Johnston Canyon
Photos Maps Summary: This is probably the busiest trail in Banff National Park because of its stunning scenery and ease of access. Unfortunately, this means that it is hard to find a parking space and the trail will be very crowded at most times of the day in the summer and winter. Here, Johnston Creek has carved a narrow and deep (up to ~100') canyon through the limestone. Steel catwalks have been attached to the canyon walls to allow visitors the thrill of walking inside the canyon, just above the creek. Because of this experience and the five waterfalls seen along the way, Johnston Canyon is probably the best slot canyon trail in the area. Many of the other trails that visit slot canyons stay on the rim and do not move within them (e.g., Maligne and Marble). Be sure to check out the little cavern at the base of the Lower Falls for up close and personal view of the waterfall. You can find guided ice walks happening in the winter months.Distance: 3.1 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 365' totalSeason: Year-roundFees & Permits: None (other than the park entrance fee)
Finding the Trailhead: 51.24567 N, 115.83994 W (Johnston Canyon Parking Lot). From Banff, follow CAN-1 west for ~3.4 mi (5.5 km) and exit on the Bow Valley Parkway (Promenade de la Vallee de la Bow). Follow this northwest for ~10.8 miles (17.4 km) and turn right into the parking area just before crossing Johnston Creek. The trail begins off the northern tip of the parking area. Be sure to arrive either early in the morning or late-afternoon/evening to get a parking spot.
The Hike: From the parking lot's northern tip follow the trail over the footbridge above Johnston Creek, turn right, and find the trailhead sign (~0.1 miles). From here, the paved trail climbs slightly through the forest before meeting the creek and catwalks. The color of the creek along the hike is a beautiful aqua marine. At ~0.75 miles the junction with a short side-trail to the base of Lower Johnston Canyon Falls is reached. Turn right here to cross the footbridge and pass through the small cavern to reach the base (~350' round-trip). Back on the main trail, follow it as it switchbacks up above the Lower Falls and comes even with the top of the waterfall. Beyond this the trail reaches a viewpoint of the small Tunnel Falls at ~0.9 miles. There are fantastic views from within the canyon during this section of trail. A viewpoint downstream of small Stella Falls is reached at ~1.1 miles before the trail comes even with the waterfall. The trail comes to a junction with the Ink Pots Trail near an obstructed view of Cavern Falls at ~1.25 miles. Stay right here to continue toward the Upper Falls. Just past this viewpoint we found a mostly unimpeded view of Cavern Falls (not recommended, very steep terrain).
The end of the Johnston Canyon Trail is reached just below Upper Johnston Canyon Falls at ~1.5 miles from the parking lot. Please be more considerate and smarter than the people who decide to climb out of the catwalk and cross the creek to the base of this waterfall. Retrace your steps back to the parking lot or continue on to the Ink Pots (~2.3 miles from the trail junction).
