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Johnston Canyon

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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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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221 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    149
    63
    6
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    0
Date Rating
Fremantle, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2013

Took the kids (youngest 11 years) up to the lower falls. The conditions were very cold and still lots of ice around (late April). The path was almost entirely hard-packed ice, and was very slippery. Luckily for us the girl at the tourist office in Banff recommended we get the ice spikes that just fit onto the outside of your... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Calgary, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2013

We try to go to Johnston Canyon at least twice a year. It is beautiful, and lots of places to take amazing pictures. However, you would think that the extremely icy trails could be better maintained throughout Apr/May. It would really only take a little salt/rocks in a few places to make the hike a million times easier for everyone.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Calgary, Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

We did this hike in mid January 2013. We got lucky 12 Celsius and not a cloud in the sky. We went later in the day, passed a few people on our way up, other than that it was basically just the five of us. Spectacular day for this adventure. Please beware in the winter it is very slippery. I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Lloydminster
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2013

About a half hour drive out of the town of banff, many photo opportunities, bathrooms on site. Very beautiful, you can decide just to go to the lower falls or the upper as well, was very slippery because everything was melting. We only went to the lower falls where there is a small tunnel you can go through. It is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
edmonton
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2013 via mobile

The four of us decided to go on this hike. It was very icey due to spring conditions but very fun. You might slip on your bum, but you will not get hurt. Great time, lots of cheap fun

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Marietta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2013

This is such a wonderful place. It's the second time we have made the hike. Once in November, covered in new snow fall, and now in April, covered in ice (yes, you need spikes on your shoes). We did not know we would encounter ice, so in our hiking boots we went. The trail is fabulous though. There are short... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Barrie, Canada
Top Contributor
67 reviews 67 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
79 helpful votes 79 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

Trail conditions in early April are highly changeable but the day I hiked you did not need crampons except in a few spots. Deep tread hiking boots recommended. Small children may struggle to keep their footing. About 35-45 min to the lower falls and 10 min more to the upper. Trail beyond climbs rapidly and turns away from the river... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Burlington
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 23, 2013

Wow! you must must must see this when you are in the Banff National Park, so beautiful! it's a nice long walk on a slim bridge up the sides of mountains, through caves and you come to this most wonderful waterfall, so beautiful, this is a must see for sure! you will never forget this!

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by Dawn T for Banff National Park
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 18, 2013

What a beautiful place this is. the snow filled caverns and the ice walk amazing (We did this on our own). The prestine waters which flow from here are amazing unbelievable how clean the snow and water are. The Icicles which form on the side of these mountains are amazing. The walk was some what of a challege getting there... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Sherwood Park, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

My husband and I booked this adventure. Hugh Johnston was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. It was an excellent trip

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