Johnston Canyon Hike: A Local’s Guide

Johnston Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder in Banff National Park, featuring stunning waterfalls, deep pools, and lush forested trails.

There’s a good reason why the Johnston Canyon hike is on so many Banff must-do lists. As one of the best easy hikes in Banff National Park, the Johnston Canyon trail takes you through a deep mountain canyon with beautiful waterfalls along the way. Not only is the Johnston Canyon hike in Banff a great option for many ability levels, but the elevated boardwalks through the canyon make it a unique experience.

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As locals, we’ve been enjoying the Johnston Canyon hike for decades. We’ve done this Banff hike solo, with dogs, friends, babies, toddlers, and kids, so we know what to expect and can help you plan your trip.

There’s no question that Johnston Canyon will be busy, so should you skip it? Some people will say it’s not worth your time, but we disagree. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about hiking Johnston Canyon, including Johnston Canyon parking, how to avoid the crowds, visiting with kids, and tips for every season.

Johnston Canyon Fall 2026 Closure

Parks Canada has informed us that the Johnston Canyon trail is undergoing rockfall hazard management work this fall. Starting after Labour Day (September 7, 2026), the Johnston Canyon trail is expected to be closed to the public for three months.

We have heard speculation that the closure may not start until after Canadian Thanksgiving (October 12, 2026). But as of now, this is only speculation and not confirmed by Parks Canada.

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

Should I Visit Johnston Canyon?

As locals, we hear “Johnston Canyon is too touristy” all the time. But, the truth is that it’s one of the best Banff attractions for a reason. Yes, it can get overly busy at peak times, but we’ll help you find the best time to visit Johnston Canyon to avoid the crowds.

We hike Johnston Canyon all the time and we see big smiles on visitors of all ages each time. It’s a scenic, fun and unique place that everyone should visit at least once during their trip to Banff National Park.

Walking directly above Johnston Creek on elevated catwalks bolted to the side of the canyon is such a thrill. Equally exciting is entering a dark cave to get so close to the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls that you get soaked.

So yes, we feel you should definitely visit Johnston Canyon, but we recommend making an effort to come at an off-peak time.

Best Times to Visit Johnston Canyon

Based on our own experiences and the feedback we hear from our Banff travel planning clients, there are a few times that are best for enjoying Johnston Canyon without the crowds

If your Banff itinerary permits, the best times to avoid the crowds at Johnston Canyon are on weekdays, preferably early in the morning or late afternoon. Personally, we try to arrive at Johnston Canyon no later than 9am for our hikes.

If you are visiting Banff in summer, keep in mind that it stays light out very late, so visiting Johnston Canyon in the early evening is a good idea.

How to Get to Johnston Canyon

As one of the top attractions in Banff National Park, there are many convenient and fun ways to get to Johnston Canyon. It’s in a sensitive ecological area, so read carefully below for seasonal closures.

Drive to Johnston Canyon

The fastest way to get to Johnston Canyon from Calgary or Banff is to drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway, then turn onto the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). If you’re not familiar with it, the Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic alternative to the highway. It’s a little slower, but we prefer it for the views and wildlife spotting.

To help protect wildlife, part of the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to traffic overnight between 8pm and 8am daily from March 1 to June 25 every year. During this seasonal closure of the Bow Valley Parkway, the closest access from Banff to Johnston Canyon by car will be to exit the Trans-Canada highway at Castle Junction.

I made the map below to show which section of the Bow Valley Parkway is closed during this period. The yellow section is closed to public vehicles, so you’ll need to continue west on the Trans-Canada Highway to Castle Junction, marked by the red arrow, and turn there to reach Johnston Canyon.

It will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Calgary to Johnston Canyon and only 30 minutes from Banff.

Calgary to Johnston Canyon Directions

Banff to Johnston Canyon Directions

Johnston Canyon Parking

The Johnston Canyon hike is so popular that there’s a second parking lot, known as P2. Try the main lot (P1) first which is the first right turn at the traffic circle. If this lot is full, you can continue back on the traffic circle and take the exit on the opposite side where you’ll find P2.

Despite the popularity of Johnston Canyon, this is one of the spots where you’ll enjoy free parking in Banff. Even though parking is free, anyone stopping at Johnston Canyon will need a Banff Park Pass.

