The Johnston Canyon ice walk is everything a visitor to Banff in winter needs for an enjoyable escapade into the Canadian Rockies winter landscape!
Johnston Canyon in winter is transformed with a blanket of snow and ice, creating a gorgeous Narnia-esque winter wonderland. Complete with frozen waterfalls, a snow-covered forest, and a canyon dripping with icicles, it’s easy to see why the ice walk in Johnston Canyon is one of the top things to do in Banff in winter!
In this guide, you’ll see what it’s like to do the Johnston Canyon ice walk and get everything you need to know for a fun and safe winter experience in Banff National Park.
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk: What You Need to Know
The Johnston Canyon trail is a combination of steel walkways and forest paths, which, in winter, will be covered in snow and ice. When the landscape changes from fall to winter depends on the weather.
Generally speaking, from December to April, the Johnston Canyon hike becomes the Johnston Canyon ice walk. Although, lucky Banff visitors in November may see this transformation in real-time.
One thing is certain. Large sections of the walkway will be slippery so be sure to start off with your ice cleats strapped to your boots (more on necessary gear below). I wouldn’t recommend attempting the Johnston Canyon ice walk without them.
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk: At A Glance Info
In addition, the Johnston Canyon ice walk is a family-friendly Banff winter activity. That being said, it’s probably best for kids ages 8+ and many Johnston Canyon guided tours also set this as the minimum age requirement.
The reason is because of the slippery terrain. If visiting independently as a family with a child who’s 6 or 7 years old, it is possible to do the ice walk in Johnston Canyon if you feel like your child can manage safely on the ice while wearing ice cleats. All young children should be supervised carefully to guard against falls and down closer to the river.
No matter what, make sure to leave strollers in your car. This hike is not suitable for anything on wheels.
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Experience
I visited Banff in winter during December, just before Christmas. So the photos you’ll see in this guide show what Johnston Canyon looked like in early winter.
The flatter ground at the Johnston Canyon trailhead leads you into a snowy forest which will give way to a gently sloping path as it follows the outline of the canyon. The trail is well-marked and well-trafficked so no need to worry about losing your way.
There’s just over a half-mile of terrain to cover before reaching the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls viewpoint. The snow-covered path will continue onto steel pathways that will cut into the canyon and bring you toward the canyon bottom and closer to the frozen Johnston Creek, a tributary that connects with the Bow River.
As soon as the temperatures drop, ice begins to form on the river and along the canyon walls. Walking alongside the river, I could see an ice ledge had formed. It was slowly covering the aqua-colored water until spring.
Overhead, icicles remade large sections of the rocky canyon in crystal blue and white. In some spots, the layers of ice were already several rows deep and winter had only just begun!
The Johnston Canyon ice walk includes visiting both Lower and Upper Falls.
There are signs to direct you towards Lower Falls. As you walk along the steel catwalks, the main path splits. Veer down to the right to see the natural pool of turquoise water formed from Lower Falls pounding the bed of rock and eroding the bottom away.
There’s a short tunnel made from a natural arch that you can walk through for a close-up view of the frozen waterfall and the natural plunge pool.
The icy falls encapsulated the cascading water but you could still see and hear the water pounding down behind the icy shell. It hadn’t completely frozen yet!
Once you’ve filled up your camera’s memory card with photos ;), head back up the slope and continue along the original path toward Upper Falls. From this point, it’s about 1 more mile until reaching the Upper Falls viewing platforms.
The path slopes upward and it’s at this point (if you haven’t already) that you’ll certainly recognize the value of those ice cleats. And while it may seem silly and fun to slip and slide around on the ice, it’s also dangerous. When you fall here, you fall hard on the icy ground.
Heading towards Johnston Canyon Upper Falls, you won’t be as close to the river as earlier on the path. However, the higher perspective gives you better views of the snowy forest and past smaller waterfalls as you get closer to Upper Falls.
This is one of the reasons why the Johnston Canyon ice walk is so popular. The winding trail is easy enough for nearly everyone to do and along the way you get to see many of the things that make Banff National Park spectacular, from the nature-cut canyon and its waterfalls to the pristine evergreen forests.
As you arrive, you’ll see that Upper Falls has 2 viewing platforms. There’s one from below and the other viewing platform is a bit further up the path. It makes no difference which one you visit first since they are close to each other.
The lower platform comes up first and gives you a dramatic look at the tall waterfall frozen along the canyon. On most days, you’ll also find ice climbers practicing their skills as they claw their way up the frozen Upper Falls.
Here at the end of the Johnston Canyon ice walk, the Upper Falls steal the show! They boast incredible pillars of ice soaring 100 feet above that dazzle as the light strikes.
And don’t forget to look at the river and the winding canyon! It just might be that one of the prettiest views is actually behind you. 😉 Banff National Park is gorgeous no matter which direction you look.
While the icy chunks at the base of Upper Falls look like props straight from a movie shot in a winter fantasyland!
Be sure to go back to the trail and continue up to the higher viewpoint to see the perspective of looking down over the falls and at the icicles on the upper canyon walls.
Once you’re ready, turn back and navigate the Johnston Canyon ice walk trail the same way you came to return to your car.
For winter hikers planning to also see the Ink Pots, five cold mineral springs that never freeze, it’s just under 2 miles more from the Upper Falls viewpoints.
Keep in mind the time of day, though, In deep snow, it could take 2-2 1/2 hours to reach the Ink Pots and return. It’s also likely you’ll need to swap the ice cleats for snowshoes to make it possible to get through the deeper snow on this trail.
