Johnston Canyon hike: lower & upper falls guide

Johnston Canyon cuts through the limestone bedrock of the Bow Valley in one of the most dramatic short hikes in Banff National Park. The canyon walls rise 30 metres in places, and the trail navigates them via a series of catwalks — iron walkways bolted directly into the cliff face — that put you inside the canyon rather than merely looking into it from the rim. The sound of the creek reverberates off the walls; spray from the lower falls mists the air; light filters down through the slot in the rock above.

It is among the most accessible walks in the Rockies, and consequently among the most visited. But with the right timing — early morning or weekday visits — Johnston Canyon retains its atmosphere and delivers scenery that surprises visitors who assumed it would be a tourist trail in the pejorative sense.

Trail overview

The Johnston Canyon trail system has three distinct sections that can be combined in any combination:

Section	Distance return	Elevation gain	Duration
Lower falls only	2.7 km	30 m	1–1.5 hrs
Lower + upper falls	5.8 km	120 m	2–3 hrs
Full hike to Inkpots	12 km	215 m	4–5 hrs

Trailhead: Johnston Canyon Resort, 17 km west of Banff townsite on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) Trail surface: Paved and gravel path; catwalks with railings in canyon; muddy trail in upper section after rain Dogs: Permitted on leash on the canyon trail; restricted in Inkpots area (check Parks Canada) Difficulty: Easy to lower falls; easy-moderate to upper falls; moderate to Inkpots

Lower falls

The lower falls are 2.7 km return from the trailhead — an easy, almost entirely flat walk along the creek before the catwalks begin. The canyon narrows progressively as you approach; the sound of water intensifies before you see the falls.

The lower falls drop 10 metres into a carved limestone pool through a natural tunnel — the viewing tunnel cuts through the canyon wall and emerges on a platform directly in front of the falls, enclosed on three sides by rock. The spray is heavy on the platform in high water (late May–June when snowmelt peaks). Bring a waterproof bag for camera equipment.

The catwalks in this section are well-maintained, wide enough for two people to pass, and have solid railings. They are accessible for most visitors including older adults and children who can walk without assistance. They are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Upper falls

From the lower falls, the trail continues 1.5 km to the upper falls — a 40-metre plunge that is the canyon’s main event. The upper falls are visible from a viewing platform that looks directly at the falls face. In spring and early summer, the volume of water is impressive; by late August the flow drops but the colour of the limestone and the spray still reward the extra distance.

Between the lower and upper falls, the canyon gradually opens and the catwalks give way to a regular forest trail. The terrain here is shaded and often muddy; waterproof boots pay dividends.

Above the upper falls the trail exits the canyon proper and continues through open forest toward the Inkpots.

The Inkpots

The Inkpots are six cold mineral springs that pool in open alpine meadow above the canyon — a 12 km return hike from the trailhead. Each spring produces water of a distinctive turquoise-blue colour from dissolved minerals, and the springs vary in flow rate and clarity through the season. The meadow sits at the base of the Johnston Creek Valley with views up to the surrounding peaks.

The Inkpots section of the trail is less dramatic than the canyon below but rewards visitors who want a longer day and a quieter experience. By the time most visitors reach the springs, the canyon-section crowds have thinned substantially.

Wildlife note: The upper canyon and Inkpots area have active bears. Groups in this section are smaller and the canyon crowd effect disappears — carry bear spray, make noise, and travel in groups.

Winter ice walks

Johnston Canyon transforms in winter into one of the premier ice walk destinations in the Canadian Rockies. The falls freeze into towers of blue-green ice; the canyon walls are draped in curtains of frozen flow. The catwalks remain open (with added traction strips) and access is permitted with appropriate footwear — microspikes or ice cleats are mandatory.

Self-guided: The canyon trail is open for self-guided winter exploration from approximately December through March (subject to Parks Canada seasonal closures). Wear microspikes, dress warmly, and expect the upper trail to be significantly more challenging in icy conditions.

Guided ice walks: Several outfitters in Banff and Canmore run guided ice walk tours to Johnston Canyon in winter. These tours add historical and geological context, provide equipment if needed, and ensure you navigate the icy catwalks safely. See our ice walks in Alberta guide for tour options and comparison.

