Johnstone Canyon Hike (And How You Can Experience It this Summer!)
- Two and a Ute
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Nestled in the stunning Banff National Park, Johnstone Canyon is a must-visit hike for a very good reason. This trail is famous for its accessibility, incredible waterfalls and dense greenery that surrounds you the entire journey along trail. It draws in over 250,000 visitors each year making it one of Banff's most popular trails, one which we have visited several times over the years. That means we have learnt a thing of two about visiting this spot and making the most of our experience.
Getting There
Before you lace up your hiking boots, let’s talk about how to get to Johnstone Canyon. If you're driving from Banff, the trailhead is about 26 kilometers (16 miles) along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), taking around 30 minutes. Watch out for signs, as the parking lot can fill quickly, particularly during peak summer season months (June - August). There are two car parking lots here - one for regular vehicles at the main trail head (which also has the washroom block) and another for oversize vehicles, which is located across the road from the main trailhead.
If you're using public transit, Roam offers services that operate from Banff to several trailheads, including Johnstone Canyon. These busses can make your trip far more enjoyable by eliminating parking concerns and the stress of driving, allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery without the stress of driving. For all up to date information of bus services provided by Roam check their website here.
However you decide to get there, we suggest, if you can, arrive early! We have been there at 8:00am and the car park is completely full and have also started the trail at 6:00am and witnessed droves of cars arriving at this time. By midday in summer the trail is a constant stream of people filing in and the quiet serenity this location offers is a little more disrupted.
Trail Overview: Distance and Elevation
The Johnstone Canyon hike is considered as an easy-moderate out-and-back trail, stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.2 miles) one way to the Upper Falls (which is the second main fall on this trail). With an elevation gain of about 270 meters (721 feet), this trail is manageable for various skill levels and will take approximately 2 hours (if you beat the crowds and lines).
You will find well-maintained paths, featuring metal walkways and boardwalks that wind along the canyon walls, providing stunning views of the scenery while keeping it safe and accessible. We have witnessed people of all skill levels, ages, abilities and breeds (the dog kind haha) enjoying this trail! Of course we always recommend that you check information about the trail to make sure it is right for you. 'All Trails' is our favourite app / website to learn about trail conditions and to decide if a trail is the right for us to try.
The Journey: What to Expect Along the Trail
As you start your adventure, you’ll find the beginning of the trail runs through a narrow canyon, where towering cliffs rise above you on both sides. The stunning blue-green waters of the creek below are crystal clear when the water is flowing calmly, with other areas dropping down into small falls churning the water below. Be sure to keep an eye out for smaller falls, water running down the cliff walls, wildlife in the trees and beautiful wildflowers as you make your way along the trail.
Lower Falls
The first significant stop is the Lower Falls, approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) into the hike which will take about an hour. Here you emerge through a caverned rock to a small viewpoint that looks onto the beautiful waterfall, which plunges 9 metres (30 feet) into a sparkling pool. The sound of the rushing water is mesmerizing, and taking a break here to soak up the sights is a must. You'll even catch a refreshing mist from the falls on warm days! Be warned though, this is the most popular stop along the trail with many visitors often turning around after this point. We have seen crazy long lines here where people wait for over an hour to catch a glimpse of the beautiful waterfall.
Upper Falls
Continue your trek for approximately another 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), which will take you to the Upper Falls. This section of the trail is a bit steeper but offers fantastic views of the waterfall which cascades from a height of 30 meters (98 feet). This is definitely our favourite waterfall along the trail!
There are two view points here - the main lower viewpoint, which has a small viewing platform, allows you to take in the beauty of this waterfall and the surrounding canyon from the base. The upper viewpoint provides a unique perspective of looking down onto the waterfall from above, with a large viewing platform available there.
Extend Your Adventure: The Ink Pots
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can extend your hike with a trip to the 'Ink Pots.' This section adds about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) round trip to your journey.
The Ink Pots are a collection of beautiful, bubbling natural springs located in a grassy meadow. When you arrive, you'll be surrounded by striking pools that change colours with the seasons and vary depending on how much water bubbles up into each. This area sees far fewer visitors than the waterfalls, making it an ideal spot for some quiet time in nature.
The trail to the Ink Pots veers slightly away from the canyon, leading you through subalpine forests and meadows. Expect a gain of about 170 meters (558 feet) in elevation over this stretch. Once you reach the Ink Pots, it’s a perfect place to relax, have lunch, and enjoy the serene landscapes that surround you stretching far into the horizon.
Essential Tips for Your Hiking Experience
To maximize your time and enjoyment of the Johnstone Canyon hike, keep these tips in mind:
Dress Appropriately
The weather in Banff can change rapidly - you are high in altitude here which can be easy to forget sometimes. Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear; hiking boots provide better support and grip, especially in wet or slippery areas (maybe leave the slides at home for this one).
Stay Hydrated and Energized
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and pack nutritious snacks for energy during your hike. Items like trail mix or energy bars are great choices to keep you fueled, especially if you plan to hike to the Ink Pots.
Respect the Environment
Stay on marked trails to protect the natural landscape. Veering off trails to 'explore' unmarked areas can be extremely damaging to the environment and habitats of wildlife here. Help keep these trails beautiful for everyone and stay on the path. Remember to leave no trace; whatever you bring with you must come back out to preserve the beauty of Johnstone Canyon for future visitors. Littering is just not cool and theres no excuse for it.
Be Aware of Wildlife
Banff National Park is home to diverse wildlife. Keep your distance from animals for your safety and theirs, never feed wildlife and respect their natural environment. Carry bear spray as a precaution and familiarise yourself with bear safety measures before you head out.
Whether this is your first visit or a returning adventure, the sights and sounds of the canyon will leave you in awe of Mother Natures beauty. Embrace the Canadian wilderness and create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
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