Banff: Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk – Alberta, Canada

EXPERIENCE

Get picked up by your friendly guide from the meeting point in Banff, then enjoy the drive in a modern minibus. Take the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon, a scenic drive through a wildlife-rich habitat.

On arrival at the Johnston Canyon trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on ice cleats over your winter boots, as well as give you some tips on winter hiking. From here, start the easy 1.1km hike with 65m elevation gain to the lower falls, walking along the steel catwalks built into the canyon walls which allows a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below. 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. Have the option to walk through a natural cave feature for a unique view of the lower falls while also enjoying a refreshment break with hot chocolate and a maple cookies snack. The return journey is your opportunity to travel without your headlamp (should you wish). 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.

At the end of the tour, your guide will then transport you back to Banff and drop you at your hotel.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hike to Johnston Canyon’s frozen lower falls at night, lit only by your headlamp
Enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the Canyon in darkness
Learn about the history and geology of the area from your knowledgeable guide
Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and maple cookies while you admire the views

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