Johnston Canyon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Johnston Canyon which includes a gorge or canyon and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Embark on a dramatic walk above Johnston Creek to get to this canyon's spectacular waterfalls.

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.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is ₹10,321 per night from 15 May to 16 May
₹10,321
per night
15 May - 16 May
Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
7.8/10 Good! (1,806 reviews)
"Located at the outer edge of Banff, the hotel/condo is away from the bustle of downtown. It is some 2-3 Km from town, a long walk, or you can drive (but parking may be problematic.) There is a shuttle every hour or 2. This is an older property, but is kept in reasonable repair. Units are comfortable. ..."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
2.5 out of 5
Hwy 1A, Box 875, 25km west of Banff, Johnston Canyon, AB
The price is ₹25,559 per night from 21 May to 22 May
₹25,559
per night
21 May - 22 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
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

Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is ₹11,543 per night from 14 May to 15 May
₹11,543
per night
14 May - 15 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,438 reviews)
"Great hotel and awesome staff!"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
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
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
3 out of 5
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8/10 Very Good! (2,736 reviews)
Nice place for two days stay
"Room was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Hidden Ridge Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,742 reviews)
"Loved our room with private hot tub."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Hidden Ridge Resort
Basecamp Suites Banff
Basecamp Suites Banff
2.5 out of 5
101, 316 Marten St, Banff, AB
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (177 reviews)
"Great location. Close to main shopping and dining, but on a quiet street. Suite was clean and cozy. Hot tubs on roof were great. Will certainly look at staying here again."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Basecamp Suites Banff
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.

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