Skip to main content
A shot of the immense Johnston Canyon with a couple walking along the boardwalk.
A shot of person smiling while they look around Johnston Canyon.
A couple winter hiking over a bridge heading toward a cave opening to the lower falls at Johnston Canyon.
A couple hiking the snowy trails between the trees while the sun peeks through, while winter hiking at Johnston Canyon.
The view looking up at an ice climber at the top of an ice wall while ice climbing at Johnston Canyon.

1 / 5

Loading...

Johnston Canyon is Banff National Park’s most popular hiking destination for good reason. Walk into the depths of a canyon along gentle trails and catwalks to view seven spectacular waterfalls. The experience fills your senses with the sights, sounds and smells of spectacular Canadian Rockies mountains, forests and woodland creatures. It’s rated as an easy hike, ideal for all ability levels. An early-morning or evening start is best for avoiding the summer crowds, and the ideal times to enjoy Johnston Canyon are before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. in the summer months. The hike is accessible year-round, and the snow-covered trails and the frozen waterfalls are magical in winter. Johnston Canyon is 25 km (15 mi) from Banff. Take the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), which branches off the TransCanada Highway.

Follow on social

Contact Information

Banff, Canada

Canadian Rockies

Map data © 2024 Google

Highlights
Families & Kids
Adventure Enthusiasts
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
A shot of person smiling while they look around Johnston Canyon.
Johnston Canyon is a popular destination year-round, with snowshoeing and ice climbing available during winter months.
A couple winter hiking over a bridge heading toward a cave opening to the lower falls at Johnston Canyon.
Johnston Canyon's trail includes a series of catwalks and bridges, allowing hikers to experience the canyon’s beauty up close.
A couple hiking the snowy trails between the trees while the sun peeks through, while winter hiking at Johnston Canyon.
The trail to the Lower Falls is approximately 1.1 kilometers one way, while the Upper Falls trail is about 2.7 kilometers one way.
The view looking up at an ice climber at the top of an ice wall while ice climbing at Johnston Canyon.
The area is famous for its impressive rock formations and cascading waters, which are illuminated by natural light.

Start planning your Alberta experience

Accommodations
Getting Here
Climate & Weather
Maps & Transportation
Health & Safety
Frequently Asked Questions