
  • Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee or tea)
  • Upscale, modern & spacious transportation with large panoramic windows
  • Local expertise & skills: Our guides are equipped with winter driving training and photography skills to aid in immortalizing your memories
  • Fresh water refills (please BYO water bottle)
  • Pick-up & drop-off at select Banff locations

Exclusions & Optional Add-ons:

  • Tips for our dedicated guides (entirely optional but always appreciated)
  • Alternate pick-up or drop-off points

Transportation:

Travel in comfort in our spacious new model high-roof passenger vans & minibuses with large panoramic windows, equipped with premium winter tires & set up for safe winter travel. We offer pick-up and drop-off from chosen Banff locations, with options available at checkout.


Important Information & FAQs:

Weather: This adventure runs rain, snow or shine! Only under extreme weather conditions will there be cancellations, with full refunds or rescheduling options.

What to wear: We recommend wearing winter boots and dressing in layers to stay warm and adapt to varying conditions. Wearing what you would wear skiing/snowboarding works great!

Accessibility: The tour is designed to accommodate various fitness levels. Participants have a 2 hour time allowance to explore the trail to the lower and upper falls at their own pace, with the ability to return to the van at any time.

Typical Itinerary:

8:30am - 9am: Pick-ups in Banff 9:15am - 9:35am: Bow Valley Parkway 9:45am - 11:45am: Johnston Canyon 12pm - 12:45pm: Bow Valley Parkway with secret locals viewpoint 1pm: Drop-offs in Banff

While this itinerary outlines a typical day, adjustments might be made based on weather or road conditions to ensure the best experience for our guests.

For more intricate details or specific queries, dive into our exhaustive FAQ section or connect with us directly!

Adventure Tips

Dress in Layers

Wearing moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and waterproof outer layers keeps you warm and dry in cold conditions.

Wear Traction Devices

Crampons or microspikes give you better grip on icy pathways and ensure safety while hiking through frozen terrain.

Start Early in the Day

Early morning offers softer snow and fewer crowds, providing a more serene experience and better photo opportunities.

Bring a Camera with Extra Batteries

Cold temperatures drain camera batteries quickly—bring spares to capture every frozen detail of the canyon.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • Pine martens

History

Johnston Canyon has been a significant site since the early days of national park tourism, with trail histories dating back over a century.

Conservation

Radventures emphasizes Leave No Trace principles, helping preserve Banff’s fragile winter ecosystems through responsible tourism.

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Adventure Hotspots in Banff

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Insulated Waterproof Boots

Essential

Keeps your feet warm and dry while trekking through snow and ice.

winter specific

Winter Hiking Poles

Essential

Provides stability on icy and uneven terrain.

winter specific

Thermal Base Layers

Essential

Wicks moisture away from your body and keeps you warm in cold temperatures.

winter specific

Warm Hat and Gloves

Essential

Protects extremities from frostbite and helps retain body heat.

winter specific