The Final Information to Johnston Canyon (for 2023)

Compiled by the Street Journey Alberta staff

Final up to date on October 23, 2023

No matter time of yr we go to Banff Nationwide Park, a visit to Johnston Canyon occurs. It’s a very particular place to take a hike. The canyon is majestic to wander by means of alongside the elevated path platforms as Johnson Creek winds its approach by means of. And to be rewarded with waterfalls on the finish of the path is the icing on the cake. It’s some of the fashionable issues to do in Banff Nationwide Park for good purpose and why we hold going again yr after yr.

Your Information to Johnston Canyon

The way to Get to Right here

Johnston Canyon is present in Banff Nationwide Park and is well some of the fashionable spots within the park. The doorway to the canyon, together with the Johnston Canyon Trailhead, is off of the Bow Valley Parkway about 25 kilometres north of Banff en path to Lake Louise. It’s well-marked, so that you shouldn’t miss it in the event you’re driving or biking to Johnston Canyon.

That being mentioned, there’s at present a three-year pilot program (from 2022 to 2024) the place sections of the Bow Valley Parkway are closed to automobiles to cut back automobile site visitors and encourage biking. To achieve Johnston Canyon, you can even take the Trans Canada Freeway to exit AB-93N (Fort Junction) and switch proper onto the Bow Valley Parkway. You’ll discover it, roughly six kilometres south of Fort Junction.

For those who wouldn’t have your personal automobile, Roam Transit gives buses to Johnston Canyon from Banff. There are additionally a number of tour corporations that provide transportation right here.

Parking

Fortunately, there’s free parking at Johnston Canyon, and also you’ll discover an enormous parking zone (P1) on the important trailhead. A smaller parking zone (P2) is out there close to the Johnston Canyon Campground.

Notice that the parking zone fills up shortly – particularly within the busy summer time months – so we suggest getting there as early as attainable or taking a Roam Transit bus to keep away from parking altogether.

What Can You See

Johnston Canyon is an attractive spot to discover in Banff Nationwide Park. With elevated pathways alongside the canyon partitions, lush forest and greenery, and quite a few waterfalls alongside Johnston Creek (Higher Falls and Decrease Falls being probably the most well-known), it has so many issues to see.

It’s the right spot to benefit from the pure great thing about Banff Nationwide Park, spend a while outdoor, and get in some mild climbing, too!

Decrease Falls

The best falls to entry (see under for data on the path), the Johnston Canyon Decrease Falls is likely one of the most picturesque scenes in Banff Nationwide Park. With attractive turquoise water, mighty falls, and inexperienced foliage surrounding you, take within the views from the bridges and viewing platforms alongside the best way.

Whereas there’s a fantastic view from the bridge over Johnston Creek, you can even enter a small tunnel close by for a fair nearer have a look at the Decrease Falls. Simply be ready to get moist from the waterfall’s spray!

Higher Falls

The Johnston Canyon Higher Falls are farther from the Decrease Falls, requiring extra strolling time (see under for extra data on the hike to Higher Falls).

When you attain the Higher Falls, there are two viewing platforms; the decrease platform is smaller and tends to get fairly crowded, whereas the higher platform has more room. You additionally get a singular view of the Higher Falls from above from the higher platform.

Ink Pots

When you have the time to hike to the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots, we extremely suggest it. These small mineral springs change color barely all year long, however you’re certain to fall in love with their vibrant blues and greens immediately.

The encompassing meadows make for an attractive view, so take the chance to remain some time, have a picnic, and revel in your time outdoor. Notice that the springs will not be for swimming, however you’ll be able to cool off within the close by Johnston Creek.

Finest Johnston Canyon Hikes

“Hike Johnston Canyon” is on many individuals’s bucket lists, and for good purpose: the canyon is totally beautiful! Fortunately, Johnston Canyon has a number of the simpler and extra accessible trails in Banff Nationwide Park; we’ve even included the paths on our record of the finest hikes in Banff.

