Johnston Canyon Hike: All About Banff’s Most POPULAR Trail

Johnston Canyon is a highlight for many on their trip to Banff, and it’s an easy hike that’s great for families. However, it’s possibly the busiest trail in Banff. Still, it’s on most visitors’ bucket lists, so in peak season, you’ll need to arrive early or late to avoid the crowds.

That being said, Johnston Canyon offers some splendid natural features, and its accessibility to everyone makes it stand out. We’ve hiked Johnston Canyon nearly 10 times now, as friends and family always want to go when visiting, and it’s a nice, easy trail for all. We’ll dig into all the basics you should know before completing the Johnston Canyon hike.

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Johnston Canyon Hike Guide

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Key Stats

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Is Johnston Canyon Open in 2025?

In 2020 and 2021, there were many restrictions limiting access to Johnston Canyon, but things have now returned to normal, and Johnston Canyon is fully open in 2025. However, some closures affect the Bow Valley Parkway throughout the year, which can affect getting to Johnston Canyon from Banff, or elsewhere.

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All About the Johnston Canyon Hike

Johnston Canyon is the most popular hike in all of Banff. It’s also accessible year-round, as it’s possible to trek in the winter to see the frozen waterfalls at the end. To have an enjoyable time during the summer, you should plan to arrive by 9:00 am and even earlier on the weekends, or you can go late after 7pm. Due to the crowds in peak summer, you can often be stuck in a long procession of people moving slowly in both directions on the trail.

After leaving the parking lot, you’ll pass the Johnston Canyon Lodge, one of the best Banff cabins, before entering the forest alongside Johnston Creek. As you work to the Lower Johnston Canyon Falls, you’ll have minimal elevation gain moving through the forest. Eventually, you enter Johnston Canyon, where several catwalks over Johnston Creek lead you to the waterfalls.

You reach the lower falls at around 1.1 km into the hike. A bridge over Johnston Creek serves as a great viewpoint of the rushing cataract, and further along, you can enter a short tunnel for a closer vantage point of the fall. Be prepared to get wet if you continue through the short tunnel.

Continue up the canyon from the Lower Falls with a bit more elevation gain. You’ll walk alongside the canyon and Johnston Creek, and there are several maintained viewpoints to look down in the canyon. This section of the trail continues for another 1.7 km until it reaches the Upper Johnston Canyon Falls. The falls are 30 meters high and can be seen from two amazing viewpoints.

The first viewpoint is accessed by a platform that leads to a viewing area that looks across to the bottom of the falls. In the winter, ice climbers use the area as a base to climb the waterfall. It’s an awesome experience and a lot of fun, so if that sounds right up your alley, consider booking the ice climb tour with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures or Alpine Air.

A steeper trail to the platform that hangs over the gorge can reach the second viewing platform. It’s an impressive view, as you can see over the top of the falls and down to the bottom 40 meters below. Please watch your belongings here, which include trash and candy wrappers – a common sight we saw on our last hike. You can continue the hike from the top of Upper Falls for another 3km to the Ink Pots. The Ink Pots are several colorful, cold mineral springs that bubble to the surface in an open meadow.

The springs are located in a lovely alpine meadow often filled with wildflowers. The springs are a unique feature in Banff; however, for most seasoned Banff hikers, it’s a bit of a disappointment and an extra 4km of hiking.

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Gear We Recommend for Hiking in the Rockies

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How Hard is the Johnston Canyon Hike?

The hike to the Lower Falls is 2.3 km (round trip) and has about 105 meters of elevation gain. The hike to the Upper Falls is 5.5 km and 201 meters round trip (clocked exactly from my watch). Both hikes are easy and follow a well-maintained trail suitable for all.

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How Long Should the Johnston Canyon Hike Take?

If you decide to hike to the Upper Falls, expect the hike to Johnston Canyon to take 2-3 hours round trip. If you are hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter, it may take longer as the trail is often icy and slippery. Microspikes are highly recommended in the winter months.

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What Season Should You Hike to Johnston Canyon?

Johnston Canyon is a popular trail all year round. My favorite time to hike to Johnston Canyon is in May and June, when the snowmelt is high, creating heavy water flow from the waterfalls. May in Banff also means the trail will be less crowded than in the summer. I also like hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter when the Banff waterfalls are frozen, creating a dramatic scene with far fewer crowds.

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Is Johnston Canyon Busy?

Johnston Canyon is Banff’s most popular trail. If you come between June and September, expect the trail to be extremely crowded, and for some, this may detract from the experience.

For a more crowd-free experience, we recommend you arrive before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. in the summer. Thank goodness for those long summer days when the sun doesn’t set until 10 p.m.! Keep in mind that weekends are busier than weekdays.

That said, we have hiked Johnston Canyon probably seven or eight times now and always have a relatively crowd-free experience. The trick is to hike Johnston Canyon in the off-season, or at “off times,” which is when most of the photos in this article were taken. I’ve heard and seen photos of the crowds at Johnston Canyon, and I myself have never experienced that. It’s all about timing at a popular spot like this.

