01

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

02

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

03

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

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park's most iconic and accessible natural attractions.

Johnston Canyon
Hike Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park's most iconic and accessible natural attractions. Located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) west of Banff townsite along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), it is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience stunning waterfalls, dramatic canyon landscapes, and an invigorating 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.

The water flow at Johnston Canyon is primarily driven by Johnston Creek, a tributary of the Bow River. The flow of water in the creek varies throughout the year, influenced by snowmelt, rainfall, and seasonal changes. Johnston Canyon Home

Features of Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience stunning waterfalls, dramatic canyon landscapes, and an invigorating hike.

Johnston Canyon
Features of Johnston Canyon

Features of Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience stunning waterfalls, dramatic canyon landscapes, and an invigorating hike.

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.

Wildlife and Scenery at Johnston Canyon

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and, occasionally, larger animals like bears and deer.

The scenery changes with the seasons. In winter, the waterfalls freeze into stunning ice formations, making it a hotspot for ice climbing.

Practical Johnston Canyon Information

Johnston Canyon's Accessibility: The trailhead is easily accessible via the Bow Valley Parkway, with a large parking area near the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for lush greenery and vibrant waters; winter for a magical frozen landscape.
Crowds at Johnston Canyon: Johnston Canyon is popular, so it's best to arrive early in the day or during the off-season for a quieter experience.
Nearby Attractions: The Bow Valley Parkway offers additional scenic viewpoints, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Close by are other must-see spots like Castle Mountain and Lake Louise. Johnston Canyon Home

Johnston Canyon Trail and Waterfalls

Johnston Canyon is a quintessential stop in Banff National Park, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike.

Johnston Canyon
Hike Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon Trail and Waterfalls

Johnston Canyon is a quintessential stop in Banff National Park, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike.

Johnston Canyon Trail and Waterfalls

Johnston Canyon's 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).
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.

Highlights of Johnston Canyon's Hike

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's Inkpots: Vibrant green and blue pools of mineral-rich water in a quiet alpine meadow, perfect for a peaceful break. Johnston Canyon Home

Johnston Canyon Reviews

Johnston Canyon Map

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

Contact Johnston Canyon .ca

Click to Contact Us