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Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta workforce
Final up to date on October 23, 2023
No matter time of yr we go to Banff Nationwide Park, a visit to Johnston Canyon occurs. It’s a very particular place to take a hike. The canyon is majestic to wander by means of alongside the elevated path platforms as Johnson Creek winds its approach by means of. And to be rewarded with waterfalls on the finish of the path is the icing on the cake. It’s one of the widespread issues to do in Banff Nationwide Park for good motive and why we maintain going again yr after yr.
Your Information to Johnston Canyon
How one can Get to Right here
Johnston Canyon is present in Banff Nationwide Park and is definitely one of the widespread spots within the park. The doorway to the canyon, together with the Johnston Canyon Trailhead, is off of the Bow Valley Parkway about 25 kilometres north of Banff en path to Lake Louise. It’s well-marked, so that you shouldn’t miss it when you’re driving or biking to Johnston Canyon.
That being stated, there may be at present a three-year pilot program (from 2022 to 2024) the place sections of the Bow Valley Parkway are closed to automobiles to scale back automobile site visitors and encourage biking. To succeed in Johnston Canyon, you may also take the Trans Canada Freeway to exit AB-93N (Fortress Junction) and switch proper onto the Bow Valley Parkway. You’ll discover it, roughly six kilometres south of Fortress Junction.
In case you should not have your personal automobile, Roam Transit gives buses to Johnston Canyon from Banff. There are additionally a number of tour firms that provide transportation right here.
Parking
Fortunately, there may be free parking at Johnston Canyon, and also you’ll discover an enormous car parking zone (P1) on the primary trailhead. A smaller car parking zone (P2) is out there close to the Johnston Canyon Campground.
Notice that the car parking zone fills up rapidly – particularly within the busy summer time months – so we suggest getting there as early as attainable or taking a Roam Transit bus to keep away from parking altogether.
What Can You See
Johnston Canyon is a fantastic spot to discover in Banff Nationwide Park. With elevated pathways alongside the canyon partitions, lush forest and greenery, and quite a few waterfalls alongside Johnston Creek (Higher Falls and Decrease Falls being probably the most well-known), it has so many issues to see.
It’s the proper spot to benefit from the pure great thing about Banff Nationwide Park, spend a while outdoor, and get in some mild climbing, too!
Decrease Falls
The best falls to entry (see under for info on the path), the Johnston Canyon Decrease Falls is among the most picturesque scenes in Banff Nationwide Park. With attractive turquoise water, mighty falls, and inexperienced foliage surrounding you, take within the views from the bridges and viewing platforms alongside the best way.
Whereas there’s an amazing view from the bridge over Johnston Creek, you may also enter a small tunnel close by for a good nearer have a look at the Decrease Falls. Simply be ready to get moist from the waterfall’s spray!
Higher Falls
The Johnston Canyon Higher Falls are farther from the Decrease Falls, requiring extra strolling time (see under for extra info on the hike to Higher Falls).
When you attain the Higher Falls, there are two viewing platforms; the decrease platform is smaller and tends to get fairly crowded, whereas the higher platform has extra space. You additionally get a novel view of the Higher Falls from above from the higher platform.
Ink Pots
You probably have the time to hike to the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots, we extremely suggest it. These small mineral springs change color barely all year long, however you’re certain to fall in love with their vibrant blues and greens immediately.
The encompassing meadows make for a fantastic view, so take the chance to remain some time, have a picnic, and luxuriate in your time outdoor. Notice that the springs will not be for swimming, however you’ll be able to cool off within the close by Johnston Creek.
Greatest Johnston Canyon Hikes
“Hike Johnston Canyon” is on many individuals’s bucket lists, and for good motive: the canyon is totally beautiful! Fortunately, Johnston Canyon has among the simpler and extra accessible trails in Banff Nationwide Park; we’ve even included the paths on our record of the greatest hikes in Banff.
Every Johnston Canyon hike under has the identical trailhead and begins with a stroll by means of the forest earlier than you attain the canyon itself, and as these are all out-and-back trails that start on the similar level, you’ll be able to select how far you go and whenever you flip round. All the Johnston Canyon trails are open year-round, so think about climbing or snowshoeing them in winter!
