Johnston Canyon with Kids: A Local Parent’s Guide

There’s a good reason why hiking Johnston Canyon with kids is one of our favourite family activities in Banff National Park. The trail follows a rushing creek through a narrow canyon, with waterfalls, elevated catwalks and plenty to keep kids interested along the way. It’s a relatively easy Banff hike with a great payoff, especially for families with younger children.

We’ve hiked Johnston Canyon with our kids countless times over the years, and it’s still a hike they’ll happily agree to whenever we suggest it! As Canmore locals, we know how busy this popular trail can get, but we also know it’s busy for a reason. It’s well worth visiting.

Whether you’re wondering if the Johnston Canyon hike is suitable for toddlers, if you can bring a stroller, or whether your family should hike to the Lower Falls or continue to the Upper Falls, we’ll help you decide. We’ll also share our tips for avoiding the biggest crowds, getting to Johnston Canyon and making the most of your family hike.

For more detailed information about the trail, including hiking maps and seasonal conditions, read our complete Johnston Canyon hiking guide. If you’re organizing the rest of your family trip, our local guide to visiting Banff with kids has plenty more ideas and practical advice.

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Johnston Canyon Fall 2026 Closure

Parks Canada as advised us that Johnston Canyon will be temporarily closed this fall for rock slope remediation work to improve visitor safety. The closure includes the trail from the Johnston Canyon parking lot to the Upper Falls Lower Viewpoint, as well as the day-use area, parking lot and washrooms.

The work will take place in two phases:

• Phase 1: October 13 to approximately December 11, 2026
• Phase 2: Approximately September 7 to November 5, 2027

Families can still visit the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls Upper Viewpoint and Ink Pots by hiking in from the Moose Meadows Trailhead. Keep in mind that parking at Moose Meadows is limited, and this alternative route involves a longer hike than the usual Johnston Canyon trail. You can learn more about this route in our post on hiking to the Ink Pots.

Kid-friendly alternatives we recommend during the Johnston Canyon closure include Marble Canyon, Silverton Falls, Sundance Canyon and Grassi Lakes.

Roam Transit Route 9 service to Johnston Canyon will also be suspended during the closures.

If you are hoping to visit Johnston Canyon with kids during this time, we advise you monitor the Important bulletins for Banff National Park by Parks Canada for the public announcement.

Is the Johnston Canyon Hike Right for Your Family?

How Long is the Johnston Canyon Hike with Kids?

The Johnston Canyon hike has two main destinations. The Lower Falls are approximately 2.2 km (1.4 miles) return, while hiking to the Upper Falls is approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) return.

For families with younger kids, we recommend starting with the Lower Falls. If everyone is still feeling energetic, you can continue to the Upper Falls.

How Hard is the Johnston Canyon Hike?

We consider Johnston Canyon an easy, family-friendly hike in Banff National Park, especially if you’re only going to the Lower Falls. The trail is well maintained, with elevated catwalks, railings and benches where little legs can take a break.

The hike to the Upper Falls has more elevation gain and some steeper sections, but it’s manageable for most kids who are comfortable walking longer distances.

The biggest challenges are usually the crowds and narrow walkways. We recommend using a baby carrier rather than a stroller, particularly if you’re hiking with a baby or toddler.

How Long Does the Johnston Canyon Hike Take with Kids?

Allow approximately 1 hour to hike to the Lower Falls and back, or around 2 hours for the complete Upper Falls hike.

With kids, we’d recommend allowing extra time. There are plenty of waterfalls to stop and admire along the trail, and you’ll likely want to take pictures. You may also need to wait in line to visit the small Lower Falls viewing area, especially during the busy summer months.

Alternatives to Johnston Canyon with Kids

Johnston Canyon is one of our favourite easy hikes in Banff National Park, but it’s also one of the busiest. If the parking lot is full, or if you’d prefer a quieter family hike, consider the Johnson Lake Trail or the Fenland Trail near Banff.

Both are great options for families with younger children, although neither has the dramatic canyon scenery and elevated walkways you’ll find at Johnston Canyon.