Book guided Johnston Canyon ice walks and summer canyon tours

Getting to Johnston Canyon

By car: Johnston Canyon Resort is on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), 17 km west of Banff townsite. The Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic alternative to the Trans-Canada — the drive itself is worthwhile, with frequent wildlife sightings especially at dawn and dusk. Parking at the resort is limited and fills early on summer mornings; arrive before 8 am or use the shuttle.

By shuttle: Parks Canada operates a shuttle from Banff townsite to Johnston Canyon during peak season. This is the most reliable option for mid-morning arrivals and removes the parking stress entirely. Check the Parks Canada website for the current season’s schedule and booking requirements.

On a tour: Multiple tour operators from Banff and Calgary include Johnston Canyon as a half-day or full-day stop. This is a practical option if you are day-tripping from Calgary or want to combine the canyon with other Bow Valley Parkway stops (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Castle Mountain).

Best time to visit

Early morning (7–8 am): The single most effective strategy for avoiding crowds. The canyon lighting in morning is also better for photography — the sun angles into the slot canyon rather than directly overhead.

Weekdays: Dramatically quieter than weekends between late June and mid-September.

May and June: Snow and ice on the upper trail and Inkpots section require microspikes or at minimum good grip footwear. The lower falls are in flood conditions (impressive, wet). The canyon section is accessible and often uncrowded.

September: The sweet spot. Crowds have decreased from summer peak, temperatures are pleasant, and the canyon vegetation takes on autumn tones. The Inkpots section is particularly pleasant in September light.

December–March: Winter ice walk season. The canyon is quiet on weekdays; weekends attract dedicated ice walk visitors. Microspikes essential.

What to bring

• Waterproof hiking boots (the lower canyon section is frequently wet with spray; the upper trail is muddy after rain)
• Rain jacket (spray in the lower falls viewing area is significant in high water)
• Trekking poles (helpful on the descent from Inkpots on uneven terrain)
• Water and snacks (no services on the trail above the resort)
• Camera in a waterproof bag or with a UV filter for the lower falls platform
• Bear spray for the upper canyon and Inkpots section
• Microspikes in winter (non-negotiable; the catwalks are extremely slippery when icy)

Safety and etiquette

Crowds management: The catwalks are narrow; yielding to oncoming foot traffic requires communication and patience. The canyon is at its most congested between 10 am and 2 pm on summer weekends. Do not stop on the catwalks for extended photography without checking that the trail behind you is clear.

Children and strollers: The catwalks have railings and are generally safe for children who can walk independently. Strollers and wheelchairs cannot pass through the catwalk sections. Baby carriers and toddlers in backpacks are common and practical.

Dogs: Dogs on leash are permitted on the canyon trail but the crowds, catwalk sections, and spray can be stressful for animals not habituated to noise and confined spaces. The Inkpots area has seasonal restrictions on dogs — verify current rules with Parks Canada.

Related guides

• Banff National Park guide — permits, parking, visitor logistics
• Ice walks in Alberta — winter ice walk season at Johnston Canyon and other locations
• Banff with kids — family-friendly activities including Johnston Canyon
• Ha Ling Peak hike — nearby day hike from Canmore for families wanting a summit experience
• Banff Upper Hot Springs — natural follow-up after a long canyon day

Frequently asked questions about Johnston Canyon hike: lower & upper falls guide

Is Johnston Canyon hike worth it?

Yes, for most visitors. The catwalk system inside the canyon is genuinely unique, the lower falls viewing platform is a remarkable piece of trail engineering, and the seasonal ice walk transformation makes it a trail that works across multiple seasons. The crowds on summer weekends are real but manageable with an early start.

How difficult is the hike to the Inkpots?

The Inkpots extension is 12 km return with 215 m elevation gain — longer than most casual hikers expect. The terrain is straightforward but the distance accumulates. Plan for 4–5 hours with the canyon stops included. Wear proper hiking footwear and carry adequate water.

Can I hike Johnston Canyon in the rain?

The canyon section is sheltered and relatively comfortable in light rain — the waterfall spray makes wet conditions almost expected. The trail surface becomes slippery; waterproof boots and a rain jacket are standard equipment regardless of forecast. The Inkpots section in heavy rain is muddy and exposed; consider turning around at the upper falls if conditions deteriorate.

Is Johnston Canyon open in winter?

The catwalk trail and lower canyon are generally open for winter walking (December–March), subject to Parks Canada conditions and closures. Microspikes are mandatory. The trail is transformed when the falls freeze — many visitors consider the winter version more dramatic than summer.

Browse Banff guided winter and summer canyon tours