Canines are welcome to affix you when climbing Johnston Canyon, however they have to be leashed. Bear in mind: that is nonetheless thought of bear nation, so take each precaution mandatory.
Decrease Falls Mountain climbing Path
The Johnston Canyon to Decrease Falls hike is the best of the climbing trails listed right here, with an elevation achieve of 143 metres and a size of two.3 kilometres. That is the proper hike when you’re brief on time, because it usually solely takes about an hour.
The path is absolutely paved, however be warned: it turns into jam-packed because the day goes on in peak season, so it’s greatest to go to as early as attainable.
Higher Falls Mountain climbing Path
The Johnston Canyon to Higher Falls hike is a straightforward to average hike with an elevation achieve of 270 metres. Many sections of the hike are paved, together with bridges you cross, so it’s manageable for most individuals, regardless of their climbing expertise. This out-and-back hike takes you to Higher Falls and again for a complete of 5.3 kilometres; plan for a minimum of two hours to finish the hike and benefit from the attractive views.
This explicit Johnston Canyon path is extraordinarily widespread with vacationers. We extremely suggest visiting as early within the morning as attainable to keep away from crowds.
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots Mountain climbing Path
The Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots Mountain climbing Path is a average hike with an elevation achieve of 579 metres. This out-and-back path is roughly 11 kilometres and can take round 4 hours to finish.
When you get to the Higher Falls, proceed on the path to the Ink Pots. Fortunately, many of the crowds skinny out when you hike previous Higher Falls, so this part is the quietest of the Johnston Canyon hikes.
One factor to notice: when you begin your approach again from the Ink Pots, ensure you retrace your footsteps. One other climbing path – Moose Meadows – intersects the Ink Pots path, however that descent will lead you to a different car parking zone.
Visiting in Winter
Whereas we love visiting Johnston Canyon within the winter as it’s simply as stunning because the in the summertime! Seeing the frozen waterfalls is an impressive sight, and since there aren’t as many vacationers within the canyon in winter, you’ll typically have moments to your self on the paths.
Simply be certain that to put on correct footwear, as the realm could be very slippery with ice (we suggest sporting grips or spikes along with your boots).
Many individuals snowshoe alongside the paths through the winter, in order that’s additionally an choice! And when you’re feeling further adventurous, some tour firms in Banff will take you mountaineering up the falls once they’re frozen over.
The place to Keep
Tenting in Johnston Canyon
Positioned on the Bow Valley Parkway, the Johnston Canyon campground is instantly throughout from the principle climbing trailhead. It additionally has a Roam Transit cease for straightforward entry to the remainder of Banff Nationwide Park. It’s normally open from mid-Could by means of mid-September and is out there for tents and small RVs (as much as 27 ft). Whereas there are 132 websites, reservations are extremely beneficial. Some facilities embrace consuming water, flush bogs, showers, cooking and picnic shelters, and fireplace pits.
Tenting in Johnston Canyon is a improbable approach to spend as a lot time right here as attainable whereas being near each Banff and Lake Louise.
Cabins
Listed as one among our favorite cabins in Banff, the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows is a historic resort that gives quite a lot of cabin leases, from rustic one-room cabins to trendy two-bedroom suites.
All cabins and bungalows include fireplaces and personal balconies or patios, they usually’re additionally pet-friendly.
Banff Townsite
In case you’d fairly lodging within the Banff townsite to have just a few extra facilities (together with easy accessibility to outlets and eating places), there are lots of locations to remain in Banff.
From luxurious accommodations to budget-friendly hostels, Banff and the encircling space have all of it… and Johnston Canyon is just a brief drive or bus journey away!
Pete is a co-founder of Highway Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an in depth information of Alberta and all the pieces the province has to supply. He likes to eat good meals, hike (particularly within the winter), play tennis and curl. Aside from working Highway Journey Alberta, he’s a director with HMI, a digital media company, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the favored card sport Journey Chaser.