For more ideas, check out our guide to the best kid-friendly hikes in Banff National Park.

Hiking Johnston Canyon with Kids: Trail Overview

The Johnston Canyon hiking trail is well-maintained and a great option for families with kids of different ages. Much of the hike follows Johnston Creek through a forested canyon, with waterfalls, bridges and elevated steel catwalks that make the walk especially fun for children.

One of the things we’ve always loved about hiking Johnston Canyon with our kids is that there’s something interesting to see around every corner. The catwalks are especially fun for kids, as they take you right along the canyon walls, high above the rushing water. I can still remember the thrill I felt hiking these catwalks as a kid, and that was many decades ago!

You’ll find washrooms and a water-filling station at the main Johnston Canyon parking lot. There are also benches along the hiking trail where kids can rest, have a snack or simply enjoy the scenery.

The trail is easy to follow, but keep in mind that some sections are narrow, and the boardwalks can get crowded. We recommend keeping younger children close, especially when passing other hikers.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Hike

The hike to Johnston Canyon Lower Falls is approximately 1.1 kilometres one way, with relatively little elevation gain. This is the easiest section of the Johnston Canyon trail and the one we recommend for families with toddlers or younger children who aren’t used to longer hikes.

Along the way, you’ll walk through a beautiful forest and across elevated catwalks overlooking Johnston Creek. There are several smaller waterfalls to enjoy before reaching the Lower Falls, so there’s plenty to keep kids interested.

The best place to see the Lower Falls is through the short rock tunnel on the far side of the bridge. Kids will love going through the tunnel to the small viewing area, where you’ll get an incredible view of the waterfall up close. Be prepared to get wet, especially in June when the spring runoff is at its strongest!

The Lower Falls viewing area is quite small, and there can be a lineup to enter the tunnel during busy periods. This is one of the reasons we recommend hiking Johnston Canyon early in the morning.

Johnston Canyon Upper Falls Hike

If your kids are still feeling energetic after visiting the Lower Falls, we recommend continuing to Johnston Canyon Upper Falls. It’s an additional 1.3 kilometres one way, with more elevation gain and a few steeper sections of trail.

The hike to the Upper Falls is a little more challenging than the Lower Falls section, but it’s still manageable for most kids who are comfortable walking longer distances. If you’re hiking with younger children, take your time and use the benches along the way for breaks.

There are two viewpoints at the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls. The lower viewing platform brings you close to the base of the waterfall, while the upper viewpoint gives you a different perspective as you look down on the falls.

We think it’s well worth visiting both viewpoints. The Upper Falls are especially impressive when there’s lots of water flowing through the canyon, and the views are a great reward for the extra effort.

Keep in mind that the lower viewing platform is small and can get quite congested. You may need to wait your turn to enjoy the view, particularly during the busy summer months.

Want to keep hiking? If you’re visiting Johnston Canyon with older kids who enjoy longer hikes, you can continue beyond the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots. These colourful, spring-fed pools are found in a beautiful meadow beyond the canyon. Read our guide to the Ink Pots hike in Banff National Park to decide whether the extra distance is right for your family.

Is Johnston Canyon Stroller Friendly?

Parks Canada does not recommend using a stroller on the Johnston Canyon hike, even on the relatively easy trail to the Lower Falls.

We agree with Parks Canada. While the Johnston Canyon trail is well-maintained, it isn’t particularly stroller-friendly. Much of the hike follows narrow, elevated steel catwalks along the canyon walls. These sections can get very crowded, making it difficult to manoeuvre a stroller or pass other hikers.

You might be able to manage parts of the trail to the Lower Falls with a sturdy jogging stroller, but we don’t recommend it. The hike to the Upper Falls is even less suitable for strollers, with steeper sections and stairs along the way.

If you’re hiking Johnston Canyon with a baby or toddler, we recommend leaving the stroller behind and using a baby carrier instead. We’ve hiked Johnston Canyon with our kids many times, and a hiking backpack carrier is a much more practical option for little ones who can’t walk the entire distance.

