Suspended catwalks through a rock canyon of waterfalls, forests, and caves – welcome to Johnston Canyon and the reason why more than a million people make this a must-see attraction visiting Banff National Park.
Johnston Canyon is known for being one of the best hikes in Banff National Park because of its family-friendly visitor experience and high scenic value over a short distance. It’s often referred to as a hike, but I consider Johnston Canyon a destination with the main attraction being the spectacular waterfalls. Access to Johnston Canyon is free, making it a budget-friendly activity.
I’ve been visiting Johnston Canyon since I was a child when it was still a rooty, single-track climb through the forest with wooden bridges (I much prefer the more solid metal replacements). Over the years it has been developed to have more accessible views while maintaining a connection to nature. Johnston Canyon was cool when I was a kid and it’s just as cool as an adult. It’s a magical place with universal appeal to all.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about visiting and enjoying Johnston Canyon.
COOL FACT: Johnston Canyon is operated by the great-great-grandchildren of the original canyon founder prospector Walter Johnston.
Visiting Johnston Canyon is like walking through a movie set. Everything is so perfect and vibrant it looks fake (it’s not, I checked). It’s an immersive experience of sights, sounds and smells.
The main attractions at Johnston Canyon are the wall-hanging catwalks, Lower Falls, Upper Falls, and Ink Pots. Between the Upper and Lower falls are a series of smaller ones for a total of seven falls. While the waterfalls are stunning my favourite feature of Johnston Canyon is the suspended catwalks. There’s something thrilling about being suspended next to and above rushing water.
Visiting Banff and need a game plan? Check out our itinerary.
The Johnston Canyon Trail
The Johnston Canyon trail follows the flowing water up the canyon. As you climb you are treated to spectacular viewpoints, river scenery, and noise. The rushing water is loud especially the closer you get to the walls.
Johnston Canyon is often referred to as an easy to moderate, family-friendly hike. All are true – for the mountains. Don’t mistake ‘easy’ for ‘flat’. Technically this trail is easy but it’s not flat. It climbs up a canyon so it is uphill, even on the catwalks. It’s not crazy steep, but to some people, not used to the elevation and mountain environment, it will feel like a workout. Others will only feel slightly out of breath. Some will run up – these are either children or local cross-country skiers. Benches and viewpoints along the way provide perfect stops to enjoy the scenery and rest.
The trail is mountain-paved. This means the pavement is uneven, bumpy, slanted, has cracks, and is riddled with natural features like rocks, trees, and roots. Being next to a flowing river, the trail is often wet and can have mud in some areas. The higher up the canyon you go, the more rustic the trail gets, turning to dirt past the Lower Falls.
TIP: Despite the paved, trail proper footwear is required. I’ve witnessed a few unhappy return journeys due to flip-flop woes. Just say no to footwear with no grip and doesn’t attach to your feet.
The Johnston Canyon trail is bordered by a metal railing up to the Upper Falls. This is an amazing feature to keep everyone safe, especially as the trail turns from pavement to catwalks suspended from the side of the canyon. Stay behind the fence. No climbing. No reaching. No slithering through the bars. Keep an eagle eye on small children.
The trail is narrow; only wide enough to fit two people across. It’s also two-way. When it’s busy it’s a single-file slow-crawling nightmare of long queues and chalk-a-block lineups. Patience is required. When it’s not busy it’s absolutely delightful.
The Lower Falls are the closest falls to the trailhead, likely because many choose not to continue to the Upper Falls.
The Falls will be heard before they are seen. There’s an upper viewpoint that gives a nice view of the entire Falls. A lower bridge crosses the lower part of the Falls providing an even better view and you can experience the Falls mist. Across the bridge is a small, narrow tunnel that will allow you to get even closer to the falls. The tunnel is short but narrow and tight, only fitting about 3-4 people, with even less space when you walk to the overlook outside of it. The sound of the falls from the cave is thunderous and you will get wet from the mist.
