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All 92 Banff National Park Attractions »

Johnston Canyon

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
4.5 of 5 stars 100 Reviews
Type: Canyons
Activities: Hiking
Traveler Description: Location Details:  Directions: 30 minute drive northwest of Banff on Trans Canada Hwy (watch for the signs)  Latitude / Longitude: 51.245695... more »
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100 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    65
    31
    4
    0
    0
Date Rating
Calgary, Alberta
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

This really is a beautiful hike with an excellent trail and it can be extended to the ink pots (which is a nice spot with benches for sitting). My only advise on this one is GO EARLY... very early or else it's packed. Being from Calgary, I tend to avoid it during the summer, finding it more pleasant and enjoyable... More

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Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

The combination of waterfalls, catwalks along canyon walls, very colorful ferns and plant life make this one the best (and easiest) hikes we've taken. Very easy on the feet (all paved/steps). More

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Sherwood Park, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

Absolutely packed most of the time...not the most interesting trail, just a cement path, but very scenic and good for kids with the waterfalls and a cave at the end. More

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Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

This is one of the most breathtaking hikes for how easy it is to access. Very well maintained trails. All the trails are paved or boardwalk suspended on the sides of the canyon. Lower falls is a great hike for anyone. The upper falls is a bit more of a walk but worth it. The scenery is amazing and exhibits... More

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Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

This is an excellent half day hike and if you stick it out until the end its totally worth it! In May there were still a looter of snowy and icy patches but in a few weeks it should all be cleared up. More

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Canada
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

If you are in the Banff area you have to check out a place like Johnston Canyon. The higlights are the 2 waterfalls but beware, I was expecting a light, short hike and did not dress appropriately. Wear proper footwear because you are travelling uphill. Bring water too (or buy it at the store there). More

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Perth, Australia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Our family went for a great walk up to the lower falls look out which was very beautiful with the snow just starting to melt. The walkways were a bit slippery but if you take your time it was no problem. The round trip was about 1 hour going at kids pace! Well worth the effort. More

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Calgary
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is possibly the most popular walking trail in Banff Park. In summer months it can get very crowded so it is best to start before 10AM or after 2:30PM. Keep in mind in early July the sun will setting around 10PM so there is still lots of time to do this walk in the evening. For tourists that don't... More

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Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

This is a very short hike from the parking lot. Winter makes things a bit challenging due to the ice covered paths. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with mobility problems. Ice cleats are a good idea but you can make it without if you don't mind a little slipping and sliding. We made it to the lower falls which... More

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Calgary, Canada
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 31, 2012

Remarkable what a small river can due to create a canyon. A must see in the summer, but spectacular in winter. A guided tour is best to enjoy all that it has to offer. More

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