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Your Ultimate Johnston Canyon Travel Guide — So You Won’t Get Lost in Nature!

Clever Canadian Written By: July 2025

There’s a reason why Johnston Canyon is a popular hiking trail in Banff. It’s easy to follow, well-maintained, and only takes a short time—it’s totally beginner-friendly!

It’s also breathtaking, and you don’t even need to reach the very top to see magnificent views. Every turn you make is picture-perfect! You don’t even have to be a hiking pro to visit this breathtaking place.

But it’s still a good idea to learn a few things to make your adventure hassle-free. So, we’re sharing our handy guide for locals and tourists who want to explore Johnston Canyon, complete with trail directions, places to eat, and all sorts of tips! Read on!

What is Johnston Canyon?

Johnston Canyon is an easy hiking trail located in Banff National Park. It’s open all year and has well-marked trails, making it ideal for hikers of all skill levels.

Time Zone

Mountain Standard Time (GMT -6)

Best Time to Go

You can visit any time you want since Johnston Canyon is open year-round. Summer, from June to September, is peak season, so expect a flock of tourists.

If you prefer a quieter hiking experience, visit in the fall, around late September to October. The orange hues of the season are stunning and the weather won’t be too hot, although wear layers because snow will start to fall on the mountains.

You could go in November since October can still be fairly busy, but layer up because it’s the start of winter. When the waterfalls are frozen, it adds a dramatic and magical perspective!

This is a popular hiking spot that locals and tourists go to. So, it’s best to arrive early, at least before 8 am, to avoid large crowds and queuing at the viewpoints. 

Things to Know

Admission: Park Pass (required for national parks in Canada)

  • Adult: $11
  • Senior: $9.50
  • Youth: Free
  • Family/Group: $22
  • Commercial Group: $9.35 (per person)

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Trailhead: Johnston Canyon Parking Lot, near Johnston Canyon Lodge

Wheelchair Accessibility: Only parts of the first path of the trails are accessible. The walkway isn’t spacious enough for a wheelchair and there are uneven obstacles along the way that make it difficult to navigate.

Dog-friendly? Yes, but with a leash.

Language: English

How to Get to Johnston Canyon

Car: From the Town of Banff, head toward Mount Norquay Road and turn left onto Trans-Canada Highway, going to Radium Hot Springs.

Then, turn right onto Banff-Windermere Highway and take another right turn to Bow Valley Parkway. Keep driving until you reach Johnston Canyon Lodge.

Bus: Ride the Roam Bus Route #9, which runs from Monday to Sunday in the summer. During fall and winter, it operates on weekends and statutory holidays only.

What to Do in Johnston Canyon

Go on a hiking adventure

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When in Johnston Canyon, you must hike! There really isn’t any other way to reach the stunning lookout points.

It’s fairly easy, though. It has hiking trails for all skill levels with wooden bridges. But it’s not for pros looking for a challenging route.

The trailhead is at the parking lot of Johnston Canyon Lodge, which isn’t tough to spot because there are lots of cars most of the time.

If you want to know which areas you can hike, here are the trails:

Lower Falls Trail

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Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2.4 km round trip, 1 hour

The Lower Falls Trail is the easiest and fastest route you can take, perfect for families and beginners. It has an elevation gain of 50 m with a moderate slope, so it isn’t tough to walk on.

It’s an easy start, even when ascending, as the paths are in good condition. Then, you’ll be walking on the boardwalk in the canyon, with the river down below—ready your cameras because the scenery is breathtaking!

Once you reach the small cave, you’ll have to crouch a little bit, but it won’t take long. And when you get out, you’ll finally reach the viewing platform in front of the waterfalls, which are 10 m high!

Do note that this spot tends to get extremely crowded in the afternoon. But if you arrive early in the morning, you won’t have to queue when admiring—and taking photos—of the waterfalls.

Upper Falls Trail

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Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 5 km round trip, 2 hours

Continue walking the bridge to reach Upper Falls, which is still a fairly easy hike, even with a slight incline, since the trail is on a boardwalk with a railing.

The walk is close to the river, giving you plenty of time to admire the scenery. Along the trail, you’ll see Stella and Marguerite Falls.

You’ll know when you’ve reached Upper Falls—once you hear the loud gushing of the water, you’re there. There’s a second viewing platform up top, which will give you a view of the falls from above.

This is also a good turnaround point if you don’t want to continue on.

Ink Pots

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Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Duration: 11.4 km round trip, 4 hours

Now, this part of Johnston Canyon is more of a hike than a walk, and even feels like you’re not in Johnston Canyon anymore. Instead of boardwalks, you’ll be walking on a dirt path that turns muddy when it rains.

Expect a slight incline but nothing extreme since most of the trails are fairly flat, although the ascent can be tricky for beginners and children. You’ll know once you reach the Ink Pots, since there will be a sign as long as you stay on the path.

The hike is definitely beautiful, as it opens up to sweeping views of the meadows since you’re out of the canyon. You’ll discover a total of seven mineral springs, which are green or blueish in colour.

There are also benches along the trail for a quick break or snack. Some are even near he springs!

This part of the hike is definitely less crowded than Lower and Upper Falls, making it ideal for a tranquil but not too empty escape. Hiking back to the parking lot is mostly downhill, which is the same way you went up.

Where to Stay near Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows

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Address: Bow Valley Parkway, Banff
Contact: 1-888-378-1720, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout: 4 pm & 11 am
Pricing: $$
Best For: Couples and families looking for a cosy getaway
Website
Book Now

If your main goal in Banff is hiking the Johnston Canyon, the most convenient place to stay is the Johnston Canyon Lodge, which is literally at the trailhead.

