Johnston Canyon Trail

Johnston Canyon Trail is a day hike in Banff National Park in Alberta that follows Johnston Creek through a narrow limestone canyon. The route is built around steel catwalks and bridges suspended above the water, taking you from the canyon mouth up to the Lower Falls and Upper Falls viewpoints, with an optional push farther to the Ink Pots mineral springs.

The most common “out-and-back” plan is to hike to Lower Falls first. The Lower Falls leg is about 1.2 km one way (about 2.4 km round trip) and takes roughly 1 hour round trip, with the falls accessible from the main bridge and also via a short cave passage on the far side of the creek.

Continue onward for Upper Falls. The Upper Falls leg is about 2.5 km one way, with an indicated time around 2 hours round trip; the route arrives at two viewing areas on/near the canyon with one platform positioned higher up for a second perspective.

If you keep going beyond Upper Falls, the Ink Pots extension runs as an alpine meadow walk to mineral springs. The Ink Pots route is about 5.8 km one way, and the outing is typically in the 4 to 4.5 hour range round trip for most parties.

Access is via the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) near the Johnston Canyon day-use area; it’s around 25 km from Banff townsite and about 34 km from Lake Louise. A Parks Canada day-use pass is required to enter and park in the area.

Expect high visitation from June through October, and plan for parking pressure at the trailhead lots. If you’re arriving from Banff without a car, Roam Transit Route 9 provides daily service from May to September and weekend service from October to April, with the winter trail described as icy enough that traction devices may be essential.

More information: Johnston Canyon, Johnston Canyon Hike: A Local's Guide - Travel Banff Canada, Banff : Johnston Canyon Trail (The complete guide) | blog