Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls & Bow Valley Parkway Winter Wildlife Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for average fitness — short climbs and flat sections; able to walk 5 km with brief stops.
Overview
A small-group winter hike that pairs the frozen spectacle of Johnston Canyon’s falls with wildlife watching along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. Guides supply crampons, hot drinks, and local insight for a compact, four-hour outing from Banff.
Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls & Bow Valley Parkway Winter Wildlife Tour
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A line of breath fogs the air as the guide leads the small group away from the Banff Train Station and onto the quiet sweep of the Bow Valley Parkway. Snow muffles the road; wind-sculpted drifts cling to lodgepole pines. Within 20 minutes the canyon appears — a black throat cut into pale limestone, catwalks clinging to the rock like stitches. Below, water that once rushed silver has become vertical glaciers of ice, catching light in tones of hard blue and dull milk. Ice climbers knot themselves to the frozen columns, moving with patient, deliberate pulls that map the scale of the cliffs.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to park
Free parking at Banff Train Station fills; arrive 15–20 minutes before departure to avoid delays and allow time to get fitted for crampons.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures can be well below freezing and bright; combine an insulating midlayer with a waterproof shell and warm hat and gloves.
Use provided crampons
Ice cleats are included — wear them on the catwalks and approaches to maintain traction on packed snow and ice.
Keep distance from ice climbers
Observe ice climbers from marked viewpoints and stay out of drop zones beneath the frozen falls to avoid falling ice.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bald eagles
History
Johnston Canyon was carved through Paleozoic limestone and exposed during repeated ice ages; the Bow Valley Parkway follows an older, scenic route predating the Trans-Canada Highway.
Conservation
Tour operators emphasize Leave No Trace and limit group size to reduce trail impact; stay on catwalks to protect fragile canyon walls and riparian zones.
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Adventure Hotspots in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet warm and dry on packed snow and icy approaches.
winter specific
Warm gloves and hat
Protect extremities from wind chill and cold while standing at viewpoints.
winter specific
Daypack with water bottle
Holds layers, camera, and snacks; refill stations available on tour.
Camera with spare battery
Cold drains batteries quickly; bring spares for photographing ice textures and climbers.
winter specific