Johnston Canyon Hike, Banff Difficulty summary: Lower Falls < Upper Falls < Ink Pots. On the way to the canyon you can take Bow Valley Parkway. We were lucky, saw a black bear and bighorn sheep. Really fun. For the hike we did the 1.5 mile Upper Falls trail. Round trip total 3 miles. Elevation gain around 1230ft, completely doable. Took me about an hour and a half round trip (kept stopping to take photos along the way). At the end of Upper Falls there's another bigger waterfall (photo 2). This was peak season, when we arrived everyone was lining up to take photos of this view. Not super shocking, but the main idea is "well, came all this way." End of August, Johnston Canyon was very cool. Most of the path has tree shade. Fairly easy walking. Lower Falls is a bit easier, good for all ages. Ink Pots round trip is 7.3 miles. I was hungry plus I'm not really an exercise person, so I just skipped it. Suggest bringing some snacks and water. Parking is especially hard in peak season, we circled for a long time waiting for someone to leave before we got a spot. After the bridge at the entrance there's a place to buy food and drinks. Coming back down you don't need to worry about nowhere to refuel. Hope everyone has fun! And safety first. Banff's most popular trail, Johnston Canyon. Saturday, how can you not get out and hike. Today's hike was Banff's most popular trail, Johnston to Inkpots. Johnston Canyon actually splits into three parts. The most famous are probably Lower Falls and Upper Falls. If you want to see the Ink Pots you have to keep going further up. Whole route is about 11.7km, supposed to take 4-5 hours. My friend and I took about six hours, walking and stopping for photos the whole way, took a lot of time, especially at Lower Falls there's a small cave you can go into for photos (photo four), we queued for our photo there for more than thirty minutes. Ink Pots are several natural cold mineral spring pools. Spring water comes up from underground, forming a few shallow pools in the meadow. Because the underground spring keeps bubbling up, the water surface has a very obvious movement and bubbling feel. Interesting thing is each pool is a different color, my favorite was the blue-green one, had a kind of Tiffany Blue feel to it. On the way back we also saw a chipmunk, very cute.
Johnston Canyon Waterfalls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Johnston Canyon Waterfalls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Johnston Canyon Waterfalls famous?
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff's most popular hikes, famous for its dramatic catwalks suspended along vertical limestone canyon walls and the stunning Lower and Upper waterfalls carved through the narrow gorge. The accessible yet spectacular scenery has made it an iconic Canadian Rockies destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Can you swim at Johnston Canyon Waterfalls?
No — swimming is not permitted in Johnston Canyon. The creek is cold and fast-flowing, and the focus is on the scenic canyon walk. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Johnston Canyon Waterfalls?
Dogs permitted on-leash on trails, but must stay on designated paths. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Johnston Canyon Waterfalls free? Do you need a permit?
Parks Canada pass required for Banff National Park. Daily or annual Discovery Pass needed; purchase at park gates or online. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Johnston Canyon Waterfalls?
Large paved parking lot at the trailhead on Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), about 23 km northwest of Banff. Parking is free but fills quickly in peak season; arrive early morning or late afternoon. Trailhead begins directly from the parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Johnston Canyon Waterfalls?
Lower Falls: 1.1 km / 0.7 mi one-way (2.2 km / 1.4 mi return). Upper Falls: 2.7 km / 1.7 mi one-way (5.4 km / 3.4 mi return) from the parking lot. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Johnston Canyon Waterfalls hike difficulty
Easy to Moderate — paved and boardwalk trail with gradual elevation gain, some staircases, and catwalks attached to canyon walls. Can be icy in winter. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Johnston Canyon Waterfalls?
Late spring to early fall (June–September) for accessible trails and flowing waterfalls; winter for ice walks with frozen falls, though crampons are required. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Johnston Canyon Waterfalls
From the parking lot, follow the paved trail along Johnston Creek into the canyon. The trail features metal catwalks bolted to the canyon walls with stunning views into the narrow gorge. After 1.1 km, reach the Lower Falls via a short tunnel behind the cascade. Continue another 1.6 km uphill through forest and more catwalks to reach the Upper Falls viewpoint at 30 meters high. The Ink Pots are an additional 3 km beyond the Upper Falls.
Johnston Canyon Waterfalls official website
Attractions near Johnston Canyon Waterfalls
- •Ink Pots — colorful cold mineral springs about 5.5 km beyond the Upper Falls
- •Moose Meadows — wetland area with wildlife viewing along Johnston Creek
- •Castle Mountain — iconic rocky mountain visible from Highway 1A near Johnston Canyon
- •Lake Minnewanka — large glacial lake about 45 minutes drive, offering boat tours
- •Town of Banff — mountain resort town with shops, restaurants, and hot springs, 25 km away
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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