Johnston Canyon is a popular destination in Banff, thanks to its rugged beauty and easy access. Johnston Creek runs through the canyon and has waterfalls and blue pools. Walk beneath overhanging rock faces and lean out over the roaring water as you walk along a steel walkway built onto the side of the sheer canyon walls.
The 1.7-mile (2.7 kilometer) trail runs from a resort and camping ground at the start of the canyon, about 15 miles (25 kilometers) from Banff. The main attractions on the walk are two large waterfalls: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls, but there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. .
The Lower Falls are about 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) from the car park. Stand on the bridge crossing the creek for the best vantage point. A tunnel through the canyon rock will get you closer to the waterfall, but be prepared to get wet. Some visitors choose to turn back after the first falls.
The Upper Falls are another mile (1.6 kilometers) further up the trail. The 100-foot (30-meter) waterfall is well worth the trek if time permits. There are two different vantage points: one from a platform at the bottom of the falls, and another overlooking the top. Water roars over the falls in summer. In winter, the frozen falls are just as spectacular, although the path is icy and can be dangerous.
Summer is the busiest time to visit. Come in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. The return trip to the Upper Falls is close to two hours, so leave plenty of time to do the walk before nightfall.
Adventurous hikers can continue past the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots. These small, cold mineral springs are set in open meadows surrounded by mountains, located another 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) from the Upper Falls.
Johnston Canyon is about a 30-minute drive northwest of the town of Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). There is no fee to access the canyon and there is free parking at the trail head, although a space can be hard to find as this is one of the most popular hiking spots around Banff.
Johnston Canyon
Travel Guide





Visit Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
Hwy 1A, Box 875, 25km west of Banff, Johnston Canyon, AB
The price is ¥40,110 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
¥40,110
¥45,031 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Johnston Canyon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (478 reviews)
"Would recommend this property and would visit again"
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is ¥55,335 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
¥55,335
¥61,521 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,790 reviews)
Nice hotel for families
"Good hotel to stay, nèeds little walk from downtown. Only noticeable thing was a the bathroom was not structured well in the room we got. Rest everything was good."
Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is ¥42,124 per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
¥42,124
¥46,834 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,414 reviews)
"We stayed here 2 different times. The first apartment was nicer but noisy. The people above us tromped around night and day. It was not very relaxing but we tended to be gone a lot. Got woken up every morning by them. The second apartment was older, across the street from office, and dirtier inside- ..."
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Hidden Ridge Resort
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,557 reviews)
"I liked how close it is located to downtown Banff. The spa pool could use a little uofrade, tiles look old, but the scenery from the pool is amazing. Would be nice if they had breakfast at the facility. The condos are comfortable but very basic. Bathroom downstairs in the 2 bedroom loft condos is ..."
Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Stay at this 3-star ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,709 reviews)
"Pleasantly surprised. First thing people will say is that it’s outdated. We were fine with it. It added to the feeling of being in the mountains. Great option for the free bus downtown to Banff. Nice walking and hiking trails near by. Great play area for kids. Pretty awesome we even saw elk and deer ..."
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Basecamp Suites Banff
101, 316 Marten St, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (361 reviews)
"Excellent location!! Great room!!"
Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Popular places to visit

Johnston Canyon
3.5/5(3 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Johnston Canyon during your travels in Johnston Canyon. Discover the area's waterfalls and mountain views.
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