Exploring the icy wonders of Johnston Canyon and the wildlife-rich Banff backroads is a captivating winter adventure. Guests embark on a guided tour, marveling at frozen waterfalls and keeping an eye out for elk, bighorn sheep, and other local fauna. Essential gear, such as ice cleats and hiking poles, ensures a safe and comfortable outing. With knowledgeable guides providing insights and photography tips, visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the Canadian Rockies. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the unexpected…
Good To Know
- This tour offers a chance to witness the frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trails of Johnston Canyon, as well as opportunities to spot wildlife on the Banff backroads.
- Knowledgeable guides provide expert insights on the local area, ensure safety during the icy hike, and assist with capturing stunning photographs.
- Essential winter gear, including ice cleats and hiking poles, is required to navigate the icy terrain and maximize the enjoyment of the scenic winter landscape.
- Guests can bring their own lunch or contact the tour company for a picnic option, and hot drinks are provided during the tour.
- The tour is highly recommended, with a 5-star rating based on 11 reviews, and offers a convenient meeting point at the Banff Train Station with free parking.
Tour Overview and Details
The Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls & Banff Backroads Wildlife Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the stunning natural landscapes around Banff, Canada.
This 11-review, 100% recommended tour starts at 9:00 AM and can accommodate up to 12 guests. Travelers will need to bring essential winter gear like ice cleats and hiking poles.
Hot drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, or tea are provided. The tour’s spacious, modern transportation with large panoramic windows allows guests to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Knowledgeable local expert guides, trained in winter driving and photography, lead the way, ensuring a memorable and safe experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Banff.
Inclusions and Amenities
One of the key inclusions on the Johnston Canyon tour is the availability of water refills. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, which can be refilled throughout the tour.
Plus, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at the Banff Train Station, providing convenient transportation to and from the starting point.
Guests have the option to either bring their own lunch or contact Radventures for a picnic lunch.
While tips for the guides are appreciated, they aren’t mandatory.
Hotel pick-up can also be arranged upon prior contact with the tour company.
Meeting and End Points
The meeting point for the Johnston Canyon tour is the Banff Train Station, located at 327 Railway Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada.
Free parking is available at the station. The tour ends at the same location – the Banff Train Station.
This convenient meeting and end point makes it easy for participants to arrive and depart the tour. The station’s central location in Banff also allows for easy access to other local attractions and amenities.
With the tour starting and returning to the same place, guests can plan their day efficiently and focus on enjoying the Johnston Canyon experience.
Participation Guidelines
Johnston Canyon tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
The tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for those who can walk.
Participants shouldn’t have any serious medical conditions, such as heart problems, that could be exacerbated by the winter hike.
Children 6 and under aren’t permitted to join the small group adventures due to safety concerns.
Reviews and Feedback
Based on the 11 reviews, the Johnston Canyon tour has an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5, with travelers unanimously recommending the experience.
Highlights include the knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Connor, Michael, Tyler, and Riley, who received positive feedback for their expertise and care.
Travelers also praised the beautiful scenery and enjoyable experiences. Reviewers recommended using ice cleats during the winter hikes, emphasizing the importance of proper gear.
Scenic Highlights
Although the tour takes place in the winter, the scenery along Johnston Canyon is nothing short of breathtaking.
Frozen waterfalls cascade down the canyon walls, creating a mesmerizing display of ice formations. The trails wind through a snow-covered landscape, offering glimpses of the rugged Rockies in the distance.
Participants can capture the beauty of this winter wonderland with their cameras, guided by the expert photographers on the tour. The large panoramic windows of the modern transportation provide ample opportunities to spot wildlife, such as elk and bighorn sheep, roaming the Banff backroads.
With the proper winter gear, the tour promises an unforgettable experience amid the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Knowledgeable Tour Guides
The tour’s expert guides are the key to unlocking the wonders of Johnston Canyon. Trained in winter driving and photography, these local experts share their deep knowledge and passion for the area.
Guides like Connor, Michael, Tyler, and Riley consistently receive high praise from travelers for their expertise and care. They skillfully navigate the icy terrain, ensuring guests’ safety while pointing out the canyon’s breathtaking frozen waterfalls and wildlife.
With their guidance, travelers can fully enjoy the beauty of Banff’s winter landscape, capturing stunning photographs and creating unforgettable memories. The guides’ commitment to providing an exceptional experience is a major highlight of this tour.
Preparing for Winter Hike
Before embarking on the Johnston Canyon tour, it’s essential to ensure you have the proper gear to navigate the winter terrain safely.
The tour requires ice cleats/crampons and hiking poles, which are critical for maintaining traction and stability on the icy paths. These specialized winter accessories will help prevent slips and falls, allowing you to enjoy the stunning frozen waterfalls and scenic backroads with confidence.
The tour operator provides hot drinks to keep you warm, but you’ll need to bring your own water bottle.
With the right preparation, you’ll be able to fully learn about the captivating winter landscape and make the most of this unforgettable adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Wildlife Can We Expect to See on the Tour?
During the tour, visitors may spot a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and even the occasional bear. The expert guides are trained to locate and identify the diverse range of animals found in the Banff area.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options Available for the Picnic Lunch?
The tour offers a picnic lunch option, but dietary restrictions and preferences should be communicated to Radventures in advance. Travelers can also choose to bring their own lunch if they prefer.
Can We Bring Our Own Photography Equipment or Gear on the Tour?
Travelers can bring their own photography equipment and gear on the tour. The tour provides transportation with large panoramic windows, and the local expert guides are trained in winter photography to assist participants.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Participate?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 6 years old. Children under 6 are not permitted to join the small group adventures due to safety concerns on the winter hike.
Can We Request Specific Tour Guides or Guides With Certain Expertise?
Yes, you can request specific tour guides or guides with certain expertise. The tour overview indicates that the guides are local experts trained in winter driving and photography, and positive feedback is provided for specific guides like Connor, Michael, Tyler, and Riley.
The Sum Up
The Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls & Banff Backroads Wildlife Tour provides a captivating winter adventure through the Canadian Rockies. Guests can expect stunning views of frozen waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience. With required safety gear and hot drinks, this tour offers an unforgettable journey amidst the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.
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