Johnston Canyon
Banff's most popular hike. Steel catwalks bolted to limestone cliffs lead deep into the canyon. A 5 km round trip takes you to the Lower and Upper Falls, which freeze into blue ice in winter.
Johnston Canyon lies beside the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) between Banff town and Lake Louise. It is 25 km from Banff, about 30 minutes by car, and is Banff National Park's most popular short hike. Johnston Creek has cut a narrow canyon up to 30 m deep through the limestone. Parks Canada has built steel suspended walkways (the Catwalk) on the cliff face, so visitors walk above the rushing water, pressed against the rock.
From the parking lot to the Lower Falls: 2.4 km round trip, about 1 hour. A short tunnel leads to an observation cave in front of the falls, where you will get soaked by the mist.
To the Upper Falls: 5.2 km round trip, 120 m elevation gain, about 2–2.5 hours. There are two viewing platforms, and the falls drop 30 m.
Fit hikers can continue 3 km to the Ink Pots, seven bubbling blue-green springs in a mountain meadow. The round trip is 11.6 km and takes about 4 hours. It is less crowded and very beautiful.
In winter (December–March), the falls freeze into blue-white ice, and climbers ice-climb the cliffs. Visitors can walk the catwalks wearing ice cleats, or join an Icewalk guided tour (about CA$90, including equipment).
Admission is free (a park pass is required).
Transport: From mid-May to late September, private vehicles face restrictions on the eastern section of Highway 1A (at certain times and in one direction), and the parking lot is usually full after 9 a.m. Take the Roam Route 9 bus from Banff town (about 30 minutes, reservation required) or a Parks Canada shuttle. In winter, self-driving has no restrictions.
Nearby: Highway 1A is itself one of the best routes for wildlife viewing, with elk, black bears, and wolves often seen in the early morning and at dusk. Scenic stops along the way include the Castle Mountain viewpoint and Morant's Curve, a classic photo spot on a railway bend. It can also be combined with Lake Louise on the same day.
Notes: The catwalks are narrow, and in peak season you must move slowly with the crowd. Rain and winter make the catwalks slippery, and ice cleats are essential in winter. The canyon is cooler than the outside, so bring a jacket. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Banff Sunshine Village & Sunshine Meadows
- Mount Norquay
- Vermilion Lakes
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Banff Town
- Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
- Fairmont Banff Springs
- Bow Falls