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Near Johnston Canyon in Banff

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

The Popular Banff Gondola provides visitors with an amazing scenic ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies and the Bow Valley.

Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain
*Purchasing Gondola Tickets in Advance is Recommended. Book the Banff Gondola Banff Gondola Home
Banff National Park Wildlife

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Book Banff

Book Banff National Park Adventures and Attractions. Originally set aside to preserve sulphur hot springs for public use, Banff National Park's towering peaks and beautiful meadows make it among Canada's most incredible holiday areas. Plan your Canadian Rockies vacation and Book Banff's most popular attractions.

Book Banff National Park Book Banff
Banff National Park Wildlife

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Close to Johnston Canyon, Banff

Columbia Icefield Tour & Glacier Skywalk

Walk on the Glass-Bottom Glacier Skywalk and tour the Athabasca Glacier in the Rugged Ice Explorer Vehicle from the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

Columbia Icefield Tour & Glacier Skywalk
*Purchasing Icefield & Skywalk Tickets in Advance is Recommended. Book the Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk Tour Columbia Icefields Home
Banff National Park Wildlife

Hike Johnston Canyon

The Johnston Canyon Hiking trailhead is easily accessible via Banff National Park's Bow Valley Parkway.

Hike Johnston Canyon
Hike Johnston Canyon

The Johnston Canyon Hike

The Johnston Canyon Hiking trailhead is easily accessible via the Bow Valley Parkway, with a large parking area near the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows.
Best Time to Hike Johnston Canyon: Summer for lush greenery and vibrant waters; winter for a magical frozen landscape.
Crowds: Johnston Canyon is popular, so it's best to arrive early in the day or during the off-season for a quieter experience.

Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail to Waterfalls

Hiking Trail Length: Lower Falls: A 1.2 km (0.75 mile) hike from the trailhead (2.4 km round trip).
Upper Falls: A 2.7 km (1.7 mile) hike from the trailhead (5.4 km round trip).
Hiking to the Inkpots: A more extended hike of 5.8 km (3.6 miles) one way (11.6 km round trip) takes you to mineral-rich pools in a serene meadow.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail is well-maintained with catwalks and bridges providing incredible views.

Johnston Canyon Hike Highlights

Lower Falls: A picturesque waterfall that you can view from a bridge or a small cave tunnel for a close-up experience.
Upper Falls: A more dramatic, taller waterfall with two viewpoints: one at the base and one from a higher vantage point.
Johnston Canyon Inkpots: Vibrant green and blue pools of mineral-rich water in a quiet alpine meadow, perfect for a peaceful break.

Johnston Canyon's Unique Features

Metal catwalks are built into the canyon walls, allowing visitors to safely walk over rushing waters and appreciate the steep, rocky walls and cascading creek. Johnston Canyon Home

The Johnston Canyon Hike

The Johnston Canyon Hike is one of Banff National Park's most popular and rewarding hikes.

The Johnston Canyon Hike
The Johnston Canyon Hike

The Johnston Canyon Hike

The Johnston Canyon Hike is one of Banff National Park's most popular and rewarding hiking experiences. It offers dramatic canyon views, waterfalls, and an optional extension to the serene Ink Pots.

Johnston Canyon Round Trip Hikes..

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls

Hiking Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~30 m (100 ft)
Estimated Time: ~1 hour

Johnston Canyon Upper Falls

Hiking Distance: 5.4 km (3.4 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~120 m (400 ft)
Estimated Time: ~2-3 hours

Johnston Canyon Inkpots

Hiking Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)
Elevation Gain: ~330 m (1,100 ft)
Estimated Time: ~4-6 hours

Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Highlights

The Hiking trail winds through Johnston Canyon on catwalks suspended over the creek to Spectacular Falls, and then to seven colorful mineral springs called Inkpots.

Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Highlights
Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Highlights

Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Highlights

Johnston Canyon Lower and Upper Falls Hikes

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls

Hiking Distance: 1.2 km (0.75 miles) one way.
Difficulty: Easy.
Features: The trail winds through the canyon on catwalks suspended over the creek. The Lower Falls is a stunning cascade, and you can get up close by walking through a small cave for a closer view.

Johnston Canyon Upper Falls

Hiking Distance: 2.7 km (1.7 miles) one way.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Features: The Upper Falls are larger and more dramatic, with two viewing platforms. One is at the base of the falls, and the other offers a higher vantage point.

Johnston Canyon's Inkpots

Hiking Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 miles) one way beyond the Upper Falls.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Features: The Inkpots are seven colorful mineral springs located in a peaceful alpine meadow. The hike to the Inkpots is less crowded and offers a tranquil escape.

Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Details

The Johnston Canyon Hike, what to bring and plan for.

Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Details
Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Details

Johnston Canyon Hiking Trail Details

The Johnston Canyon Hike

Trailhead: Located at the Johnston Canyon parking lot off the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).
Trail Surface: Well-maintained paths, including paved sections and metal catwalks.
Difficulty: Suitable for all fitness levels, but proper footwear is recommended for icy or wet conditions.

Seasonal Considerations for Hiking Johnston Canyon

Summer: Lush greenery, vibrant waters, and the busiest time of year. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
Winter: The waterfalls freeze into stunning ice formations. Ice cleats or traction devices are essential for navigating icy paths.

What to Bring to Hike Johnston Canyon

1. Comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
2. Layers for varying weather conditions.
3. Water and snacks.
4. Camera for capturing the breathtaking scenery.
5. Ice cleats (for winter ice walks).

Tips for Enjoying the Hike

Arrive Early: To avoid crowds and secure parking.
Take Your Time: Stop often to enjoy the views and take photos.
Respect Wildlife: Be mindful of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
Plan for the Inkpots: If you're hiking to the Inkpots, start earlier in the day to allow plenty of time.

Johnston Canyon Reviews

Johnston Canyon Map

Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB. Banff National Park

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