Even if your toddler is happy to walk, having a carrier gives you the flexibility to continue to the Upper Falls without worrying about tired little legs. Just be sure to keep young children close on the narrow catwalks, especially when the trail is busy.

For more information, see the official Parks Canada Johnston Canyon trail description, which specifically advises against using strollers.

Best Times to Visit Johnston Canyon with Kids

Johnston Canyon is one of our favourite family-friendly hikes in Banff National Park, and it’s well worth visiting in any season. Each time of year offers something different, from rushing waterfalls in spring to frozen waterfalls in winter.

Not sure which season is best for your family trip? Our guide to the best time to visit Banff breaks down what to expect throughout the year, including weather, crowds and the best activities for each season.

Hiking Johnston Canyon in Spring with Kids

Spring is a great time to hike Johnston Canyon with kids, especially when the waterfalls are flowing strongly from the snowmelt. The trail can still have icy or slippery sections early in the season, so check trail conditions and bring appropriate footwear.

Hiking Johnston Canyon in Summer with Kids

Summer is the busiest time to hike Johnston Canyon, but the cooler temperatures inside the canyon make it a great option for a family hike on a hot day. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds, especially around the Lower Falls viewing area.

Hiking Johnston Canyon in Fall with Kids

Fall is a lovely time to visit Johnston Canyon with kids, with fewer crowds than the busy summer months. You’ll also enjoy some beautiful fall colours along the Bow Valley Parkway, although the canyon itself doesn’t have as much colourful foliage.

Hiking Johnston Canyon in Winter with Kids

Winter is one of our favourite times to hike Johnston Canyon as a family. The frozen waterfalls are incredible to see, and kids will love walking along the steel catwalks surrounded by ice-covered canyon walls.

The Johnston Canyon winter hike can be very icy, so we recommend wearing winter hiking traction devices, including ones for the kids. See the “What to Bring” section below for a great picture of how icy the trails can get.

If you’d prefer to go with a guide, families with children 8 years and older can join the Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour with Discover Banff Tours. The guided tour includes transportation from Banff, ice cleats and a knowledgeable guide. It’s a great option for families who aren’t comfortable tackling an icy trail on their own.

For more ideas, don’t miss our guides to Banff winter activities with kids, our favourite easy winter hikes in Banff and things to do in Banff in winter with kids.

How to Get to Johnston Canyon from Banff

Johnston Canyon is found along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) in Banff National Park. It’s an easy drive along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to access the Bow Valley Parkway.

There are three main ways to access the Bow Valley Parkway: near Banff, at Castle Junction and near Lake Louise. Which entrance you use will depend on where you’re coming from and whether any seasonal road restrictions are in effect.

The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicles from May to June 25 and September 1 to early October each year. This is for a cycling pilot project which has been extended to 2030. To access Johnston Canyon by vehicle during this time, you must approach from Castle Junction.

Getting to Johnston Canyon Without a Car

If you are getting around Banff without a car, you still have a few options to reach Johnston Canyon:

Roam Route 9

If you wish to take public transit to Johnston Canyon, you can take Roam Route 9 from the town of Banff. This route runs every day from mid-May to mid-October. Check the schedule for winter hours, when this route typically only runs on weekends.

HopOnBanff

The HopOnBanff bus is a great option for families who want to visit Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake without worrying about driving or parking.

Unlike a traditional sightseeing tour, HopOnBanff lets you choose which attractions to visit and how long to spend at each stop. There’s also an onboard host who can help you plan your day.

For families hiking Johnston Canyon with kids, we recommend allowing enough time to reach the Lower Falls without feeling rushed. If you’re hoping to hike to the Upper Falls as well, you’ll need to plan your stops carefully, as you may not have time to visit every attraction.

Our Tip: HopOnBanff is especially worth considering if you also want to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on the same day. You can take care of transportation to three popular Banff attractions with one booking!

Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon with Kids

Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon is a fun option for active families, especially during the spring and fall when the eastern section is closed to public vehicles.