Bow Valley Parkway Wildlife

Drive with caution along the Bow Valley Parkway as this is a prime area to see Banff wildlife. Cars taking pictures can be parked on the side of the road at any point, so don’t drive faster than the posted speed limits and always be prepared to stop.

We’ve seen more bears on the Bow Valley Parkway than anywhere else in Banff. There’s also a good likelihood of seeing a herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

Banff Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you will be driving around Banff National Park, check out these GuideAlong audio tours. We live here and drive these roads every day, yet we still love listening to these fun & informative audio tours. It’s an inexpensive way to add a lot of value to your trip to Banff.

Cycle the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon

Every May, June and September there is a wonderful opportunity to cycle the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon without vehicle traffic. We look forward to this fun & unique cycling opportunity every year! Riding your bike from the Town of Banff to Johnston Canyon is a great way to visit this top Banff attraction, while getting some bonus exercise! You won’t be fighting for a parking spot and it’s great for the environment too!

As one of our favorite activities in Banff National Park, we’ve written a complete guide to cycling the Bow Valley Parkway. We discuss the best places to park, distance, difficulty and more.

Take the Roam Bus from Banff to Johnston Canyon

If you are travelling to Banff without a car, it’s easy to get to Johnston Canyon by public transit. The Roam Route 9 bus goes from the Banff Townsite directly to Johnston Canyon.

Taking the bus to Johnston Canyon is easy and affordable, making it a great choice for those visiting Banff on a budget. Day passes are only $10 for adults, $5 for youth & seniors, while children 12 and under are free.

Service levels vary throughout the year, so check the Roam Route #9 Bus Schedule before you go. In the winter months, this route only runs on weekends and statutory holidays.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to Johnston Canyon

Another fun option to get to Johnston Canyon without a car is the Hop On Banff Sightseeing Bus. A big advantage of taking the Hop On Banff bus is that it starts in the Town of Banff and allows you to see several top Banff attractions without a car in a single day. Other stops include Lake Louise, the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola and Moraine Lake.

Banff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tickets

Johnston Canyon Hike Highlights

The Johnston Canyon trail leads visitors up into the belly of a dramatic canyon created by the flow of Johnston Creek. The Johnston Canyon trail alternates between being in a lush pine forest and on elevated walkways above the flowing water.

The humidity from Johnston Creek creates a lush forest with dense green moss blanketing the forest floor. Old Man’s Beard Lichen hangs from the branches giving the forest a slightly spooky feel.

The forest around Johnston Canyon is alive with the sounds and sights of many little creatures, including Townsend’s Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos and Red Squirrels. Be sure to take the time to stop and listen for them.

Catwalks and Canyon Views

The elevated walkways are one of the big highlights of the Johnston Canyon hike. Without these elevated pathways along the canyon walls, much of Johnston Canyon would be impassable, robbing visitors the opportunity to enjoy the intimate beauty of this mountain river canyon.

There are many waterfalls along the Johnston Canyon hike, but two stand out:

Lower Falls

The Johnston Canyon Lower Falls are well-hidden in a narrow part of the canyon. Your first glimpse of the Lower Falls is crossing Johnston Creek on a solid metal bridge, but the best place to enjoy the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls is by venturing into the small cave on the far side of the bridge.

There is a small viewing area inside the cave, extremely close to the water from the Lower Falls. Chances are you will get wet, but it’s so worth it to hear and feel the raw power of nature up close.

Upper Falls

The Johnston Canyon Upper Falls are much taller than the Lower Falls. There are two viewing platforms for the Upper Falls.

The lower platform leads to the bottom of the Upper Falls; it’s quite small and can get congested. The upper viewing platform is much larger and allows you to see the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls from above. It’s only a short walk to visit both viewing platforms, and we recommend seeing both.

Johnston Canyon Hike Stats

How Long is the Johnston Canyon Hike?

The Johnston Canyon hike to the Lower Falls is 1.2 km one way from the main parking lot. From there, it’s an additional 1.6 km to the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls, making the full Johnston Canyon trail 2.8 km (1.7 miles) one way.

Did you know that the hiking trail continues past the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots – natural pools of brilliantly coloured water. For more info, check out our post on the Ink Pots hike.

How Steep is the Trail?

Given the Johnston Canyon hike is in the middle of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, it’s a remarkably flat hike. The elevation gain you’ll encounter to the Lower Falls is a mere 115 m (375 feet), while it’s 283 m (930 feet) if you hike to the Upper Falls.