Johnston Canyon Trail Conditions
A Johnston Canyon winter season visit comes complete with ice and snow. The winter months bring a majestic experience as pillars of blue ice form. But, it’s important to check the conditions and the weather when you plan to do the Johnston Canyon ice walk.
The steel walkways and forest paths will be covered in ice and snow and extremely slippery along sections of the trail. Parks Canada regularly updates their Johnston Canyon trail report so visitors can prepare accordingly.
What Time of Day to Do the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
There are Johnston Canyon tours in the morning and later in the afternoon. Ideally, a window in between is best. Think late morning. Otherwise, plan to get there before 9 a.m. to beat the rush of the first guided groups.
Also, keep in mind the shorter winter days with less light than in summer. If you plan to snowshoe to the Ink Pots, you’ll want an early start to make sure you have plenty of time for the round trip before the sun dips too low.
If you’re planning something different and want to avoid large crowds, you should try the Johnston Canyon evening icewalk. You can marvel at the frosty wonder of the waterfalls as you hike along the suspended steel catwalks with your included headlamp.
And the best part? You get to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate after braving the icy trails of Johnston Canyon in winter.
What to Wear for the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
Johnston Canyon in winter can be a balmy 32°F/0°C or much colder, dropping to the single digits Fahrenheit or minus teens Celsius. Plus, you have to factor in the wind chill.
As with any outdoor winter activity, warm clothing and the right gear are what separates a fun, enjoyable time from a miserable time.
Ice cleats are the only piece of gear you absolutely need or, potentially, snowshoes if a large amount of snow fell right before your visit and hasn’t been compacted down by other hikers. Walking poles (even ski poles, if you have them) can come in handy for the steeper sections of the trail but aren’t necessary because the majority of the trail has railings to hold.
Ice cleats and poles can be easily rented at Banff Adventures in downtown Banff. For those staying in the Lake Louise area, Wilson Mountain Sports in the Lake Louise Village is a good option for gear rentals.
Here are a few tips on what to wear for winter hiking:
- Layers are important, but especially winter base layers designed to trap your body heat.
- Outer layers should be able to resist wind and moisture. Think winter hiking pants or even ski pants. Johnston Canyon is icy. If you slip and get wet, jeans and leggings will absorb the moisture, freeze, and make for a very cold experience.
- Wear waterproof winter boots with winter socks. Uggs, suede boots, and sneakers won’t keep your feet warm and dry in the Canadian Rockies.
- Cover your head, ears, and hands with a warm hat and warm gloves to keep you comfortable. Ladies, my readers love this winter headband.
- Top it all off with a warm winter coat that can repel wind, snow, and ice.
Johnston Canyon Directions
From Banff, get on the Trans-Canada Highway going west.
Take the Bow Valley Parkway-Highway 1A exit and merge onto the Bow Valley Parkway. Head west for about 11 miles and the first Johnston Canyon parking lot will be on your right. Don’t be confused by the left turn just beforehand for the Johnston Canyon Campground.
ProTip! The Bow Valley Parkway is a popular Banff scenic drive and destination all to itself. Go slowly in order to take photos and look for wildlife!
From Lake Louise to Johnston Canyon, the ride will take about 30 minutes.
The fastest way is to take the Trans-Canada Highway going east. Get off Exit 50 for the Banff-Windermere Highway toward Castle Junction. Turn left off the exit. Then take a right about 1 mile up the road onto the Bow Valley Parkway-Highway 1A. The Johnston Canyon hiking area will be on the left after about 4 miles.
If you’re closer to the Icefields Parkway in the Lake Louise area and hoping to do some Banff wildlife spotting along the way, why not take the Bow Valley Parkway-Highway 1A directly to Johnston Canyon.
It adds about 15-20 minutes to the drive (more if you stop to take photos!) and can be accessed by passing over the Trans-Canada Highway and turning right onto the Bow Valley Parkway-Highway 1A. The Johnston Canyon trail will come up on your left.
One important thing to keep in mind. If you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park in March, when it’s still possible to take advantage of the winter season, the Bow Valley Parkway will be partially closed to allow for wildlife to move freely. As a result, you’ll need to access Johnston Canyon via the Castle Junction exit from the Trans-Canada Highway.
Is Parking Available at Johnston Canyon?
There are two free parking lots at Johnston Canyon. First is the main Johnston Canyon parking lot (P1), which is located at the first right turn at the traffic circle. The second one is an overflow lot (P2) located further down the road if you turn back towards Banff.
Now, if you’re planning to hit the Johnston Canyon winter hike trail in the morning, make sure to roll in early. The parking lots fill up fast, especially on a sunny winter weekend.
But if you’re not a morning person (no judgment here), consider making it an afternoon affair. The parking will clear out a bit during late afternoons, you might just snag a spot without having to wait for available space.
And, don’t forget your Park Pass. Stick it on your dashboard so you don’t end up with a ticket.
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Tour
Johnston Canyon is suitable for kids (probably not younger than 6) and adults of all levels of physical fitness, which makes it easily accessible to independent-minded travelers looking for an outdoor adventure.
However, if you haven’t rented a car for your Banff trip, you can book a Johnston Canyon ice walk guided tour.
Going with a guide is also a great way to learn about the formation of the canyon. Plus, a professional hiking guide can ensure your safety especially if it’s your first time using ice cleats.
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Bottom Line
The popular Johnston Canyon ice walk is a must-do when visiting Banff in winter. The combination of the white-covered evergreens and the canyon’s frozen waterfalls with the manageable level of the trail itself makes it a perfect way to explore the beauty of Banff National Park in the winter.
So, what are your questions about doing the Johnston Canyon icewalk?
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