Johnston Canyon

Travel Guide

Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon showing a gorge or canyon and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Johnston Canyon showing snow, a bridge and landscape views
Johnston Canyon featuring a gorge or canyon, a park and rapids
Johnston Canyon

Embark on a dramatic walk above Johnston Creek to get to this canyon's spectacular waterfalls.

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 Lodge and Bungalows
Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
2.5 out of 5
Hwy 1A, Box 875, 25km west of Banff, Johnston Canyon, AB
The price is RM1,402 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
RM1,402
RM1,574 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Nice place to stay"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
Otter Hotel
Otter Hotel
4 out of 5
1000 600 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is RM2,484 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
RM2,484
RM2,762 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre and Upper Hot Springs ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (529 reviews)
"Overall this was an okay stay. The hotel is cute, but understand if you've never been to Banff (esp in the high season) that the high cost of this hotel doesn't meant it's a luxury hotel; it is because Banff gets 4 million visitors in the summer season and so things are massively overpriced. It has ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Otter Hotel
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is RM1,738 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
RM1,738
RM1,932 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,734 reviews)
"Great location, they were having issues with their sauna/hot tub but let us use another hotels which was super easy and great!!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
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.
Hidden Ridge Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,476 reviews)
"Loved the stay. Enjoyed the amenities."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Hidden Ridge Resort
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
3 out of 5
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Stay at this 3-star ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,566 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Basecamp Suites Banff
Basecamp Suites Banff
2.5 out of 5
101, 316 Marten St, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
"Love it!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Basecamp Suites Banff
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

Things to do