Banff's Johnston Canyon is famous for its impressive falls and spring water pools. Steel catwalks anchored to the sheer face of the canyon make this a thrilling but manageable hike, and one of the most popular trails in Banff National Park.From Banff, it's just a 25-kilometre drive to the resort, camping ground and car park at the start of the trail. If you're here in summer, it's best to come very early or late in the afternoon, as the canyon can get extremely busy. However, be sure to leave enough time to finish your walk by dusk the hike to the Upper Falls is about two hours there and back.The trail is 2.7-kilometres long and takes in the canyon's two main attractions: Johnston Creek's Upper and Lower Falls. You'll pass under rocky overhangs and over thundering torrents on your way. Keep your camera ready at all times, as the striking landscape of the canyon makes for great photos.After 1.1 kilometres you'll see the Lower Falls come into view. The bridge that spans the creek is the best place from which to admire the cascading water. For a closer (but wetter) view, continue on through the tunnel that has been bored into the canyon face.Not everyone tackles the additional 1.6 kilometres to the Upper Falls, but the magnificent 30-metre waterfall is a handsome reward for your efforts. If you decide to visit in winter to see the spectacle of the frozen falls, take care on this section as it may be icy underfoot and can be treacherous. In summer, the volume of water crashing over the Upper Falls is astounding. Take it all in from the viewing platforms at the base and top of the falls.If you've got energy to spare, head on up to the Ink Pots. At 3 kilometres beyond the Upper Falls, it's a trickier hike, but your incentive is a meadow enclosed by mountains and dotted with attractive blue pools of cold spring water.Entry to Johnston Canyon is free, as is the car park, but spaces are snapped up quickly. Take the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) northwest from Banff and you'll be there in 30 minutes.
Johnston Canyon
Travel Guide
Visit Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
Hwy 1A, Box 875, 25km west of Banff, Johnston Canyon, AB
The price is RM832 per night from 26 May to 27 May
RM832
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this resort in Johnston Canyon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (153 reviews)
"Excellent rustic experience. We received a complimentary upgrade to a bungalow and it was such a pleasant surprise. This property is nearly 90 years old and super well maintained and comfortable. We had a wood burning fireplace in the living room which was separate from the bedroom. Overall, it was ..."
Reviewed on 15 Oct 2023
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is RM857 per night from 26 May to 27 May
RM857
per night
26 May - 27 May
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,832 reviews)
"he room was clean and the location was perfect, within walking distance to Banff Town, which is super convenient. However, the WiFi and phone connection were very poor this time; we’ve never had this issue before. We couldn’t even do FaceTime due to the poor connection. The TV channel was also broken, ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2024
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,029 per night from 28 May to 29 May
RM1,029
per night
28 May - 29 May
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,465 reviews)
"Nice place"
Reviewed on 20 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.
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Stay at this 3-star ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,763 reviews)
"Good location"
Reviewed on 21 May 2024
Hidden Ridge Resort
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,763 reviews)
"Friendly and approachable staff. Outdoor hot tub with amazing view."
Reviewed on 19 May 2024
Basecamp Suites Banff
101, 316 Marten St, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 spa tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (184 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful. Location was great. Rooms were clean. We had a room on 4th floor which is the floor you use to access the hot tubs so it was a little noisy. Parking was a little inconvenient as you think it’s $30/day but you can’t come and go or they charge you by the hour."
Reviewed on 20 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.
Popular places to visit
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.
Things to do
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