Banff's Johnston Canyon is famous for its impressive falls and spring water pools. Steel catwalks anchored to the sheer face of the canyon make this a thrilling but manageable hike, and one of the most popular trails in Banff National Park.
From Banff, it's just a 25-kilometre drive to the resort, camping ground and car park at the start of the trail. If you're here in summer, it's best to come very early or late in the afternoon, as the canyon can get extremely busy. However, be sure to leave enough time to finish your walk by dusk the hike to the Upper Falls is about two hours there and back.
The trail is 2.7-kilometres long and takes in the canyon's two main attractions: Johnston Creek's Upper and Lower Falls. You'll pass under rocky overhangs and over thundering torrents on your way. Keep your camera ready at all times, as the striking landscape of the canyon makes for great photos.
After 1.1 kilometres you'll see the Lower Falls come into view. The bridge that spans the creek is the best place from which to admire the cascading water. For a closer (but wetter) view, continue on through the tunnel that has been bored into the canyon face.
Not everyone tackles the additional 1.6 kilometres to the Upper Falls, but the magnificent 30-metre waterfall is a handsome reward for your efforts. If you decide to visit in winter to see the spectacle of the frozen falls, take care on this section as it may be icy underfoot and can be treacherous. In summer, the volume of water crashing over the Upper Falls is astounding. Take it all in from the viewing platforms at the base and top of the falls.
If you've got energy to spare, head on up to the Ink Pots. At 3 kilometres beyond the Upper Falls, it's a trickier hike, but your incentive is a meadow enclosed by mountains and dotted with attractive blue pools of cold spring water.
Entry to Johnston Canyon is free, as is the car park, but spaces are snapped up quickly. Take the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) northwest from Banff and you'll be there in 30 minutes.
Johnston Canyon
Travel Guide
Visit Johnston Canyon
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is S$186 per night from 6 May to 7 May
S$186
per night
6 May - 7 May
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,775 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful stay and will be coming back again!"
Reviewed on 29 Apr,2024
Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
Hwy 1A, Box 875, 25km west of Banff, Johnston Canyon, AB
The price is S$466 per night from 30 May to 31 May
S$466
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this resort in Johnston Canyon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (153 reviews)
"Excellent rustic experience. We received a complimentary upgrade to a bungalow and it was such a pleasant surprise. This property is nearly 90 years old and super well maintained and comfortable. We had a wood burning fireplace in the living room which was separate from the bedroom. Overall, it was ..."
Reviewed on 15 Oct,2023
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is S$197 per night from 5 May to 6 May
S$197
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,422 reviews)
"great place"
Reviewed on 28 Apr,2024
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Stay at this 3-star ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,717 reviews)
"Could use some updating but overall great experience."
Reviewed on 28 Apr,2024
Hidden Ridge Resort
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,717 reviews)
"This gorgeous resort is beyond my expectations. Front desk reception is very professional, informative and accommodating. A perfect place for relaxation and bonding with my family. This is our first & only choice for future bookings."
Reviewed on 29 Apr,2024
Basecamp Suites Banff
101, 316 Marten St, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 spa tubs, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (163 reviews)
Great location, very comfortable rooms, 👍 staff
"Everything was very good, the staff, the location and the accommodations…the only thing I would change would be to give hotels guests a discount on parking…it’s quite pricey there."
Reviewed on 24 Apr,2024
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Popular places to visit
Johnston Canyon
5/5(2 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Johnston Canyon during your travels in Johnston Canyon. Discover the area's waterfalls and mountain views.
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