Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon
4.5
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Scenic wooded canyon with trails for hiking and biking.
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- Rodger HTemecula, California63 contributionsWorthy hike and a change of pace from the lakesExcellent hike. Very crowded but amazing views of the canyon below plus 2 waterfalls. It is a mile and 1/2 to the second fall and there are elevation gains so, make sure you are prepared for this. There are restrooms near the entrance and benches to rest on if you need them.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2023
- Debbie SErin, Canada47 contributionsStunning!Absolutely stunning! An easy walk along a boardwalk in the canyon. Great photos ops. Definitely a must see when in Banff. Make sure you bring your own beverages because they charge almost $4 for a can of pop. Don’t be one of those crazy tourists that hops the fence on the edge of the canyon (this happened when we were There!) the fence is there for a reason!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 20, 2023
- luv4phoodMarietta, Georgia900 contributionsBusy but worth itWe arrived early so that we would nit have any difficulty with parking at the main parking area for the hike. This is a very popular hike and there are lots of tour busses with visitors walking only the first half mile to mile of the hike. The first 1.5 miles of the trail is paved. There are lots of fantastic viewpoints, platforms and bridges along the trail to the lower and upper falls. Do not turn around at the upper falls. Hike the final 1.5 miles of trail to the ink pots to be rewarded with a beautiful alpine meadow.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 16, 2023
- Tanya SOttawa, Canada11 contributionsExceeded Expectations, Absolutely MagicalVisited on a weekday late morning, walked to the upper falls and were in awe the entire way. The simple beauty of the snow covered tall pines, waterfalls, rock walls and icicles is must see. The size of the canyon itself is very impressive which we were not expecting since everything usually looks smaller in photos. A very peaceful hike through an enchanted forest. No crowds, most time we were the only ones on the trail.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 5, 2023
- Holidays814Isle of Man, United Kingdom63 contributionsFrozen Johnston Canyon!We had hoped to catch the Roam bus number 9 to Johnston canyon to do a self guided ice walk since less expensive than a tour. However, the bus only runs at the weekends between October and May, which didn’t suit. We therefore booked a small group tour (10 people) with Banff Adventures. I’m not usually a fan of guided tours but this was excellent! The tour guide made sure we all introduced ourselves to each other, which was a good start. It was great to meet and chat to others in the group along the way! The ice cleats provided were not the best but were sufficient, and the guide ensured everyone was safe as we walked along. I thought Johnston canyon was more impressive in the winter than summer - definitely worth going!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 30, 2024
- Stacscuba37 contributionsJohnson Canyon HikeMy husband and I did this Hike with Mike from Lake Louise Chateau. Mike was extremely full of information, from the roads and how they do the fencing with the animal crossings to making sure we all had ice pick shoe coverings for the walk. The walk did, in many areas, need to have the added shoe grip. I was grateful not to be one of those people holding the railings and sliding with no control. The hike was not difficult, but does have some inclines to the falls. It was SO beautiful!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 27, 2024
- Joanna S17 contributionsWell worth a visit!This might just have been one of the best things we did on our two week roadtrip of Canada! I didn’t really know what to expect but loved our hike to both the lower and upper falls. Visiting in early May, we were lucky that the crowds were totally manageable and there was zero queue to view the falls from the hole in the rock. Though we were directed to the overflow parking, there was still ample space. Worked up a bit of a sweat trekking to the upper falls, but still very manageable and there were walkers of all levels enjoying the falls.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 10, 2024
- DAROHATHCairns, Australia1,286 contributionsWinter wonderland❄️Johnstone Canyon is so worth a visit! We had a hire car, so were able to visit and walk the canyon on our own. We were there later in the afternoon, so only saw about 6 or so other people, which was great. I can imagine it could get VERY busy and this would diminish the experience significantly. I think being with a tour group would be the same. When we were there in March, spikes were definitely required.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2024
- Elsa C. L.New York City, New York4,953 contributionsWorth the hike to the lower fallsIn my view, the upper falls is not worth the hike since there isn’t a full view of the falls from the edge of the platform (ref. Picture uploaded). The hike to the lower falls is pleasant with the canyon’s flowing water’s soothing music. The trail is of moderate difficulty given the rising ground. At the up-close view of the lower falls, visitors could share the space with a minimum of four people maximum of six as the space is not narrow. Sharing would shorten the long wait. Two to three groups of two could take pictures without impinging on others’ space.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 3, 2024
- sainbashaIrvine, California3,969 contributionsGorgeous gorgeAfter spending first half of the day at Lake Louise, we visited Johnston Canyon. It was first half of May so it was still pretty chilly and icy. But advantage was crowd was much more thin and you could easily trek without bumping into people. The Johnston canyon trail runs along the canyon and river. It has an elevation of around 100 meters or so. The first level is around 2.5 kilometers and you reach the lower waterfalls. This is just lovely with awesome views. The entire hike is fairly easy and takes about an 45 minutes to reach. The next level goes to the upper level water fall which is an additional 2+ kilometers. We hiked to this spot and did not go further up towards ink-pots. The entire hike going, sightseeing and coming back took around 3 hours. It was a good healthy activity and recommended to be done. Ample parking is available and there is no other fee for this, than the park entry ticket.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Eric F
Fort Myers, FL141 contributions
Nov 2019
I completed this hike in November and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The river was partially frozen so there was clear ice on it. The waterfall and caves were really cool and I enjoyed seeing them. The trail had quite a few people, but I understand why so many would want to hike this trail. Being inside of a small canyon with a waterfall is a nice little feeling and this trail helps contrast Banff's vast landscapes by serving as a small but stunningly beautiful hike.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jobylake
Ottery St. Mary, UK1,181 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We added Johnston Canyon to our 2023 itinerary as we chose to do something different on a previous visit in 2016 with only one full day in the area.