During the busy season, access to the tunnel is the major cause of trail backups so expect a considerable wait for access. While it’s a cool experience, as someone who goes squirrely in crowds and highly values their time, I would take a pass. The negative effect of jostling through crowds for something that lasts a few minutes would not create a zen experience.
Don’t miss: How to Visit Banff National Park: A Beginner’s Guide
The Upper Falls is more open and longer than the Lower Falls – both have their own unique beauty. The trail to the Upper Falls is mostly through the forest. The lack of catwalks makes it seem bland however a series of smaller cascade falls keeps the hike interesting.
The most notable waterfalls between the Lower and Upper Falls are Stella and Marguerite Falls. They are easy to spot as you’ll want to grab a photo of them. Marguerite Falls is slightly larger and has two viewing platforms.
You will hear the Upper Falls before you see it. There are upper and lower viewing platforms across from the Falls. The lower platform gives you a view at the bottom of the Falls, and the upper platform from the top. The Upper Falls is where ice climbers like to hang out in the winter.
Access to the lower viewpoint is by a metal grate catwalk (if you have a dog they won’t like this on their paws) which leads to a metal viewing platform. Walking down the catwalk you’ll see a gold and tan rock canyon which may or may not have water running down it. This is not the Upper Falls but a travertine drape made of powdery limestone.
The Upper Falls are located around the corner and can only be seen from the viewing platform. As the catwalk is narrow and the viewing platform not that large expect single-file line-ups and delays to see the falls from this viewpoint.
To get to the upper viewpoint follow the main trail up and to the left. The upper viewpoint is a rock slab cliff with an extended metal grate platform (not dog paw friendly). There’s more space than the lower one so it will not be as crowded (you’ll still have to jostle and juggle for space on the platform in peak season). The platform viewpoint gives the impression of being suspended above the Falls. Make sure you hang onto your camera
Further up the main trail is a small but powerful waterfall that leads into the Upper Falls – the upper Upper Falls.
The Ink Pots are five blue-green mineral spring pools located in a mountain meadow. The Ink Pots are listed on the Johnston Canyon trail signs however they are not the attraction the majority of people go to see.
The Ink Pots should not be considered as a spur-of-the-moment add-on to a Johnston Canyon visit. If you plan to hike to the Ink Pots come prepared with water, food, and bear spray as it’s another 40+ mins of climbing from the Upper Falls. Plan for a minimum of 3 hours for this hike.
The trail to the Ink Pots is a wide double track that climbs 2.7 km past the Upper Falls. This hike is steeper than Johnston Canyon, so it feels longer than it is. The trail connects Moose Meadow hike which can be used as an alternative hike to the Ink Pots. A directional sign points the way up to the Ink Pots (as well as on the way down) so you don’t miss the turn and end up at the Moose Meadow parking lot.
This isn’t the most scenic hike, especially compared to Johnston Canyon. Kids may find this section long (I certainly did). I recommend being prepared with incentives to keep them engaged. The trail peaks and then goes into a slight downhill before winding down to the Ink Pot meadow. If you’re doing this hike having a picnic in the meadow would add to the experience.
The Ink Pots are a unique natural feature that’s cool to see, and they add to the beauty of the meadow where they are located. There’s no swimming in the Ink Pots so please avoid the temptation, they look like hot springs but are not – they’re cold but interestingly enough they stay the same temperature year round so the pools don’t freeze in the winter. The Ink Pots have undergone significant restoration efforts after being abused over the years. Please look only and don’t touch – this includes throwing things into them.
If you have the time, yes, the Ink Pots are worth a visit. You won’t regret seeing them. That said, if you’re short on time or the kids are cranky don’t feel bad about missing this hike. It’s more of a ‘nice to see’ rather than a ‘must see’. Many locals have never done the hike to the Ink Pots.
