Johnston Canyon is a popular destination in Banff, thanks to its rugged beauty and easy access. Johnston Creek runs through the canyon and has waterfalls and blue pools. Walk beneath overhanging rock faces and lean out over the roaring water as you walk along a steel walkway built onto the side of the sheer canyon walls.
The 1.7-mile (2.7 kilometre) trail runs from a resort and camping ground at the start of the canyon, about 15 miles (25 kilometres) from Banff. The main attractions on the walk are two large waterfalls: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls, but there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. .
The Lower Falls are about 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometres) from the car park. Stand on the bridge crossing the creek for the best vantage point. A tunnel through the canyon rock will get you closer to the waterfall, but be prepared to get wet. Some visitors choose to turn back after the first falls.
The Upper Falls are another mile (1.6 kilometres) further up the trail. The 100-foot (30-metre) waterfall is well worth the trek if time permits. There are two different vantage points: one from a platform at the bottom of the falls, and another overlooking the top. Water roars over the falls in summer. In winter, the frozen falls are just as spectacular, although the path is icy and can be dangerous.
Summer is the busiest time to visit. Come in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. The return trip to the Upper Falls is close to two hours, so leave plenty of time to do the walk before nightfall.
Adventurous hikers can continue past the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots. These small, cold mineral springs are set in open meadows surrounded by mountains, located another 1.9 miles (3 kilometres) from the Upper Falls.
Johnston Canyon is about a 30-minute drive northwest of the town of Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). There is no fee to access the canyon and there is free parking at the trail head, although a space can be hard to find as this is one of the most popular hiking spots around Banff.
Johnston Canyon Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Johnston Canyon Travel Guide Video
Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
Hwy 1A, Box 875, 25km west of Banff, Johnston Canyon, AB
The price is Rp3.746.901 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
Rp3.746.901
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this resort in Johnston Canyon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (156 reviews)
"It would be helpful to have clear direction and/or signs for guests on how to get this place."
Reviewed on 30 May 2024
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is Rp5.108.717 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
Rp5.108.717
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this spa hotel in Banff. 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! (2,491 reviews)
"Loved the area and the room was clean and friendly staff"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2024
Hotel Canoe and Suites
600 Banff Avenue, 2000, Banff, AB
The price is Rp7.133.150 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
Rp7.133.150
per night
5 Jun - 6 Jun
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre and Upper ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (411 reviews)
"It’s so great! I would definitely recommend it! The mountain view is awesome."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2024
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
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Stay at this 3-star ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,807 reviews)
"Nice place. Friendly"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2024
Hidden Ridge Resort
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,801 reviews)
"Lighting inside the unit was really not sufficient. The bathroom downstairs had no soap/shampoo/conditioner. Parking was really small."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2024
Basecamp Suites Banff
101, 316 Marten St, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 hot tubs and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (190 reviews)
"Great place"
Reviewed on 27 May 2024
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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Johnston Canyon
5/5(2 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Johnston Canyon during your travels in Johnston Canyon. Discover the area's waterfalls and mountain views.
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