Johnston Canyon is a popular destination for visitors to Banff, offering a family-friendly, easy hike suitable for all skill levels. We’ll go over every detail you should be aware of before beginning the Johnston Canyon hike.
Even though it may be the busiest trail in all of Banff, most visitors still consider it a must-see, so if you want to avoid the crowds during peak season, get there early. Nevertheless, Johnston Canyon has some amazing natural features, and what sets it apart is that it’s easily accessible to all.
Does 2023 see Johnston Canyon open?
There were numerous restrictions limiting access to Johnston Canyon in 2020 and 2021, but now that things have nearly stabilized, Johnston Canyon is open to the public. But throughout the year, the Bow Valley Parkway experiences some closures, which may make it more difficult to access Johnston Canyon.
Closures of the Bow Valley Parkway during certain seasons :
Traveling from the Johnston Canyon Campground to the Fireside Picnic Area (17km) between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. is prohibited from March 1 through June 25. This limitation is applicable to all modes of transportation (car, foot, and bicycle). The restriction is in place to guarantee that the wildlife has a quality place to live. During this time, all businesses are open and accessible through Castle Junction.
In order to facilitate vehicle-free cycling, Parks Canada has also approved a three-year pilot program that will limit vehicle traffic along the eastern 17-kilometer parkway from September 1 to October 1, 2023, and from May 1 to June 25, 2023, every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Johnston Canyon and the Fireside Day-use Area are separated by this closure. Thus, it is advised that you bike there if you want to visit Johnston Canyon during this tim e (bring a bike lock!). Another option is to take the Castle Junction exit off the Trans Canana highway to get to Johnston Canyon. During the closure, this is the only route you can take to get to the Johnston Canyon parking area by car. About 32 kilometers separate the Castle Johnston exit from Downtown Banff.
Every Detail of the Johnston Canyon Trek
In all of Banff, the most well-liked hike is Johnston Canyon. Because you can hike there in the winter to see the frozen waterfalls at the end, it’s also accessible all year round.
In order to enjoy a great summer experience, you should aim to arrive by 9:00 am, or even earlier on weekends. Because of the large number of people on the trail in the height of summer, you may find yourself stuck in a lengthy line of people going slowly in both directions.
One of the nicest cabins in Banff is the Johnston Canyon Lodge, which you’ll pass after leaving the parking lot. Then, as you head into the forest, you’ll see Johnston Creek. You will not be climbing very high through the forest to reach the Lower Johnston Canyon Falls. After a while, you reach Johnston Canyon and the waterfalls via a sequence of catwalks that cross Johnston Creek.
The hike continues for about 1.1 km before you reach the lower falls. There’s a great view of the roaring cataract from a bridge over Johnston Creek, and a short tunnel further on offers a closer look. If you continue through the short tunnel, get ready to get wet.
You ascend the canyon with a little bit more elevation gain after leaving the Lower Falls. There are multiple maintained viewpoints to gaze down into the canyon, and you’ll stroll alongside Johnston Creek and the canyon.
The Upper Johnston Canyon Falls are located 1.7 km further along this section of the trail. There are two distinct vantage points from which to view the thirty-meter-high falls.
A platform that leads to a viewing area with a view of the falls’ base allows access to the first viewpoint. Ice climbers use the area as a base to ascend the waterfall during the winter. If that sounds like something that would be right up your alley, think about scheduling the ice climb tour with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. It’s an amazing experience and a lot of fun.
A steeper trail leads to the platform that looms over the gorge, which is where you can find the second viewing platform. Seeing over the top of the falls and down to the bottom 40 meters below is an impressive sight.
You can hike an additional 3 km to the Ink Pots from the top of Upper Falls. The Ink Pots are a series of vibrant, icy mineral springs in an open meadow that bubble up to the surface. The beautiful alpine meadow where the springs are situated is frequently ablaze with wildflowers. Although the springs are a distinctive feature of Banff, most seasoned hikers find it to be a bit of a letdown and an additional 4km of hiking.
How Difficult Is It to Hike Johnston Canyon?
The 2.3 km (round trip) Johnston Canyon Hike to the Lower Falls has an elevation gain of roughly 105 meters. The round-trip distance of the Johnston Canyon Hike to the Upper Falls is 5.1 km or 262 meters. Both hikes are short and easy, with a well-trod path that is accessible to all.
How much time is enough for the hike in Johnston Canyon?
You should allow two to three hours for the hike to Johnston Canyon if you choose to hike to the Upper Falls. It might take you a little longer to hike Johnston Canyon in the winter because the trail is icy and slick; wearing microspikes is highly advised.
Which Season Is Best for Johnston Canyon Hikes?
All year long, Johnston Canyon is a well-liked trail that will never let you down. May is my favorite month to hike at Johnston Canyon because of the high rate of snowmelt that results in a powerful waterfall flow.
