Johnston Canyon
There’s a moment in Johnston Canyon where the sound of rushing water suddenly surrounds you—echoing off limestone walls, drifting up through pine-scented air, and spilling through narrow stone corridors carved over thousands of years.
Johnston Canyon isn’t wide-open like Lake Louise or vast like Moraine Lake. It’s intimate. Vertical. Alive with movement. A place where water, stone, and forest meet in constant motion.
Located along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most accessible and rewarding canyon walks—equally beautiful in summer sunlight, autumn gold, and winter ice.
Johnston Canyon at a Glance
- Location: Banff National Park, Alberta
- Distance from Banff: ~25 minutes (25 km)
- Elevation: ~1,400 m (4,593 ft)
- Best Seasons: Late May–October (summer peak), winter for ice walks
- Access: Public parking, Roam Transit, or guided tour
- Known For: Waterfalls, suspended catwalks, limestone gorge, year-round hiking
Why Johnston Canyon Feels So Different From Other Banff Hikes
Unlike alpine lakes and open summit trails, Johnston Canyon is a journey through the earth itself.
You walk:
- Along cliff-hugging steel catwalks
- Through narrow rock corridors
- Past turquoise pools and thundering waterfalls
- Beneath dripping moss, ice, and overhanging stone
What makes Johnston Canyon special isn’t just the waterfalls—it’s the way you move inside the landscape instead of just looking at it. It’s also one of the most family-friendly adventure walks in Banff, with well-maintained trails, railings, and gradual elevation gain.
Where Is Johnston Canyon Located?
Johnston Canyon sits along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) between Banff and Lake Louise.
- ~25 minutes from Banff
- ~25 minutes from Lake Louise
- ~40 minutes from Canmore
- Easily accessed by vehicle, Roam Transit, or guided tour
The drive itself is part of the experience—quiet forest, wildlife corridors, and sweeping valley views.
Best Time to Visit Johnston Canyon (Season by Season)
Summer (Late June–September) – Peak Waterfall Season
This is the most popular and visually dynamic time to visit.
- Powerful, rushing waterfalls from snowmelt
- Lush green moss and forest canopy
- Ideal temperatures for hiking
- Catwalks are fully snow-free
- Best for families and casual walkers
Summer is when Johnston Canyon feels most alive—loud with water, warm with sun, and vibrant with movement.
Spring (Late May–Early June)
A beautiful transition season.
- Snow still lingers on upper sections
- Waterfalls surge with fresh melt
- Fewer visitors than summer
- Trails may be wet or partially icy early in the season
Local Insight
“Spring is for travelers who love contrast—ice beside running water, snow beside fresh green.”
Microspikes can still be helpful in shaded sections.
Fall (Mid-September–October)
Quiet, golden, and peaceful.
- Larch and aspen colors light up the canyon
- Cooler air and fewer crowds
- Softer waterfall flow
- Crisp hiking conditions
This is one of the most refined and tranquil times to walk the canyon.
Winter (November–March)
Johnston Canyon transforms into a true ice cathedral.
- Frozen waterfalls
- Towering icicles
- Snow-covered catwalks
- Popular guided ice walks
It’s one of Banff’s most famous winter hiking experiences, requiring proper footwear and traction.
Top Hiking Trails at Johnston Canyon
All trails begin from the same canyon trailhead and progress upward.
1. Lower Falls:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.4 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~50 m
- Time: ~45–60 minutes
A wide, family-friendly walk to the first major waterfall. The highlight is the short rock tunnel that leads to a dramatic viewpoint beside the Lower Falls.
2. Upper Falls:
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 5 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~120 m
- Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Less crowded, more immersive. The Upper Falls plunge through a narrow limestone chute and feel especially powerful in early summer.
3. Ink Pots:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 11.4 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~330 m
- Time: ~3–4 hours
A forest climb beyond the canyon leading to a quiet alpine meadow with six mineral springs that remain unfrozen year-round. In summer, the pools glow blue-green; in fall, they sit beneath golden forest.