Jetlag was winning so we were up early. We had been to the supermarket the day before to collect some breakfast pastries for the walk.
We set off for Johnston Canyon and arrived around 9am. We went on 4th July, the day after the Canada Day weekend so most people had left the area. As it was fairly early, there were plenty of places to park the car. There is a restroom area by the entrance.
This is a very pleasant moderate walk through the trees along trails and the walkway. We walked to both the Lower and Upper Falls (total distance is around 5km and took around 3 hours there and back with a stop at the Upper Falls to eat). At the time we arrived, there weren’t many people around and quite a few were already heading back. There was no waiting at the secret cave area so we took our pictures and moved on to the Upper Falls.
We stopped at the top and had something to eat before heading back down. By the time we got back to the Lower Falls, it became apparent that there was a couple of tour groups and the queue for the cave was well over the bridge (so probably around a half hour wait depending on how many Instagram photos one person needed).
On the day of our visit, most people only headed to the Lower Falls as the trail to and from the Upper Falls was a more strenuous walk.
There are pinch points along the boardwalk if it is busy but as we were going back, it wasn’t an issue. The café near the car park wasn’t open.
Driving back to Banff we saw some Bighorn Sheep on Highway 1A.
I would recommend you get here as early as possible if you want to make use of your day (after we popped over to Mount Norquay viewpoint and had a quick gander at the Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain too) and take advantage of the peace and quiet before the hoards of people and tour groups arrive.
Jetlag was winning so we were up early. We had been to the supermarket the day before to collect some breakfast pastries for the walk.
We set off for Johnston Canyon and arrived around 9am. We went on 4th July, the day after the Canada Day weekend so most people had left the area. As it was fairly early, there were plenty of places to park the car. There is a restroom area by the entrance.
This is a very pleasant moderate walk through the trees along trails and the walkway. We walked to both the Lower and Upper Falls (total distance is around 5km and took around 3 hours there and back with a stop at the Upper Falls to eat). At the time we arrived, there weren’t many people around and quite a few were already heading back. There was no waiting at the secret cave area so we took our pictures and moved on to the Upper Falls.
We stopped at the top and had something to eat before heading back down. By the time we got back to the Lower Falls, it became apparent that there was a couple of tour groups and the queue for the cave was well over the bridge (so probably around a half hour wait depending on how many Instagram photos one person needed).
On the day of our visit, most people only headed to the Lower Falls as the trail to and from the Upper Falls was a more strenuous walk.
There are pinch points along the boardwalk if it is busy but as we were going back, it wasn’t an issue. The café near the car park wasn’t open.
Driving back to Banff we saw some Bighorn Sheep on Highway 1A.
I would recommend you get here as early as possible if you want to make use of your day (after we popped over to Mount Norquay viewpoint and had a quick gander at the Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain too) and take advantage of the peace and quiet before the hoards of people and tour groups arrive.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
buttercup1211
Winnipeg, Canada1,758 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Right from the parking lot and to the upper falls, this trail was just beautiful at every turn. From the babbling brooks, to the rapids as you get closer to the falls, and the the actual falls themselves, the walk and slight climbs are worth it! I think my favourite is the viewing platform to the lower falls because you just feel the power of it right in front of you.
Highway 1A is closed from Castle Junction so do yourself a favour and book a reservation breakfast or brunch at Blackswift Bistro so the Parks Canada staff will let you through, otherwise, it is quite the walk to Johnston Canyon from the barricade! The bistro has a good breakfast menu!
Highway 1A is closed from Castle Junction so do yourself a favour and book a reservation breakfast or brunch at Blackswift Bistro so the Parks Canada staff will let you through, otherwise, it is quite the walk to Johnston Canyon from the barricade! The bistro has a good breakfast menu!
