Stunning natural beauty — including several waterfalls — greet visitors at Johnston Canyon that’s located between Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta. Here the Johnston Creek flows through a gorge on its way to the Bow River. Elevated steel catwalks attached to the limestone canyon walls and packed earth trails guide hikers to three main destinations: the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls, and the Ink Pots (actually several blue-green pools of water fed by a spring). Located just off the Bow Valley Parkway (Route 1A), Johnston Canyon is a delight to visit because there are non-stop scenic vistas while walking through this gorge.
Johnston Canyon Trails
The trail to the waterfalls is on packed earth and elevated catwalks. There are three main highlights:
- Lower Falls – Walk along the steel catwalks and earthen trail to the Lower Falls. Once there, enjoy the view from the platform and bridge. Cross the bridge and pass through a little cave-like area for a closer look at the falls (seen on the right in the picture above). Because this area gets misty from its proximity to the falls, the steps in the cave pass-through can be slippery. This trail to the Lower Falls is an easy walk and is about 1.5 miles/2.4 km round trip from the trailhead with about a 165-foot/50-meter elevation gain. Expect it to take about one hour or so in total.
- Upper Falls – The trail continues past the Lower Falls and is a bit steep in parts. Continue to the lookout for the Upper Falls and take in all its beauty. In total, it’s about 3.2 miles/5 km round trip from the trailhead with about a 400-foot/120-meter elevation gain. Expect this round trip to take about 2-2.5 hours (including stops to take pictures along the way).
- Ink Pots – Enjoying your time and want to explore some more — most likely with fewer fellow hikers (as most will not venture past the Upper Falls)? Then continue on to the Ink Pots, spring-fed pools of blue-green water. This trek is about 7 miles/11.4 km round trip from the trailhead with about a 1,080 foot/330 meter gain, and this adventure should take about 3-4 hours.
Tips for Your Visit to Johnston Canyon
- Arrive early in the morning — ideally by 8:00 am (or consider arriving in the early evening during the summer) to beat the crowds. This is a very popular place and it can get very busy — especially if bus tours arrive. Fewer people make your time here more enjoyable. (We arrived early on a weekday morning, and it was absolutely lovely — not too many people around.)
- Dress in layers. Because you’ll be in a canyon, it can be shady and cool, so dressing in layers can keep you comfortable. Simply peel off a layer when you get warmed up.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. The trails can be slippery and/or muddy with any recent rain or melting snow.
- Bring water (and snacks).
- There is no admission charge. 🙂
- Food/meals are available at the trailhead at the Johnston Canyon Market Cafe and the Blackswift Bistro.
- Restrooms/washrooms are located by the main parking lot before entering the trail.
- Do not feed or otherwise disturb the wildlife.
- Stay on the trails.
- Carry out what you bring in. Do not leave behind any trash or food.
- Check trail conditions (especially) before visiting in the fall, winter, and spring when trails may be snow-covered or muddy.
- Your leashed dog is welcome to join you, although consider how busy the trails may be when you plan to visit. It might not be a great outing when a lot of other hikers are around since the catwalks are only so wide. 🐶
- If driving along the Bow Valley Parkway (Route 1A), and a section of it is closed (as it was when we visited), travel on Route 1 and get off at the Castle Junction exit and turn right onto Bow Valley Parkway (Route 1A). Johnston Canyon will be down the road in a few miles/kilometers.
Brief History of Johnston Canyon
A gold prospector by the last name of Johnston found this place and mapped it in the 1880s. He also lent his name to it. Later, Walter Camp and his wife came to the area and negotiated with Banff National Park to build and operate cabins in the area for tourists. (Those became the Johnston Canyon Resort Cabins & Bungalows that are still in operation today.) In addition, Mr. Camp built trails and wooden bridges so visitors could more easily view the waterfalls. After his death, Parks Canada acquired the area (in the 1970s) and upgraded the wooden trails with steel catwalks and platforms.
Vacationing in the Canadian Rockies
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Banff National Park while vacationing in the Canadian Rockies. We couldn’t get enough of the spectacular vistas of its lovely mountains, canyons, valleys, lakes, and rivers. We were delighted with the scenic drives, invigorating hikes, two days riding on the Rocky Mountaineer train, and a leisurely stay in Vancouver. Our 13-day itinerary gave us the perfect way to appreciate the natural beauty of western Canada. Along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper, park the car and hike the Parker Ridge Trail; the view from the top to catch an amazing view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Another fun place to explore is the breathtaking Maligne Canyon in Jasper.
When staying in Lake Louise, check out the Lake Agnes Trail and Tea House. That was such a memorable hike to a tea house that dates to the early 1900s. Incredible experience!
Final Thoughts
Johnston Canyon should be on every traveler’s list when visiting Banff National Park. The elevated catwalks along the canyon wall let you soak in all the beauty that surrounds you — up, down, and all around you. Ideally, you should plan on visiting early on a weekday morning. Other times would be fine, too, but the crowds due tend to arrive around mid-day — and they’re definitely there on weekends.
Lunch at a Cozy Alpine-Inspired Lodge
One tip we received from a local was to stop at Storm Mountain Lodge after hiking in Johnston Canyon. We were thankful for that suggestion. What we enjoyed on our stop was the wonderfully charming, small alpine-inspired main lodge. (Cabins for rent are also on site.) We came for lunch and it was a treat — the food was good, but the rustic, log cabin coziness of the main lodge was what won us over. To drive here after leaving Johnston Canyon, proceed to the Castle Junction exit, cross over Route 1 and continue onto Route 93 South. Storm Mountain Lodge will be on the right. Check online or call before visiting to verify the dining room’s hours of operation.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and/or suggestions for other places to visit in Banff National Park. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