The hike to the Lower Falls is a gradual incline the entire way with virtually no steep sections. If you continue on to the Upper Falls, there are a few very short steep sections.

How Hard is the Johnston Canyon Hike?

Almost everyone can enjoy the Johnston Canyon hike. We occasionally see people struggling while hiking Johnston Canyon, but the vast majority of people will be able to reach the Upper Falls without issue. As such, we rate the Johnston Canyon hike as an easy Banff hike.

How Much Time to Allow

It should take most visitors between 1 – 2 hours to hike the Johnston Canyon trail to the Upper Falls and back. If you are stopping to take a lot of pictures, expect it to take longer. If you visit at a busy time, you may be waiting a while to get in the cave at the Lower Falls, since there’s really only room for around 4 people in there.

When our kids were little, the Johnston Canyon hike took us about 2 hours to complete the full hike.

Johnston Canyon Trail Map

The Johnston Canyon trailhead is in the main Johnston Canyon parking lot. To find the Johnston Canyon trailhead, look for a large wooden sign with “Johnston Canyon” carved into the top beam. Cross the bridge and turn right onto the Johnston Canyon hiking trail.

It’s nearly impossible to get lost on the Johnston Canyon hike. Just find the well-marked hiking trail and follow it all the way to the Lower Falls and/or Upper Falls and back.

When hiking around Banff National Park we always use the AllTrails app for navigation. In addition to helping us find the trailhead and stay on the hiking trails, we like the ability to track our hiking stats (distance, elevation gain, etc.).

There are two maps for Johnston Canyon on AllTrails, depending on your destination. You can download either the Johnston Canyon to Lower Falls Trail Map or the Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls Trail Map.

You might get a weak signal in the Johnston Canyon parking lot, but expect it to be spotty. It’s always a good idea to download the trail map onto your phone ahead of time just in case.

Hiking Johnston Canyon with Kids

With many exciting elevated catwalks and a cave leading to a powerful waterfall, your kids will love hiking Johnston Canyon. This is a must-do when visiting Banff with kids.

Our kids have hiked Johnston Canyon several times and yet, they are always excited to do this hike over and over.

Can You Use a Stroller at Johnston Canyon?

If you are considering the Johnston Canyon hike with a baby, we don’t recommend using a stroller. You might manage to get a stroller to the Lower Falls, but do not bring one past that point.

While the Johnston Canyon trail is paved for a portion of it, the catwalks are so busy and narrow that you would not be very popular. Instead, bring a baby or toddler carrier, which is a much better option for visiting Banff with a baby or toddler.

Where to Stop for Lunch or a Break

There are benches along the trail to the Upper Falls. Keep an eye out for ones with good waterfall views.

If you stop at any one of these benches and pull out some food, there’s a very good chance you’ll be greeted by ultra-cute Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels and/or Red Squirrels. These little guys make a good living mooching human food off visitors.

I know it’s hard, as they are so cute, but please do not feed them. Low-nutrient human food is really bad for them and does not prepare them for the cold winter ahead.

Johnston Canyon Trail Safety

Another thing we hear about Johnston Canyon is that it’s too busy for bears. This is false – there are bears at Johnston Canyon. In fact, we recently had a black bear cross the hiking path right in front of us not far from the parking lot on a busy Saturday.

Johnston Canyon with Dogs

The Johnston Canyon hike is one of the rare Banff hikes where you’ll see actually dogs on leash, likely as it’s so popular that people feel social pressure to comply with the law.

If you continue your hike to the Ink Pots, the crowds will thin out. You may be tempted to take your dog off-leash here, but keep in mind off-leash dogs can very easily draw a bear or cougar back to your group (besides the fact that this is not allowed in the national park).

Johnston Canyon By Season

Johnston Canyon in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Johnston Canyon!

If you are visiting Banff in April, Johnston Canyon is especially beautiful. In a typical year, the canyon walls are still lined with beautiful blue ice and icicles. The snow and ice over Johnston Creek will have partially melted, but will still be mostly covered over.

In April, the Johnston Canyon hiking trail will likely be very icy. We wouldn’t recommend attempting the Johnston Canyon hike in April without microspikes.

