Johnston Canyon

Hiking area · I.D. No. 9 (Banff)

Johnston Canyon

Hiking area · I.D. No. 9 (Banff)

Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada

Highlights

Discover the stunning Johnston Canyon, where well-maintained trails unveil breathtaking waterfalls, turquoise pools, and dramatic limestone canyons—perfect for nature lovers of all ages.

Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada Get directions

pc.gc.ca

@afar

"Johnston Canyon You can see thousands of years of erosion in this narrow canyon, where Johnston Creek's clear waters cut through the soft limestone that make up the Canadian Rockies. The journey upstream follows a series of turbulent white waters cascading into emerald-green pools, all enclosed by colorful rock walls. The paved trail that takes you gently up leads to two sets of waterfalls: the aptly named Lower Falls at the 1.2-kilometer (0.7-mile) mark and the Upper Falls at 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles). Suitable even for those with a stroller in tow, the journey runs about 30 minutes to the Lower Falls and 45 minutes to the view of the Upper Falls. The easy access does translate to crowds at this beautiful spot, but you can still find solitude by hiking beyond the paved portion of the path to the meadow above the canyon, where the bubbling Ink Pots—some eight mineral springs—await at the 5.4-kilometer (3.6-mile) mark."

Top Attractions in Banff and Jasper National Parks

View Postcard for Johnston Canyon

@bonappetit

There Will Be Cake: A Very Detailed Guide to Road-Tripping the Canadian Rockies | Bon Appétit

"The trail at Johnston Canyon is open year-round and is especially jaw-dropping once its waterfalls have frozen into sculptural walls of ice. It can become overwhelmingly crowded in the summer; during the rest of the seasons it’s calmer." - ByLindsay Anderson

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/canadian-rockies-road-trip

View Postcard for Johnston Canyon

Yusuf Taherali

Google

Johnston Canyon is a must-visit! It’s a moderate hike that took us about 2.5 hours round trip to see both the lower and upper falls. The trail was quite busy this time of year, and there was a bit of a wait at the lower falls viewpoint—but totally worth it. The path is well-maintained and clean, and the scenery throughout is breathtaking. You get incredible views of the forest, snow-covered mountains, dramatic canyons, waterfalls, and the turquoise river cutting through the rocks. Truly stunning! Be sure to carry water and wear comfortable shoes. Parking can be tricky depending on the day and time, so plan accordingly. But overall, it’s more than worth the 20,000 steps!

TinaEh VangLee

Google

Excellent hike. It's about a 1-hour hike if you do not stop or take breaks to the Upper Falls. Most of the path is paved but it's not perfect. There are several amazing spots for photos. The path is paved. There are uphils and downhills. It's a great workout. Parking lot is big and packed during peak hours. There are restrooms at the parking lot/entrance.

Tiju Chacko

Google

The hike through the canyon offers breathtaking views, showcasing nature's artistry. Waterfalls cascade down the rock faces, creating a soothing ambiance for every visitor. You can walk along well-maintained paths, providing a comfortable experience for all skill levels. The journey allows you to witness the power and beauty of nature's elements firsthand. This unique experience creates lasting memories.

Navneet Sidhu

Google

This place is amazing. Easy hike. Kids friendly, it does get slushy if rainy days so wear clothes and shoes accordingly. Views were spectacular. There are options to do small hike and upper falls hike. People choose based on capabilities. Washrooms are available.

Manmeet kaur Brar

Google

Johnston Canyon is a beautiful spot with stunning waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, making it a great choice for family outings. The trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way. After the falls, you can continue on the Ink Pots Trail, which adds even more to explore if you’re up for a longer hike. We visited on a weekend, and it was very busy, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. A heads-up for parents with newborns or using strollers: there are a lot of stairs and narrow paths, which can make it difficult to navigate. We saw some parents struggling with strollers today, so baby carriers might be a better option. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot for nature lovers — just plan ahead if you’re going with little ones!

JINS LUKOSE

Google

It is a scenic trail that winds through a dramatic limestone canyon with waterfalls and turquoise pools along the way. The walk to the Lower and Upper Falls is easy and well-maintained, making it great for families and casual hikers. Metal walkways built into the canyon walls offer thrilling views above the rushing water. It's especially beautiful in the early morning.

Geoff Chesson

Google

A great day on the trail. It's a moderate trail which means, it's not a walk in the park. The ink pots were worth the trip. Go early. We started at 8:30 am (great), but the last stretch on the way back was slow due to the volume of people out for a walk.

Ahmed Badri

Google

So beautiful place to visit. Trail was easy to ok even for oldpeople. You can see the upper and lower fall. Easy to access. However, you have to stay about one hour in the line to take pictures on both falls. Parking is very difficult. And it's free of charge. Clean restrooms.