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlenFC
Gold Coast, Australia286 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
This is a lovely location and worth a visit. The walk along the canyon was incredible and not too difficult. I would love to do it again in winter.
It was certainly busier than we expected and we didn’t allow enough time. Our operator allowed us 1.5hrs but we probably needed 2-3 to really enjoy it.
The onsite restaurant was disappointing in relation to staff service (quite rude).
It was certainly busier than we expected and we didn’t allow enough time. Our operator allowed us 1.5hrs but we probably needed 2-3 to really enjoy it.
The onsite restaurant was disappointing in relation to staff service (quite rude).
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mncatkim
Mesa, AZ52 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Would recommend going here either very early in the day or later afternoon during the busy season. It is very crowded but worth the trek up the canyon to see the magnificent waterfalls and river. It is otherworldly there. The colors and the rock formations with the cantilever walk way over the river is gorgeous. If you are driving and not taking the bus service, parking will be challenging at the lot, however, next to the trail parking is private parking and you can buy a parking pass and just park there. It was 15 CAD. They also have a little store and cafe. The walk to the trail is very short from that lot as well. I would recommend that option if you are driving. I would imagine in the off season this place is just as impressive. A must do if you are in the Banff area!
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M D C
Saskatoon, Canada337 contributions
Aug 2022
We went early in the morning and found it cool so bring a jacket if you are an early bird. The hike is on that difficult as I am not a hiker found it not that bad. There are to waterfalls, the lower and upper. They are beautiful and like all waterfalls make you appreciate the power of the water our there. There is also a little coffee shop and of course a gift shop. It was a great start to the day.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelrads
New York City, NY547 contributions
Aug 2023
Would be a 5 if not for crowds!
Drove from Lake Louise arriving at approximately 09:15. First Parking lot full few spaces left in second lot. Trail is on a canter levered boardwalk deep within the canyon, making for a unique experience allowing one to view the canyon walls from inside. Walk to lower falls is pleasant, hike to upper falls is steeper. Massive crowds. When we arrived at lower falls there was a long line waiting to take infinite selfies in the "secret cave". We did not wait, we stepped out onto the bridge for a full view of the falls. The upper falls can only be viewed in their entirety from a small viewing platform at the end of the trail. We arrive about 10:30 and waited about 12 minutes to get to the platform. We viewed the falls and took some photos. When we left about 10:50 the line had grown massively probably an hour wait. One of the reasons for the long waits is the small viewing areas and families that take an infinite number of selfies. Very few people actually look at the falls. Actually one has little time at the falls for contemplation, just a short look and snap a photo type of thing. other issue with crowds lots of inadequately supervised kids running up and down the trail and knocking into people.
Advice: Beautiful unique experience, go very early, like sunrise, or on shoulder season
Drove from Lake Louise arriving at approximately 09:15. First Parking lot full few spaces left in second lot. Trail is on a canter levered boardwalk deep within the canyon, making for a unique experience allowing one to view the canyon walls from inside. Walk to lower falls is pleasant, hike to upper falls is steeper. Massive crowds. When we arrived at lower falls there was a long line waiting to take infinite selfies in the "secret cave". We did not wait, we stepped out onto the bridge for a full view of the falls. The upper falls can only be viewed in their entirety from a small viewing platform at the end of the trail. We arrive about 10:30 and waited about 12 minutes to get to the platform. We viewed the falls and took some photos. When we left about 10:50 the line had grown massively probably an hour wait. One of the reasons for the long waits is the small viewing areas and families that take an infinite number of selfies. Very few people actually look at the falls. Actually one has little time at the falls for contemplation, just a short look and snap a photo type of thing. other issue with crowds lots of inadequately supervised kids running up and down the trail and knocking into people.
Advice: Beautiful unique experience, go very early, like sunrise, or on shoulder season
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maggielentz
29 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Johnston canyon is a very beautiful place. It is magical in the winter when the snow is thick and the place seems very desolate and quiet. Our guides and discover adventures were incredible add picking us up on time and guiding us through a hike that ended with hot chocolate and cookies. I highly recommend this hike for everyone because is not too heavy or steep. I loved Johnston Canyon is a very beautiful place. It is magical in the winter when the snow is thick and the place seems very desolate and quiet. Our guides and discover adventures were incredible add picking us up on time and guiding us through a hike that ended with hot chocolate and cookies. I highly recommend this hike for everyone because is not too heavy or steep. I loved it!
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gail S
Sydney, Australia119 contributions
Mar 2020
This is an absolute must do if you are visiting Banff.
What I will warn is that no where does it explain the level of fitness required to do this walk. All the brochures say easy and suitable for all levels of fitness and age...well I have to say I struggled with it. I am in my 60’s and I do have a level of fitness in that I can easily walk 5kms and I swim 1km almost every day but this walk was NOT easy.