Johnston Canyon is home to a secret cave, which is also a nesting site for the endangered Black Swift birds. The location of the secret cave went viral on social media and is no longer a secret. Due to the damage and disruption done by visitors, the cave and surrounding area are now closed to protect this special area. Signs are posted and cameras are in place to keep people out of the area. It’s a $25,000 fine for anyone caught in the area. Please respect the signs and stay on the designated trails.
Johnston Canyon is located in Banff National Park and is accessed from Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). It sits between Banff and Lake Louise 6 km (3.72 mi) east of Castle Junction (Highway 93). A Banff National Park pass is required to visit Johnston Canyon.
TIP: Don’t forget the park pass. Park officials frequent the Bow Valley Parkway so expect pass checks at Johnston Canyon.
From Banff head west on the Trans Canada to the Bow Valley Parkway exit on the right. Follow the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon.
NOTICE: From May 1 to July 25 and August 30 to September 30 vehicles are restricted from using 17 km (10 km) of the Bow Valley Parkway between Fireside Day-use Area to Johnston Canyon to allow for cycling and other non-motorized activities. During this period, from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM no one is permitted access to Parkway.
An alternate route during the closure period is the Trans Canada to Highway 93 junction and take the right turnoff to Castle Mountain. Turn right onto the Bow Valley Parkway at the stop sign and follow it for 6 km (3.72 mi) to Johnston Canyon.
From Lake Louise, you can take the quick route following the Trans Canada east and take the right turn off at the Highway 93 junction, to Castle Mountain. Take a right onto the Bow Valley Parkway at the stop sign and follow it for 6 km (3.72 mi) to Johnston Canyon.
Alternatively, you can take the more scenic route by following Lake Louise drive toward the Lake Louise ski hill. Turn right onto the Bow Valley Parkway and follow it to Johnston Canyon.
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| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Banff to Johnston Canyon via Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) | 24.9 km / 15.4 mi | ~ 27 mins |
| Banff to Johnston Canyon via Castle Junction (Hwy 93) | 39.5 km / 24. 5 mi | ~ 34 min |
| Lake Louise to Johnston Canyon via Castle Junction (Hwy 93) | 34 km / 21 mi | ~ 29 min |
| Lake Louise to Johnston Canyon via Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) | 34 km / 21 mi | ~ 36 min |
Johnston Canyon is accessible by car, bus, and my favourite by bike.
From the amount of cars in the parking lots, driving is a popular way to get to Johnston Canyon. There are two parking lots, P1 and P2. The P1 is located on the same side of the highway as Johnston Canyon while P2 is across the highway. An electronic parking sign that tells you how many parking spots are available in each lot (however it’s not the most reliable). The lots are accessed and exited via a roundabout. Parking at Johnston Canyon is free.
TIP: Arriving early (7:30 AM) will give you ample parking options and get you on the trail before the tour buses and crowds arrive.
If you drive to Johnston Canyon via the Bow Valley Parkway you’ll pass several roadside information pullouts and some great viewpoints. There’s a high chance if you go in the morning or dusk you’ll see bears, mountain sheep, and deer.
A stress-free and the easiest way to get to Johnson Canyon is by bus, and there are several options.
The Roam Bus Route #9 has daily direct service from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM between Banff and Johnston Canyon from May to October. Winter, spring, and fall service is only available on weekends. The route takes ~35 mins. One-way fares: $5 adults/$2.50 seniors and youth/12 and under free.
Hop On Banff offers bus tour service to Johnston Canyon in conjunction with stops at Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake from June to mid-September. There are two daily arrival times at Johnston Canyon. Ticket reservations are recommended. Adults $85.71/Child $66.
Check out: Driving in Banff: 10 Things You Should Know
My favourite way to get to Johnston Canyon is by bike, especially during the Bow Valley Parkway closure. For the past three years, Banff National Park has been piloting a cycling experience program on the Bow Valley Parkway. The scenery is amazing and wildlife is everywhere, but this isn’t an option for everyone.