In May, there will be fewer people on the trail than during the summer months in Banff. In the winter, when the Banff waterfalls are frozen over and make for a striking scene, I also enjoy hiking Johnston Canyon.
How Busy Is Johnston Canyon?
In Banff, the most well-liked trail is Johnston Canyon. There will be a lot of people on the trail between June and September. It’s best to arrive before 8am or after 7pm in the summer for a less crowded experience. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.
Having said that, we have likely hiked Johnston Canyon seven or eight times and each time we have had a comparatively crowd-free experience. The secret is to hike Johnston Canyon during “off times,” or off-season, as most of these pictures were taken.
We suggest checking out Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park if you’re looking for a more sedate canyon hiking experience.
Is Johnston Canyon suitable for children, strollers, or pets?
Using a stroller on Johnston Canyon won’t make the experience enjoyable, even if you can manage. The trail is uneven in many places and narrow in others. The stroller should be left at home; instead, think about getting a baby backpack.
Johnston Canyon is kid-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Make sure to properly bundle them up in the winter!
Even small dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly Johnston Canyon trail. Even the smallest dogs will enjoy walking the short distance to the waterfalls. Doggy mittens are essential during the winter months because it gets extremely cold outside. Recall that pets in Banff must always be kept on a leash.
Winter Hike in Johnston Canyon
Winter is one of the best seasons to visit Johnston Canyon! You’ll get to see the breathtaking frozen lower and upper falls, despite the cold! It is best to pack a pair of microspikes if you visit Johnston Canyon in the winter because the trail is extremely slick and slippery. Now that I’ve hiked this trail four or five times in the winter, having microspikes on my feet makes me very happy.
Some Advice for the Johnston Canyon Trek
Even in the summer, the Johnston Canyon hike can be cool because much of it is through the canyon’s shaded forest. This hike follows the same packing tips as any other in the Rockies: wear layers.
The trail frequently has ice and snow in the winter, spring, and fall seasons. Hiking poles and microspikes are also very useful to have. In town, you can purchase them or rent them. If you want to avoid crowds on the Johnston Canyon Hike, arrive early in the morning or late at night.
Bringing water and a snack with you on hikes in Banff never hurts. Think about bringing a picnic lunch and setting up shop in the meadows if you’re heading to the Ink Pots. There are bear-safe bins at various locations along the trail, so be sure to always pack out what you bring in and dispose of any trash there. Though we think bear spray is a must, this trail is very well-traveled, so you should probably be okay without it. It is, however, a good idea to bring bear spray if you plan to hike up to Moose Meadow. This hike can get muddy, so boots are great, but honestly, any athletic shoe feels suitable.
Dogs are permitted on the trail in Banff National Park, but they have to be leashed at all times. It would be challenging to navigate the trail with a baby stroller, but it would be feasible to get to the Lower Falls with big wheels. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to pack a baby backpack if you intend to take the infant on several quick hikes while you’re at the park.
Coins should not be thrown into the water. I saw coins thrown into Johnston Canyon’s natural settings for the first time this past year, and I was saddened by what I saw. The lakes surrounding Banff are tranquil natural settings that ought to be preserved; they are not the kind of wishing wells you find in shopping centers. I beg you not to toss coins into this body of water.
Methods for Reaching Johnston Canyon
Google Maps can be used to locate the locations. The Johnston Canyon is located on the Bow Valley Parkway approximately 25 km from Banff town and 33 km from Lake Louise. Taking the TransCanada highway to exit AB-93N (Castle Junction) and making a right onto the Bow Valley Parkway is the quickest route to Johnston Canyon.
From Castle Junction, it’s another 6.2 km to the Johnston Canyon parking lot. But since the Bow Valley Parkway is one of Banff’s most picturesque roads, we much rather take it from Banff to Lake Louise, stopping along the way at Johnston Canyon.
Getting To Johnston Canyon Using Public Transportation
It’s acceptable to travel to Banff without a car rental because public transportation can get you to Johnston Canyon. In the summer, Roam Transit runs a bus to the Canyon every day. Beginning in mid-May, Route 9 to Johnston Canyon will remain open until October. The route costs $5 one way and leaves from the downtown Banff High School Transit Hub. From here, the bus takes Highway 1 and Castle Junction directly to Johnston Canyon.
During the summer, this bus service will operate seven days a week from 9 AM to 6 PM.
In 2023, adult bus fares to Johnston Canyon are $5; senior/youth fares are $2.50; children under 12 ride free.
The bus route to Johnston Canyon is more constrained outside of the summer. Except on Christmas Day, the Route 9 bus runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays during the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. Visit their website to get further information.
Tickets are also available for the Lake Louise Scenic Route 8S, which stops at Johnston Canyon, during the summer months in Banff.
Riding a bike to Johnston Canyon
Riding a bike on the Bow Valley Parkway is an amazing experience. We suggest renting a bike, or bringing your own if you’re feeling adventurous, and riding to Johnston Canyon if you’re up for the ride.
