Johnston Canyon is a popular destination in Banff, thanks to its rugged beauty and easy access. Johnston Creek runs through the canyon and has waterfalls and blue pools. Walk beneath overhanging rock faces and lean out over the roaring water as you walk along a steel walkway built onto the side of the sheer canyon walls.
The 1.7-mile (2.7 kilometer) trail runs from a resort and camping ground at the start of the canyon, about 15 miles (25 kilometers) from Banff. The main attractions on the walk are two large waterfalls: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls, but there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. .
The Lower Falls are about 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) from the car park. Stand on the bridge crossing the creek for the best vantage point. A tunnel through the canyon rock will get you closer to the waterfall, but be prepared to get wet. Some visitors choose to turn back after the first falls.
The Upper Falls are another mile (1.6 kilometers) further up the trail. The 100-foot (30-meter) waterfall is well worth the trek if time permits. There are two different vantage points: one from a platform at the bottom of the falls, and another overlooking the top. Water roars over the falls in summer. In winter, the frozen falls are just as spectacular, although the path is icy and can be dangerous.
Summer is the busiest time to visit. Come in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. The return trip to the Upper Falls is close to two hours, so leave plenty of time to do the walk before nightfall.
Adventurous hikers can continue past the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots. These small, cold mineral springs are set in open meadows surrounded by mountains, located another 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) from the Upper Falls.
Johnston Canyon is about a 30-minute drive northwest of the town of Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). There is no fee to access the canyon and there is free parking at the trail head, although a space can be hard to find as this is one of the most popular hiking spots around Banff.
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 CA $377 per night from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17
CA $377
CA $424 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
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 Oct. 15, 2023
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is CA $219 per night from May 21 to May 22
CA $219
CA $243 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
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! (1,815 reviews)
"4th time staying here. The room wasn't as nice as the first 3 previous. Very worn and rundown. Still a good place to stay."
Reviewed on May 15, 2024
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is CA $279 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $279
CA $310 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
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! (2,447 reviews)
"People were very friendly and helpful. Excellent accommodations."
Reviewed on May 13, 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.
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! (3,734 reviews)
"This was a nice property around Banff, spacious condos, great for our family and pet stay."
Reviewed on May 15, 2024
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! (2,743 reviews)
"This was a great resort, great staff, great location."
Reviewed on May 12, 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! (180 reviews)
"Beautiful location. Ease of access to everything.Superb hospitality from all staff encountered. Rooms extremely clean and welcoming. Hot tub views unequaled."
Reviewed on May 13, 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(1 review)
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
From Calgary: explore Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Banff
CA $154
Per adult
- Johnston Canyon
- Banff National Park
- Yoho National Park
- Moraine Lake
- Upper Hot Springs
- Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau
- Banff National Park Information Centre
- Lake Louise Mountain Resort
- Icefields Parkway
- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre
- Sunshine Village
- Banff Springs Golf Club
- Tunnel Mountain
- Lake Minnewanka
- Kootenay National Park
- Mount Norquay Ski Resort
- Sulphur Mountain
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Vermilion Lakes
- Banff Cascades of Time Gardens
- Central Park
- Banff Park Museum