A round trip from Banff (via Vermillion Lakes) to Johnston Canyon is about 50 km (31 mi) with some decent climbs and descents (don’t forget you could be hiking 5+ km).
TIP: If you bike to Johnston Canyon and find yourself stranded the Roam buses are equipped to carry two bikes.
This is an attractive option when the parkway is closed to traffic, however even when it’s open to traffic it’s popular with cyclists (more care and experience is needed as the Parkway gets extremely busy).
If you bike the parkway always bring bear spray and have the knowledge and tools to change a flat tire.
There are bike racks at Johnson Canyon but remember to bring a a bike lock.
Johnston Canyon is accessible year round with each season bringing a unique visiting experience. It’s just as spectacular in the winter, some think even more so, as it is in the summer.
Summer (July to August) is the height of the tourist season. Expect big crowds and long lineups to viewpoints and bridges. These are the warmest months, but the high canyon walls and forested trails provide protection from the heat. The water will be clear and the forest will be in full bloom. The days are still long so there’s plenty of time to fit in a visit.
Fall (September to October) has fewer crowds so the experience will be quieter. The weather will be slightly cooler so pack a sweater. Fall leaves and colours will be in abundance. Days will be slightly shorter.
Winter (November to March) is the least busy with most people visiting on the weekends. Waterfalls become encrusted in ice transforming into an ice climber’s dreamscape. Layers of ice glaze over the flowing water. Winter cleats or clamp-ons are a must as the trails become covered in ice and snow. Days are short which brings the unique experience of exploring in the dark. In the winter, guided ice walk tours are available through Discover Banff Tours.
Spring (April to June) is when tourist season starts to pick up. Melting brings the trickle then the rush of flowing water. Weather is a mix of everything so be prepared for all seasons. Expect remnants of snow into June. The forests are newly budded bringing fresh scents. Expect debris and foliage in the water.
Except for the winter season, the best time to arrive is around dusk and dawn. Typically this will be before 8 AM or after 6 PM. The daytime brings tour buses and large visitor numbers. Avoiding the crowds can mean the difference between a ‘delightful’ experience without queues or trail jams, or a frustrating one with long queues to see the waterfalls and crowd jostling for viewpoint photos.
The absolute best time to experience the raw nature of Johnston Canyon is to visit the second week in June during the weekday after 6:00 PM. This is when water flow is at its highest and there are no crowds. By 8:00 PM the area is empty.
Guide includes shuttle, bus, and tour options as well as reservation windows
Visiting Johnston Canyon can take 1.5 to 6 hours depending on what you see and how crowded it is. A Google search on how long it takes to hike Johnston Canyon will return a variety of times, largely because multiple factors impact how long a visit will take. The two biggest ones are: how crowded it is and how fast you can walk.
To be safe, and ensure you get to see everything, in peak season, plan for half a day to visit Johnston Canyon. This includes travel to and from Banff or Lake Louise, a hike to the Upper Falls, and time for a quick drink or ice cream.
There are plenty of trail signs letting you know the distance between attractions. Below is a table with roundtrip hiking distances and the approximate time needed to get there.
| Location | Distance (Round trip) | Time (Round trip) (peak/non-peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Falls | 2.2 km / 1.4 mi | 1.0 hrs / 45 min |
| Upper Falls (includes Lower Falls) | 5.2 km / 3.2 mi | 2.0 / 1.5 hr |
| Ink Pots (includes Upper and Lower Falls) | 12 km / 7.4 mi | 4+ hrs / 3 hrs |
A trip from Canmore to the Ink Pots and back, done at an above-average hiking pace, takes 4.5 hours.
Johnston Canyon is well-serviced at the trailhead, however, there are no services past the trailhead.
Heated washrooms with flush toilets are located in the P1 Parking lot. These are the main washrooms for the area. It’s a good idea to use them before hiking because there are no washroom facilities in the canyon, and slim options for ‘have to go’ emergencies.
Outside the washroom facility is a water station where you can fill water bottles.