There is some steep up hill parts albeit short and even the coming down requires use of muscles so that you do not slip. So just a warning to consider.
Having said that I did make it and it was very worth while the view from the top falls is AMAZING and we even saw ice climbers in action.
If you don’t think you can make it to the top falls, the bottom falls gives you a really good taste of Johnston Canyon and it is easier to get to.
We went on a tour but you could easily do it yourself as a lot of people do and then you can take it at your own place and turn around when you like as it is one trail there and back, you cannot get lost.
What I will warn is that no where does it explain the level of fitness required to do this walk. All the brochures say easy and suitable for all levels of fitness and age...well I have to say I struggled with it. I am in my 60’s and I do have a level of fitness in that I can easily walk 5kms and I swim 1km almost every day but this walk was NOT easy.
There is some steep up hill parts albeit short and even the coming down requires use of muscles so that you do not slip. So just a warning to consider.
Having said that I did make it and it was very worth while the view from the top falls is AMAZING and we even saw ice climbers in action.
If you don’t think you can make it to the top falls, the bottom falls gives you a really good taste of Johnston Canyon and it is easier to get to.
We went on a tour but you could easily do it yourself as a lot of people do and then you can take it at your own place and turn around when you like as it is one trail there and back, you cannot get lost.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgina H
Leicester, UK49 contributions
Sep 2022
A scenic and not very difficult walk.
Takes about 1 hour start to finish, to lower falls only.
Unfortunately the walk was closed towards the upper falls due to health and safety reasons but that’s understandable/unavoidable (though some idiots did jump over the barriers to try and adventure further despite the warnings).
When I did it 10 years ago all was open and well worth the visit.
Use the free parking lots and don’t pay ten dollars to park at the cafeteria; you need to walk from the café to the parking lots anyway to use the rest rooms. Thanks to the kind person who gave us his parking pass as he only spent an hour or so there. We passed it on again to another visitor when we left.
There was a queue to go through the little tunnel to go through for people to photograph the waterfall. (Only one at a time due to the size.) One person took over 20 minutes to take his photos which was not fair on other people waiting,
Takes about 1 hour start to finish, to lower falls only.
Unfortunately the walk was closed towards the upper falls due to health and safety reasons but that’s understandable/unavoidable (though some idiots did jump over the barriers to try and adventure further despite the warnings).
When I did it 10 years ago all was open and well worth the visit.
Use the free parking lots and don’t pay ten dollars to park at the cafeteria; you need to walk from the café to the parking lots anyway to use the rest rooms. Thanks to the kind person who gave us his parking pass as he only spent an hour or so there. We passed it on again to another visitor when we left.
There was a queue to go through the little tunnel to go through for people to photograph the waterfall. (Only one at a time due to the size.) One person took over 20 minutes to take his photos which was not fair on other people waiting,
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bom dia. Quanto tempo, mais ou menos, precisamos para fazer esse passeio? Tem estacionamento pra motorhome? Obrigada
Written May 27, 2024
Going in mid June. What time would we have to get there to find parking and beat the crowds?
Written January 16, 2024
We had no issues. I think it was full when we first tried. We went a few mins down to see another falls on my plans, then came back and was able to park. It all depends on people parked there if they are doing the shorter walk to first fall or continuing on to the top. Highly recommend going all the way to the top.
Written January 28, 2024
Ciao, potresti dirmi quanto tempo devo calcolare per fare tutto il percorso?
Grazie!
Written September 11, 2023
Hi! We are planning to visit in August. How long is the hike to the lower falls round trip? Planning to arrive early before 7 AM.
Written July 15, 2022
Ack …you said round trip…so 1 1/2 hours + -
Written July 15, 2022
Hoping to do Johnston Canyon on July 5, 2022. Any photographers have information about the best time of day in July for good lighting of the falls? Hoping to arrive early in the day (8 a.m.) if lighting is good at that time.
Written May 15, 2022
How are the conditions on the trail, is it fairly icy?
Written March 15, 2022
Hi there, was wondering if there is a bus from Johnston canyon to Banff? We’re doing a day trip to the Banff gondola and not sure if we should drive and park or if there is a bus that can take you there? Need to figure it out as I’m buying the package before going for the ride and dinner and don’t want to mess up the time frames. Thank you
Written August 10, 2021
We're planning to do Johnston Canyon in the second week of April. By that time, would the trail be mostly thawed through, such that the ice pick crampon things you put on boots are unnecessary? I don't want to buy things that won't actually be needed.
Written March 20, 2021
Peut on déposer son sac a dos dans un endroit?
Written September 13, 2019
Hallo. Kan iemand mij vertellen of het veilig is om via trip advisor te bestellen? Wij zitten nu in Banff en zouden de tocht vrijdag heel graag willen doen
Written March 5, 2019
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