From Downtown Banff, you can conveniently bike to the beginning of the Bow Valley Parkway by following the Legacy Trail. Don’t forget to pack a lock so you can secure your bike during your hike to Johnston Canyon!
It’s the ideal time to get on a bike because Parks Canada has approved a three-year pilot that restricts vehicles along the eastern 17-kilometer parkway from May 1 to June 25 and from September 1 to October 1 only.
**The Bow Valley Parkway and the Banff Legacy Trail, which connects the two routes from the Town of Banff, both allow e-bike usage.
Hidden Cave Photo Location in Johnston Canyon
It’s likely that you’ve seen this photo location on social media or the internet. Nevertheless, as of right now, access to the cave is restricted to the winter season, and anyone caught trying to enter it between May 1 and November 15 faces a fine of up to $25,000.
Due to trail degradation and the fact that endangered black swifts use the canyon walls for breeding, the location is closed to the public. From May 1 to November 15, Parks Canada has now prohibited any off-trail travel until you reach the Ink Pots above the Upper Canyon Falls. Kindly abide by this closure and stay on the designated path. Moreover, heed trail closure signs at all times.
Thoughts on the Johnston Canyon Hike
We love taking guests to Johnston Canyon in the winter because it’s a fantastic activity to do in Banff. The winter months are a great time to visit Johnston Canyon because of the frozen waterfalls, kid-friendly trails, and reduced crowds.
A pair of microspikes will come in very handy if you do intend to hike during the winter, as the path can get extremely icy. Wilson Sports in Lake Louise and in Banff and Canmore are the places where you can rent them.
But in the summer, our feelings regarding our visit to Johnston Canyon are a little more conflicted. It’s best to arrive prepared for large crowds and a packed parking lot.
Even though Johnston Canyon doesn’t have the same breathtaking views or dizzying views as Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, where it’s difficult to find anything wrong, it will still wow any visitor.
Still, we are big fans of the convenience and safety that families and those with restricted mobility can enjoy at Johnston Canyon. Try the hike if you’re a novice hiker or a family with small children. There are plenty of hikes in Banff that are less crowded and more enjoyable if you have moderate hiking experience or fitness.
Of course, Banff National Park is a beautiful place. Johnston Canyon is a great place to find immense beauty, and the Banff waterfalls are undoubtedly spectacular.
Stay in the Cabins at Johnston Canyon
There’s only one place to stay if you want to spend your time at Johnston Canyon when visiting Banff. Among the greatest cabins in Alberta are the ones in Johnston Canyon.
The family-run Johnston Canyon Bungalows are ideally situated at the beginning of the Johnston Canyon hike. There are forty-two cabin-style rooms available, with different sizes and amenities. The majority of the bungalows feature a spacious, open bedroom, a porch, a wood-burning fireplace, and opulent extras like bathrobes, a flat-screen TV, and a bridge.My personal favorite, Baker Creek Mountain cabins, and Castle Mountain Chalets are additional options in the area.
The Black Swift Bistro and the Market Cafe are run by the Johnston Canyon cabins and serve the only food on the entire Bow Valley Parkway!
My personal favorite, Baker Creek Mountain cabins, and Castle Mountain Chalets are additional options in the area.
At Johnston Canyon, camping
Camping is allowed close to Johnston Canyon. Situated directly across from the Johnston Canyon trailhead, the Johnston Canyon campground is easily accessible via the Bow Valley Parkway.
Great amenities are available at the campsite, including showers, flush toilets, and fire pits with firewood provided with a fire permit. If you want to drift off to sleep with the sound of rushing water, there are three excellent campsites directly along Johnston Creek. If you decide to camp here, make the most of your surroundings by hiking Johnston Canyon first thing in the morning.
Dates of operation: May 25–September 24 Make reservations: Necessary Facilities include potable water, sheltered camp kitchens, fire pits, flush toilets, handicapped access, hot showers, and food lockers. Charges: $29.25 There are 132 sites.
Parking Structures in Johnston Canyon
At the Johnston Canyon parking lot, there is a heated restroom. Here, flush toilets are also available. It’s advisable to make use of them because the Johnston Canyon trail is extremely crowded and offers few places to stop and relieve oneself in the bushes.
At the beginning of the trailhead, there is also a charming cafe and bistro with restrooms and a gift shop; however, you should only use these amenities if you are a customer of the establishment.
It’s crucial to remember that there are bike racks at the P1 parking lot and the main Johnston Canyon entrance for those who decide to ride their bikes there. Bring a bike lock with you, just in case.
Other Short Treks in the Banff Area
To appreciate the Canadian Rockies, you don’t need to be an expert climber. Finding a lot of fantastic trails that should be suitable for every visitor is quite simple.
Here are some of the most well-liked, short hikes in Banff that are suitable for all skill levels. We think there are several of these that are even more thrilling than Johnston Canyon.