If you want a quieter canyon hike experience, we recommend you look into Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park.

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Is Johnston Canyon Kid Friendly, Stroller Friendly, or Pet Friendly?

• Stroller Friendly: While you may be able to get by with a stroller on Johnston Canyon, it certainly won’t be enjoyable. Some parts of the trail are narrow, and many sections are uneven. It’s best to leave the stroller at home and consider a baby backpack instead. We’ve tried to include as many photos of the trail so you can decide on strollers yourself.
• Kid Friendly: Johnston Canyon is suitable for all kiddos. In the winter, make sure to bundle them up well!
• Pet Friendly: Johnston Canyon is a pet-friendly trail, even for little dogs. It’s a mild climb to the waterfalls that even the smallest dogs will be happy walking. In the winter, bring them doggy mittens as it gets very cold. Please remember pets must always be kept on a leash in Banff.

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Hiking in the Winter

One of the best times to experience Johnston Canyon is in the winter! It may be cold, but you’ll see the stunning frozen lower and upper falls! If you visit Johnston Canyon in the winter, it’s best to bring a pair of microspikes as the trail is very slick and slippery. We’ve hiked this trail five or six times now in the winter, and I’m always thankful to have microspikes on my feet.

These can be purchased on Amazon at Canadian Tire, or you can rent them at Snowtips-Bactrax on Bear Street in Downtown Banff or at Wilson Sports in the Lake Louise Village.

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Tips For the Hiking Johnston Canyon

• Most of the Johnston Canyon hike occurs in the shaded forest and canyon, so it can be cool even in summer. Our advice for any hike in the Rockies applies here – pack layers.
• The trail often has ice and snow in the winter, spring, and fall. Microspikes and hiking poles are all super helpful to have. You can rent them in town or buy them.
• Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds on the Johnston Canyon Hike.
• It never hurts to pack water and a snack for hikes in Banff. If you have plans for the Ink Pots, consider packing lunch and picnicking in the meadows. Always pack out what you bring and dispose of trash in the bear-safe bins you’ll see at a few points on the trail.
• You should always carry bear spray, but you’ll likely be fine without it on this particular trail as it’s so well-trafficked in the middle of the day. However, if you hike to Moose Meadow, it’s a good idea to pack bear spray.
• Boots are ideal for this hike as it can be muddy in the winter and spring, but any athletic footwear feels appropriate in the fall and summer.
• Dogs are allowed on the trail but must always be on a leash in the Banff National Park.
• A baby stroller would be difficult on the trail, but with large wheels, it would be possible to reach the Lower Falls. However, if you’re visiting the park and plan on doing lots of short hikes with the baby, it’s best to bring a baby backpack.
• Do not throw coins into the water. This past year is the first time I’ve seen coins thrown into the natural settings of Johnston Canyon, and I was quite sad to see it. The bodies of water around Banff are not wishing wells you find in a mall. They are serene natural landscapes and should remain untouched. Please do not throw coins into the water here.
• Mind your trash. Along with the coins, Johnston Canyon remains one of the only trails in the park where I find myself picking up candy wrapper after candy wrapper. And don’t even get me started on the tissue paper and left dog poop bags. There are bear-safe trash bins at the trailhead. Make sure to carry out all the trash that you create on this hike. Johnston Canyon is not a dumping ground.

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How to Get to Johnston Canyon

You can find the locations with Google Maps. The Johnston Canyon is around 25 km from Banff town and 33 km from Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway. The fastest way to reach Johnston Canyon is to use the TransCanada Highway to exit AB-93N (Castle Junction) and turn right onto the Bow Valley Parkway.

The Johnston Canyon parking lot is another 6.2 km from Castle Junction. However, we much prefer taking the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise with a stop at Johnston Canyon, as it’s one of the most scenic roads in Banff.

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Public Transportation To Johnston Canyon

If you come to Banff without a car rental, that’s okay, as it is possible to take public transport to Johnston Canyon. Roam Transit operates a bus daily to the Canyon in the summer. Route 9 to Johnston Canyon will launch in mid-May and run until October. The route departs the downtown Banff High School Transit Hub and costs $5 one way. From here, the bus travels directly to Johnston Canyon via Highway 1 and Castle Junction.

This bus service will run 7 days a week in the summer from 9AM to 6PM. Johnston Canyon bus fares for 2025 are $5 for adults and $2.50 for Seniors/Youth and children under 12 travel free. Outside of the summer season, the bus route to Johnston Canyon is more limited.

The Route 9 bus operates throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons on Saturday-Sunday and statutory holidays, except for Christmas Day. It’s best to check their website for more details.

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Tours to Johnston Canyon

If you visit Johnston Canyon outside the summer, you can always book a tour!

