Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular walks in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Very close to Banff, on a wonderful scenic old section of highway, Johnston Canyon Alberta is a great family day walk with several falls, a few friendly squirrels and usually lots of people. There are 2 or 3 (or 7) waterfalls/cascades on this path depending on who's counting. Falls flow year round but accessible approx May - October. We are told the trail is open all winter but I suspect not very safe at many winter times.
Highway Directions
From Banff Alberta begin at intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 1a just north of town, drive west on Highway 1a (Bow Valley Parkway) 20.1km (13mi), turn right into the signed parking lot for Johnston Canyon. From Lake Louise Alberta begin at intersection of Highway 93 Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway, drive south on Highway 93 for 79km (49mi), bear right (southeast) at junction of Highway 93 Icefields Parkway, drive west/southwest on Highway 1 for 27km (17mi), bear right onto offramp for highway 1a Bow Valley Parkway, turn left at overpass Banff Windermere Highway / Bow Valley Parkway, drive 6.8km(4.2mi) along Bow Valley Parkway over the freeway the road eases east, turn left into the signed parking lot for Johnston Canyon. From Golden BC drive west on Highway 1 Trans-Canada for 79km (49mi), bear right (southeast) at junction of Highway 93 Icefields Parkway, drive west/southwest on Highway 1 for 27km (17mi), bear right onto offramp for highway 1a Bow Valley Parkway, turn left at overpass Banff Windermere Highway / Bow Valley Parkway, drive 6.8km(4.2mi) along Bow Valley Parkway over the freeway the road eases east, turn left into the signed parking lot for Johnston Canyon.
Local Directions
Walk up the signed and likely busy trail for .8km (.5mi) to reach Lower Johnston Canyon Falls. Follow the sometimes steel bolted to the wall trail for another 1.6km (1mi) to reach Upper Johnston Canyon Falls. Without stopping its about an hour both ways to lower falls and 2 hours to upper falls. Of course why would you do this walk without stopping?
Photographing Johnston Canyon Falls
There's not much direct sunlight in the canyon making it a great place for photographing waterfalls. Expect this canyon to be quite busy especially on weekends. There are many small waterfalls leading up to the main falls at the end. There are inkpots in the upper section leading to the upper falls but sadly we haven't seen them yet.