This boutique hotel, open from May to October, has lots of charm and is quintessentially Banff. The cabin-style accommodation, gorgeous scenery, complete amenities, and cosy spaces make it ideal for a quick stay.

Aside from hiking in Johnston Canyon, you can wander in the Rockies by renting a bike or enjoy the cosiness of it all. Even though this is far from the town, you won’t have to worry about where to eat since there’s a bistro, cafe, and market at the lodge.

Johnston Canyon Campground

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Address: Bow Valley Parkway, Improvement District No. 9
Contact: 1-403-762-1550, [email protected] (Banff Visitor Centre)
Operating Months: May – September
Pricing: $
Best For: Couples, groups, and families seeking a rustic camping experience
Website

For individuals searching for a quiet escape that’s close to nature, camping will bring a more authentic experience. You can either set up a tent or bring your RV (for only up to 27 ft) to the Johnston Canyon Campground.

It’s also a more affordable option than staying in a hotel, since it costs only $30.50 per night (subject to change), and we know how expensive Banff can get. There are 132 camping sites in total, tucked in the mountains.

Although unserviced, the common amenities are there, such as showers, flush toilets, and kitchen shelters.

Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins

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Address: Banff National Park, Highway 93 South
Contact: 403-762-4155, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout: 4 pm & 11 am
Pricing: $$
Best For: Couples and groups wanting to unplug
Website
Book Now

At Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins, nature is literally your backyard. It’s a hidden gem situated between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise, making it a perfect place to stay if you want to explore other hiking trails.

It’s also for locals and tourists who want to enjoy a quiet Banff vacation, somewhere far from the town but not unreachable. And when we say quiet, we mean no WiFi and TVs, since the lodge works on generators.

Eating will be in the dining area because there are no kitchens in the cabins, but an in-cabin take-out lunch is available. That’s no biggie for guests who are ready to unwind and go offline!

Moose Hotel & Suites

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Address: 345 Banff Ave, Banff
Contact: 403-760-85701, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout: 4 pm & 11 am
Pricing: $$$
Best For: Solo travellers, couples, groups, and families looking for a convenient place in town
Website
Book Now

Staying in the middle of town makes everything easy. Moose Hotel & Suites is just a hop and a skip from downtown, taking you away from the busiest streets, but the shops and restaurants are still within reach.

All the amenities are here, including complimentary WiFi, a coffee maker, a tea kettle, and an iron and ironing board. You can also relax at the pools (one is on the rooftop for the views!), sauna, fitness room, and spa.

Aside from the free parking, guests will have complimentary bus passes for Roam Transit to make going to Johnston Canyon a breeze!

Where to Eat near Johnston Canyon

The obvious choices would be to eat at the cafe or bistro at Johnston Canyon Lodge. It’s located near the trailhead, so it’s ideal for a quick meal before and after a hike.

But if you prefer to dine somewhere near or in town, we’ve got some delicious recommendations!

Hello Sunshine

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Address: Cascade Shops – 208 Wolf St #101
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $
Website
Menu

Hello Sunshine is your modern Japanese restaurant that has it all: sushi, ramen, burgers, and hot dogs! It’s the perfect comfort food after a tiring day outside, especially when you try their miso soup, which soothes the tummy.

The light yet filling sushi is even more delicious when your body’s tired. Try the Spicy Tuna Roll made with red tuna, or the Veggie Ramen for ramen that’ll make you full but not too full.

The Grizzly House

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Address: 207 Banff Ave
Contact: 403-762-4055
Hours:

  • Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 am – 9 pm
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Friday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm

Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu

The Grizzly House is a staple in Banff. After all, it has been serving tender and juicy steaks since 1967!

The highlight of this place goes to the fondues. There’s the classic Belgian chocolate with fresh fruits, but also some interesting choices you might want to try, like the Exotic Fondue, which comes with venison, alligator, buffalo, and other wild meats.

LUPO

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Address: Cascade Shops – 208 Wolf St #201
Contact: 403-985-9180
Hours:

  • Sunday & Wednesday: Closed
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: 3 pm – 9:30 pm

Pricing: $$
Website
Menu

Italian food never disappoints, which is the same with LUPO. The pasta dishes are delizioso, like our favourite Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, which has rich flavours with a bit of a spicy kick.

For dessert, you have to try their tiramisu, which tastes exactly as it should. It’s soft and creamy with a little bit of bitterness.

What to Do Before Hiking in Johnston Canyon

Hiking in Johnston Canyon requires a checklist. To make sure you don’t forget anything, here are things you mustn’t forget to do:

  • Wear appropriate clothing. Dress in layers during cold months and wear breathable clothes during summer. In the winter, bring ice cleats for your shoes for extra grip.
  • Block the UV rays by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat and sunglasses. Not all hiking trails in the canyon will have shade from the sun.
  • Pick the season you want to hike in. While winter makes the waterfalls magical, it’s slippery and not for beginners.
  • Bring a small backpack with your hiking gear. Pack a reusable water bottle, snacks, bug spray, a first-aid kit, a waterproof pouch, and a camera.
  • Carry a bear spray because bears roam in Banff.
  • Buy your Park Pass, which is required when visiting Banff National Park. Without this, you could end up paying a fine.
  • Check for weather updates and look out for wildfire and avalanche advisories in the area.

FAQs about Johnston Canyon

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