How to Reach Johnston Canyon
Unlike Moraine Lake, private vehicles are permitted year-round, but summer parking fills quickly.
- Parking often fills by mid-morning in summer
- Overflow parking requires roadside walking
- Winter roads may be snow-covered
Many visitors choose guided transportation to avoid:
- Parking congestion
- Slippery winter driving
- Seasonal trail condition uncertainty
How to Have the Best Johnston Canyon Experience
- Arrive early morning or late afternoon for quieter trails
- Dress in layers—the canyon stays cooler than Banff
- Wear grippy footwear (especially spring, fall, winter)
- Stay on marked walkways
- Respect wildlife and fragile canyon vegetation
Local Insight
“If it’s your first visit, don’t rush to the Upper Falls. The magic starts right from the first catwalk.”
Our Commitment to Responsible Canyon Travel
Johnston Canyon is a fragile limestone ecosystem shaped over thousands of years. All visits should follow:
- Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife protection regulations
- Trail-only access rules
Responsible travel ensures the canyon remains safe and pristine for future generations.
Why Visit Johnston Canyon with Into the Wild Tours?
If Johnston Canyon is on your Banff itinerary, I’d love to help you experience it at its best—quiet, safe, and perfectly timed for the season you’re visiting.
With Into the Wild Tours, the planning is handled, the timing is intentional, and your only job is to walk, listen to the water, and enjoy the journey.
For guests who value ease, safety, and thoughtful pacing, Into the Wild Tours offers a curated way to experience Johnston Canyon:
- Seamless transportation from Banff or Canmore
- Seasonal trail condition management
- Ice traction provided in winter
- Small, personalized groups
- Local guide interpretation
- Wildlife and geology insight
- Stress-free logistics in all seasons
We focus on creating meaningful, unhurried encounters with the landscape—without the parking, timing, or weather stress.
Johnston Canyon FAQs
Yes. Johnston Canyon is accessible in all seasons, though trail conditions change significantly in winter and spring.
Yes — summer is the most popular season to hike Johnston Canyon, with full trail access, powerful waterfalls from snowmelt, and ideal walking temperatures. The falls are at their most dramatic in early to mid-summer.
However, Johnston Canyon is also one of the busiest hikes in Banff National Park during this time. Crowds are especially heavy between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with congested walkways, long photo lineups, and very close foot traffic. Early mornings and evenings offer a far more enjoyable experience.
Absolutely. The Lower Falls trail is one of the best family-friendly walks in Banff National Park.
No — microspikes are not needed in summer once trails are dry and snow-free. The walkways are typically safe with regular walking shoes or light hiking footwear.
In winter, microspikes are a must. The trail becomes extremely slippery — often compared to a “bowling alley” due to smooth ice. Hiking poles are also very helpful for added stability. Microspikes may also be useful in early spring and late fall when icy patches can linger.
- Lower Falls only: ~1 hour
- Upper Falls: ~2 hours
- Ink Pots: ~3–4 hours
Cell reception is limited and unreliable within the canyon.
Not always. Under the current Canada Strong Pass program, admission to all national parks — including Banff National Park, where Johnston Canyon is located — is free between June 19 and September 7, 2026.
There is a main parking lot at the trailhead on Bow Valley Parkway, but it fills very quickly in summer — often by 8:00 AM. Overflow parking is limited. Many visitors choose guided transportation to avoid parking delays.
For the best experience, visit before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM in summer. Midday visits are the most crowded and least enjoyable due to heavy foot traffic.
The Lower Falls trail is partially stroller-friendly, but the metal catwalks, stairs, and narrow sections make it challenging. A child carrier is strongly recommended over a stroller.
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash at all times. Due to narrow walkways and high visitor volume, dogs should be well-socialized and comfortable in crowds.
Yes. Flush washrooms are available at the trailhead parking area. There are no restrooms along the trail itself.
The trail is not considered fully wheelchair accessible due to stairs, narrow catwalks, and elevation changes.