At the main entrance to Johnston Canyon, there is the check-in building for the Johnston Canyon Bungalows, a gift shop, and Bistro Cafe. A few yards up the trail is The Shack. These venues are not always open depending on the season so check before you go.
Market Cafe offers baked goods, homemade sandwiches, and other snack options. There’s an outdoor patio to enjoy your treats. A gift shop offers souvenirs, Canadian mementos, and weather clothing (in case you forgot something).
Stop by the Black Swift Bistro for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and after-hike beverages. Further down the trail, The Shack provides ice cream, coffee, baked goods, and other quick snacks to take on a hike.
There are no waste receptacles along the trail so pack out everything you pack in – this includes dog doo-doo.
Cell coverage is available all the way up to the Ink Pots.
There are a few accommodation options when visiting Johnston Canyon.
If you’re looking for a cabin experience, the closest place to stay is the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows which is located at the base of the trailhead. These quaint cabins have a variety of floor plans that accommodate couples or families.
Castle Mountain Chalets is 6 km (3.72 mi) down the road at Castle Mountain Junctions. These are also cabin-style accommodations located halfway between Banff and Lake Louise.
Further down the Bow Valley Parkway, between Castle Junction and Lake Louise is Baker Creek By BaseCamp which offers individual chalet and lodge room options. Located next to a small river, it’s a great off-the-beaten-path place to stay. Cell service and WiFi are weak so plan to unplug staying here.
If you’re looking for a rustic camping experience the Johnston Canyon campground is across the highway from Johnston Canyon (take the P2 roundabout exit). The showers and washrooms have hot and cold water, kitchen shelters, fire rings, and firewood so it’s not too rustic. The campground accommodates tents and small RVs (27 ft). Public transit is available to Banff during the summer. Reservations are highly recommended and are made through Parks Canada.
The Castle Mountain campground is a small first-come, self-serviced campground along the Bow Valley Parkway located between Castle Junction and Johnston Canyon. It offers a flush toilet, picnic shelter, fire pits, and a food storage locker. It can accommodate tents and small RVs up to 24 feet. Check the Parks Canada website for operating times.
There are plenty of accommodations in Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore. Let us help you figure out where to stay in our article: Should You Stay in Banff or Canmore? A Local’s Advice.
Yes. Johnston Canyon is free to visit with a Banff National Park Pass.
Yes, if the dog is on a leash and doesn’t leave any doo-doo behind. Some of the viewpoints have metal grate surfaces which are not paw-friendly. Ensure Fido is okay with being in crowds because it can get congested. Bring water, as natural water may not always be available.
Not easily. The trail is narrow, bumpy and uphill. With crowds, you will be moving at a crawl – if you’re able to move at all. Some of the viewpoint platforms have a grated metal surface. A better option would be a child carrier.
Not really due to the narrow, uneven trail and the large crowds (which makes the narrow trail even narrower).
Yes, especially if visiting the Ink Pots. It’s good practice to always carry bear spray in Banff National Park. Find out more in our article Bear Spray: Everything You Need to Know Before Using It.
Yes, there’s a water bottle filling station outside the washrooms located in parking lot 1 (P1). There is also a market cafe and snack shack that sells beverages. There is no place to get water along the trail.
No. Please stay out of the water. The water in both places is very cold. The Johnston Canyon River is fast-flowing with heavy currents, it is dangerous to go in or near the water. Fatalities have occurred from people trying to swim or from falling into the water.
The Ink Pots are a protected sensitive area. Please stay out of the pools to preserve this unique and beautiful natural feature.
Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times.
BANFF TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about Banff National Park, check out our Banff Homepage
THINGS TO DO: Don’t miss all that Banff has to offer including Lake Louise, Banff Hot Springs, the Cave and Basin Historical Site, and shopping downtown
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Find out how to get to Banff and what reservations
you may need
WATCH: Enjoy videos of gorgeous Banff National Park while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Banff YouTube Playlist
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