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Cycle to Johnston Canyon

The Bow Valley Parkway is a fantastic road to bike along. If you are up for an adventure, we recommend renting a bike (or bringing your own if you have one) and cycling to Johnston Canyon. You can easily bike from Downtown Banff, along the Legacy Trail, to access the start of the Bow Valley Parkway. Remember to bring a lock so you can lock your bike up while you hike to Johnston Canyon!

Parks Canada has approved a three-year pilot that restricts vehicles from May 1 to June 25, 2024, and from  August 30 to September 30, 2024 (2025 dates tbd) only along the eastern 17-kilometer section of the parkway to allow for vehicle-free cycling. It’s the perfect time to get on the bike!

**E-bikes are permitted on the Bow Valley Parkway and the Banff Legacy Trail, which can be used to access the Bow Valley Parkway from the Town of Banff.

Book a Tour! eBike and Hike Banff to Johnston Canyon

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Johnston Canyon Secret Cave Photo Spot

You’ve probably seen this photo location on the internet or social media. However, it is now closed to the public except in the winter months, and you will be fined up to $25,000 if you attempt to reach the cave between May 1 and November 15. The location is closed to the public due to trail degradation, and endangered black swifts use the canyon walls for breeding.

Parks Canada has banned all off-trail movement until you reach the Ink Pots above the Upper Canyon Falls from May 1 to November 15. Please respect this closure and do not venture off-trail. Also, always respect trail closure signs and red tape. You can’t miss it on the trail.

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Thoughts on the Johnston Canyon Hike

Visiting Johnston Canyon is a great thing to do in the winter in Banff, and we love to bring visitors here during that time. The frozen waterfalls, easy walking paths, and fewer crowds make the winter a wonderful time to enjoy the Johnston Canyon.

If you plan to hike in the winter, a pair of microspikes will be a big help, as the path can get very icy. You can rent them at Wilson Sports in Lake Louise or Banff and Canmore. We feel a bit more mixed about the Johnston Canyon experience in the summer. You should come prepared for crowds – lots of them – and a crowded parking situation if you visit during peak times.

Johnston Canyon does not offer the same dizzying views or spectacular vistas as Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, where it’s tough to say anything negative, but it will still impress any first-time visitor.

However, we are fans of the safety and ease that Johnston Canyon offers families and people with limited mobility. If you’re a beginner hiker or a family with very young children, give the hike a go. If you have moderate hiking or fitness experience, there are many hikes in Banff where you’ll have a more enjoyable and less crowded time.

Of course, Banff National Park is a wonderful place, and it’s very easy to find immense beauty in Johnston Canyon. The waterfalls are sure to be impressive.

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Stay at the Johnston Canyon Cabins

If you want to stay at Johnston Canyon on your visit to Banff, there is only one place to stay. The Johnston Canyon Cabins are among some of the best cabins in Alberta.

Johnston Canyon Bungalows are a family-owned establishment conveniently located at the start of the Johnston Canyon hike. They have 42 cabin-style accommodations that vary in size and room amenities. Most bungalows have a large open bedroom, porch area, wood-burning fireplace, and luxury amenities like a flat-screen TV, bridge, and bathrobes.

The Johnston Canyon cabins also operate the Black Swift Bistro and the Market Cafe, the only food you’ll find along the Bow Valley Parkway! Other nearby options are Castle Mountain Chalets and Baker Creek Mountain cabins (my favorite).

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Camping at Johnston Canyon

It is possible to camp near Johnston Canyon. The Johnston Canyon Campground is right off the Bow Valley Parkway, across from the Johnston Canyon trailhead. The campsite has great showers, flush toilets, and fire pits, including firewood with your fire permit.

There are three prime campsites right along Johnston Creek if you want to fall asleep to the sounds of rushing water. If you camp here, take advantage of the location and take an early morning hike through Johnston Canyon.

• Operating dates: May 23 to September 22
• Reservations: Required
• Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilet, sanitation dump, disabled access, fire pits, food lockers, potable water, sheltered camp kitchens
• Fees: $30.50
• Number of sites: 132

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Johnston Canyon Parking Facilities

The Johnston Canyon parking area has a heated washroom facility and flush toilets. It’s best to utilize them, as there is nowhere to step off the trail and quickly pee in the bushes on the very busy trail, which has few points for privacy.

There is also a nice cafe and bistro with a gift shop and toilets at the start of the trailhead, but you should only use these facilities if you are a patron of the business. For those who ride a bike to Johnston Canyon, it’s important to note that bike racks are at the main entrance and in the P1 parking lot. Make sure to bring a bike lock.

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Other Easy Hikes Around Banff

You don’t have to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy the Canadian Rockies. It’s very easy to find a number of great trails that should be appropriate for all visitors. We’ve compiled a few of the most popular easy Banff hikes everyone can enjoy. A number of these, in our opinion, are more exhilarating than Johnston Canyon.