Every Johnston Canyon hike under has the identical trailhead and begins with a stroll by means of the forest earlier than you attain the canyon itself, and as these are all out-and-back trails that start on the similar level, you’ll be able to select how far you go and if you flip round. All the Johnston Canyon trails are open year-round, so contemplate climbing or snowshoeing them in winter!

Canine are welcome to hitch you when climbing Johnston Canyon, however they have to be leashed. Keep in mind: that is nonetheless thought of bear nation, so take each precaution vital.

Decrease Falls Mountaineering Path

The Johnston Canyon to Decrease Falls hike is the simplest of the climbing trails listed right here, with an elevation achieve of 143 metres and a size of two.3 kilometres. That is the right hike in the event you’re quick on time, because it usually solely takes about an hour.

The path is absolutely paved, however be warned: it turns into jam-packed because the day goes on in peak season, so it’s finest to go to as early as attainable.

Higher Falls Mountaineering Path

The Johnston Canyon to Higher Falls hike is a simple to average hike with an elevation achieve of 270 metres. Many sections of the hike are paved, together with bridges you cross, so it’s manageable for most individuals, irrespective of their climbing expertise. This out-and-back hike takes you to Higher Falls and again for a complete of 5.3 kilometres; plan for not less than two hours to finish the hike and benefit from the attractive views.

This explicit Johnston Canyon path is extraordinarily fashionable with vacationers. We extremely suggest visiting as early within the morning as attainable to keep away from crowds.

Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots Mountaineering Path

The Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots Mountaineering Path is a average hike with an elevation achieve of 579 metres. This out-and-back path is roughly 11 kilometres and can take round 4 hours to finish.

When you get to the Higher Falls, proceed on the path to the Ink Pots. Fortunately, a lot of the crowds skinny out when you hike previous Higher Falls, so this part is the quietest of the Johnston Canyon hikes.

One factor to notice: when you begin your approach again from the Ink Pots, ensure you retrace your footsteps. One other climbing path – Moose Meadows – intersects the Ink Pots path, however that descent will lead you to a different parking zone.

Visiting in Winter

Whereas we love visiting Johnston Canyon within the winter as it’s simply as stunning because the in the summertime! Seeing the frozen waterfalls is an impressive sight, and since there aren’t as many vacationers within the canyon in winter, you’ll usually have moments to your self on the paths.

Simply be certain that to put on correct footwear, as the world might be very slippery with ice (we suggest sporting grips or spikes together with your boots).

Many individuals snowshoe alongside the paths throughout the winter, in order that’s additionally an possibility! And in the event you’re feeling further adventurous, some tour corporations in Banff will take you mountaineering up the falls after they’re frozen over.

The place to Keep

Tenting in Johnston Canyon

Positioned on the Bow Valley Parkway, the Johnston Canyon campground is immediately throughout from the primary climbing trailhead. It additionally has a Roam Transit cease for straightforward entry to the remainder of Banff Nationwide Park. It’s often open from mid-Might by means of mid-September and is out there for tents and small RVs (as much as 27 toes). Whereas there are 132 websites, reservations are extremely advisable. Some facilities embrace ingesting water, flush bathrooms, showers, cooking and picnic shelters, and fireplace pits.

Tenting in Johnston Canyon is a incredible method to spend as a lot time right here as attainable whereas being near each Banff and Lake Louise.

Cabins

Listed as one among our favorite cabins in Banff, the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows is a historic resort that provides a wide range of cabin leases, from rustic one-room cabins to trendy two-bedroom suites.

All cabins and bungalows include fireplaces and personal balconies or patios, and so they’re additionally pet-friendly.

Banff Townsite

For those who’d quite lodging within the Banff townsite to have a number of extra facilities (together with quick access to retailers and eating places), there are a lot of locations to remain in Banff.

From luxurious accommodations to budget-friendly hostels, Banff and the encircling space have all of it… and Johnston Canyon is simply a brief drive or bus experience away!

Pete is a co-founder of Street Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an intensive information of Alberta and all the things the province has to supply. He likes to eat good meals, hike (particularly within the winter), play tennis and curl. Other than operating Street Journey Alberta, he’s a director with HMI, a digital media company, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the favored card recreation Journey Chaser.