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Johnston Canyon & Winter Lakes
A canyon walk, winter lakes and a day out together.
Here’s how your day feels.
Begin at Johnston Canyon, then continue through Lake Louise and Emerald Lake to Natural Bridge. This is a longer winter route, with the walking plan and stop lengths checked against daylight and conditions.
Why this tour is special
A canyon and two lakes bring variety to the day. We plan the pace around the group and the weather, with time to warm up between stops.
The highlights
- Johnston Canyon
- Lake Louise
- Emerald Lake
- Natural Bridge
Your journey, stop by stop
This is the sample route. Stop order and time outside may change with daylight, weather and road access.
Johnston Canyon
Explore a suitable canyon section with your guide. The final walking distance and traction requirements must match the conditions.
Lake Louise & Emerald Lake
Continue to the winter lakes for shoreline views and photographs, with breaks along the route.
Natural Bridge & return
Finish with the Natural Bridge viewing area when accessible, then return to your pickup area.
A glimpse of the experience
Inclusions & practical details
- Your driver-host, transport and the agreed sightseeing route.
- Shared tours: one bottle of water per guest. Private tours: water and soft drinks.
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and one small snack per guest on both shared and private tours.
- Hiking poles, blankets, headlamps and umbrellas are available on both shared and private tours, as appropriate for the tour, time of day and weather.
Pickup & drop-off
Pickup planning should feel simple, even before the trip begins.
Tell us where you’re staying in Banff or Canmore. We’ll arrange a suitable pickup point and confirm the address and time with your departure details.
At an Airbnb or private residence? Share the accommodation address so we can discuss a nearby meeting point. Pickup depends on the route and available stopping locations.
Where are you staying?
Banff hotel, Canmore hotel or a private residence? Share your accommodation when you enquire and we’ll help with the meeting point.
Pickup locations are confirmed with your route.
Good to know
Bring warm layers, a weatherproof jacket, sturdy footwear and a charged phone or camera. Add gloves and a warm hat for early mornings, evenings and winter. Pack a meal and extra water for your own needs.
Winter suitability depends on age, temperature, trail conditions and the final walking plan. Child-seat and minimum-age details are still to be confirmed.
This is a walking-focused experience on winter surfaces that may be icy or uneven. Ice cleats are strongly recommended in winter. Tell us about mobility or accessibility needs before confirmation; the guide may shorten or adjust the walk to conditions and the group’s safe, comfortable pace.
Cold, snow and trail conditions can change the route or operating decision. Guests will receive confirmed preparation guidance for their departure.
The order of stops may change because of weather, wildlife activity, traffic, road closures or Parks Canada conditions. Any change will aim to protect safety and preserve the best available experience.
A few more questions
Ice cleats are strongly recommended for Johnston Canyon in winter. Please bring your own unless your final confirmation specifically states that they are provided.
The confirmed route will depend on time, trail condition and group suitability; no specific waterfall is guaranteed in this draft.
Winter trail conditions can be demanding. Route-specific accessibility guidance is still required before bookings open.
Time at each stop is planned around the route, pickup area and seasonal light. We’ll confirm the schedule before you book.
Meals, canoe rentals, attraction tickets, personal purchases and driver-host gratuities are not included unless expressly listed.
Third-party activities follow their own hours, availability, pricing and safety rules.
Shared tours include one bottle of water per guest; private tours include water and soft drinks. Both include a small snack, such as a biscuit or chocolate. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included too.
Please bring a meal for longer outings and any extra water or food you need. Tell us about dietary requirements when planning; the snack is a little extra, not a meal.
Mobile service can be weak or unavailable on mountain roads and at remote viewpoints. Washroom access varies by destination, season and opening hours.
Wildlife may be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed. Follow the driver-host’s pickup and safety instructions, keep a respectful distance and never approach or feed animals.
Transport and stop arrangements are confirmed for your route and conditions. Bring the footwear and personal equipment you need for independent exploration.
Before confirming, check your tour, travel date, group details and pickup location. The final booking summary should show the full price, itinerary and policies together.
Plan your departure
Private: CAD $1,125 per group, before applicable tax. Ask about shared departures.
Tell us your date, pickup area and group details so we can discuss the route.
Shared tours: cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure for a full refund. Private tours: cancel at least 6 days (144 hours) before your scheduled departure for a full refund.
Cancellations received less than 24 hours before a shared tour, or less than 144 hours before a private tour, and no-shows, are non-refundable. The deadline is based on the local departure time in Banff / Canmore.
To cancel, email info@lordofthelakestours.ca with your booking reference. If we cancel your tour, you may choose an alternative date or a full refund.
Step into winter, not just through it.
A question about the route or your group? We’re happy to help you work it out.