We’ve cycled the Bow Valley Parkway with our kids several times. At approximately 50 km return from Banff, with some long hills, this is a big bike ride to combine with a family hike. We’d recommend it for older kids who are comfortable cycling longer distances, or families with younger children in a bike trailer.

For route details and practical tips, see our guide to cycling the Bow Valley Parkway. For shorter family rides, check out our favourite kid-friendly bike trails in Banff.

Johnston Canyon Parking Tips

Johnston Canyon has two free parking lots: the main parking lot (P1) and an overflow parking lot (P2).

Both parking lots can fill up quickly, especially during the busy summer months and on long weekends. We recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.

While parking is free, you’ll still need a valid Banff National Park pass to visit Johnston Canyon.

What to Bring for Johnston Canyon with Kids

Like any hike with kids, being prepared with warm clothes, snacks and good shoes helps make the day a success!

Water and Snacks: Pack plenty of snacks and water to keep the energy up.

Footwear: Sturdy shoes are well worth it, as the path can be wet and slippery, especially near the Lower Falls.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so dress in layers and bring rain gear just in case. In addition, being in the canyon and close to the creek, it will feel much cooler. Always bring an extra layer, especially if you take our advice and do this hike early in the morning.

Camera or Smartphone: You’ll want to capture the stunning scenery and your family’s happy moments.

Microspikes: If you’re hiking Johnston Canyon in winter, microspikes or ice cleats are a must. The heavily travelled trail can become extremely icy, so we recommend carrying winter hiking traction devices whenever icy conditions are possible. We love our Kahtoola MICROspikes, and everyone in the family has their own pair.

Johnston Canyon Trail Safety

Johnston Canyon is a well-maintained, family-friendly hike, but there are a few safety considerations when hiking with kids. Keep young children close on the narrow, elevated catwalks, especially when the trail is busy. The path can also be wet and slippery near the waterfalls.

Do You Need Bear Spray at Johnston Canyon?

Yes, we recommend carrying bear spray when hiking Johnston Canyon with kids. Banff National Park is bear country, and even busy hiking trails aren’t guaranteed to be bear-free. In fact, we’ve personally seen a bear along the Johnston Canyon trail on a busy Saturday! It’s a good reminder that wildlife encounters can happen at any time, even on popular hikes.

Keep your kids close, make noise as you hike, and carry bear spray somewhere you can easily reach it. Be sure you know how to use it before heading out.

We also recommend reading Parks Canada’s Safe Travel in Bear Country advice before your family hike.

Where to Stay Near Johnston Canyon

Staying near Johnston Canyon is a great option for families who want to enjoy the hike before the crowds arrive. You’ll also be well-positioned for exploring the Bow Valley Parkway and visiting both Banff and Lake Louise.

Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows

We’ve stayed at the Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows twice, once before having kids and more recently for a family weekend getaway. With 42 rustic cabins tucked into the forest right beside the Johnston Canyon trailhead, it’s a fun place to stay with kids.

On our most recent visit, we stayed in a Large Bungalow with two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a comfortable living area where we enjoyed playing games in the evening. Our favourite spot was the porch, where we could relax and listen to Johnston Creek while watching hikers pass by.

The biggest advantage is being able to hike Johnston Canyon early in the morning before the crowds arrive, then return to your cabin for breakfast. We loved having this flexibility with the kids!

The main downside is the location if you want to eat out. There’s an onsite restaurant, the BlackSwift Bistro, and a small café, but you’ll need to drive to Banff or Lake Louise for more dining options.

For more details on the cabins, amenities and our family experience, read our Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows review.

Interested in staying right at Johnston Canyon? Check cabin prices and availability for your travel dates.

Johnston Canyon Campground

For families who prefer camping, Johnston Canyon Campground is another convenient option, located across the Bow Valley Parkway from the trailhead.

Campsites can be booked through the Parks Canada reservation system. Reservations are required, and Parks Canada announces the booking opening dates each year, typically in January or February.

Didn’t get the campsite you were hoping for? Set up a notification with Schnerp to watch for any cancellations!