The combination of humidity from the water coupled with ample canyon shade and lots of snow and ice make it feel much colder than the ambient air temperature elsewhere in Banff. Dress warmer than the Banff weather forecast calls for.

Your reward for hiking Johnston Canyon in April will be the beauty of the frozen Lower and Upper Waterfalls. You won’t believe the incredible blue colour of the ice in these majestic Banff waterfalls.

If you are visiting Banff in June, the snow and ice at Johnston Canyon will be largely melted. The exciting part about hiking Johnston Canyon in June is the powerful flow of water in Johnston Creek due to the spring thaw. This is one of the best times of year to hike Johnston Canyon; the incredible power of the river is something to behold!

Johnston Canyon in Fall

In fact, while the rest of the world goes crazy over larch trees, September is a great time to hike Johnston Canyon. It’s still going to be busy, but it will be less crazy that in the peak summer months.

When visiting Banff in September, many people focus on the best larch hikes in Banff to see the golden needles before they fall. While Johnston Canyon doesn’t have any larch trees, it’s still a beautiful hike in the fall. The Bow Valley Parkway will have plenty of fall colours to make up for it!

Johnston Canyon in Winter

If you visit Banff in winter, the Johnston Canyon hike is a wonderful easy winter hike in Banff. In fact it’s one of our favourite times to do this hike. It’s usually much quieter and the frozen waterfalls are so impressive!

You’ll definitely want to go all the way to the Upper Falls when you hike Johnston Canyon in winter. You’ll often see ice climbers on the Upper Falls, which is quite fun to watch.

It can get quite icy on the Johnston Canyon trail, so we always pack our Kahtoola microspikes. You can always rent microspikes or ice cleats in the town of Banff. Learn more about the various kinds of winter traction devices which we use to make winter recreation in Banff so much more enjoyable.

Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Tours

Hiking Johnston Canyon in winter is so fun, that there are several very popular tours featuring this activity!

The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk is one of the most popular ways to experience Johnston Canyon in winter and see this icy wonderland up close. Simply strap on your provided ice cleats and head up the canyon with your guide for one of the most memorable winter tours in Banff.

If you’d like to make the experience even more memorable, nighttime Johnston Canyon Ice Walk tours are also available and add a whole different feel to the canyon.

What to Bring Hiking in Banff

Even though the Johnston Canyon hike is one of the best easy hikes in Banff National Park, you should still bring the basic hiking gear to ensure a safe and successful outing. Before heading out on the Johnston Canyon trail, take a look at our recommended Banff hiking gear.

As for what to wear hiking in Banff, keep in mind you will be walking through a deep canyon with high humidity. This means the temperature within the canyon will feel lower than outside the canyon. Dress a little warmer than you think you should.

The Johnston Canyon trail is mostly paved the whole way to the Upper Falls. Unless you are doing this hike in winter, you won’t need any special hiking shoes for this hike.

Help Protect the Endangered Black Swift Bird

Johnston Canyon is a breeding ground for the endangered Black Swift bird. To protect this special resident, it is prohibited to hike off the main Johnston Canyon trail between May 15 – November 15. Parks Canada is actively enforcing this regulation and fines can reach $25,000.

There are very few nesting pairs left here. Please help protect the endangered Black Swift birds by staying on the hiking trail.

Great news! In October 2021, Parks Canada announced that the number of Black Swift nests recorded in 2021 is the highest since 2004! Let’s all do our part to keep the momentum going!

Learn more about the Black Swift birds at Johnston Canyon.

Where to Stay Near Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is ideally located halfway between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise, making it a fun and convenient place to base your trip to Banff National Park.

Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows

The very best place to stay near Johnston Canyon is at the on-site Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows. We’ve stayed here several times and just love it. Getting up and enjoying the Johnston Canyon hike before the crowds arrived is a rare and special experience. We wrote a review of the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows based on our most recent stay there.

Check Rates at the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows.

Cabins Near Johnston Canyon

Although the Johnston Canyon Lodge is an excellent choice, there are also many excellent Banff Cabin Rentals nearby. One option in particular are the the Castle Mountain Chalets, which are just 6 km away. Sit at the outdoor firepit and enjoy panoramic views of Castle Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains in Banff National Park.

Camping at Johnston Canyon

If camping is more your style, Parks Canada operates the Johnston Canyon Campground right across the highway from the trailhead. You can make reservations for the the Johnston Canyon campground starting in January every year.