Johnston Canyon
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Johnston Canyon is a limestone canyon in Banff National Park, Alberta, between Banff and Lake Louise.
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Why go
- Sheer canyon walls, tunnels and pools carved by Johnston Creek.
- Two waterfalls: Lower Falls, about 10 metres high, and Upper Falls, about 30 metres high.
- Six blue-green, spring-fed pools called the Ink Pots.
- A hiking trail follows the canyon to a meadow in Johnston Valley.
Opening hours
Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59
The trail
- Length
- 5.7 km each way to the Ink Pots
- Start
- Canyon trailhead
- Route
- Lower Falls after 1.2 km; Upper Falls another 1.3 km beyond; then a steeper climb to the Ink Pots.
Safety
- Some natural trails near the falls were closed to protect nesting American black swifts; current access to those paths is not established here.
- The initial walkway has safety rails; later trail sections are rugged and natural.
Photo spots
- Canyon walkwayWalkways and bridges follow the canyon near the trail’s beginning.Near the beginning of the canyon trail
- Ink PotsThe pools have different colours, with bubbles regularly rising from the water.In the meadow beyond Upper Falls
Facilities
- Lodge
- Large parking area
How to get there
- CarBeside the Bow Valley Parkway, between Banff and Lake Louise, with parking at the canyon’s foot near the creek mouth.
Accessibility
- Trail access The first 1.2 km to Lower Falls is paved and described as accessible. The route later becomes rugged and natural.
Shorts
-
Johnston Canyon - Frozen waterfalls. Banff National Park. Alberta. Ca…The Wandering Travellers
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📍Johnston Canyon hike in Banff, CanadaThe Jones Passport
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Johnston CanyonThe Travel Playbook
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Johnston Canyon, Banff, AlbertaCanadaXplorers
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Johnston Canyon, BanffAnna Kormany
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Hike Johnston Canyon with me in #banff!Talina Travels
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Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Hike | Easy Waterfall Trail in Banff Nati…Sam | Explore the Map
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Johnston Canyon Upper FallsGAUTAM PATEL
Sources: Johnston Creek (Alberta) - Wikipedia · Activities and experiences - Banff National Park · Johnston Canyon - Wikipedia · checked 27 Sep 2026
Where
Bow Valley Pkwy, Banff National Park
- Phone
- +1 403-762-1550
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
How far is the hike to the Ink Pots from Johnston Canyon?
The route from the parking lot to the Ink Pots is 5.7 km.
How tall are the waterfalls at Johnston Canyon?
Lower Falls is about 10 metres high. Upper Falls is about 30 metres high.
How do you get to Johnston Canyon from Banff or Lake Louise?
Johnston Canyon is beside the Bow Valley Parkway, between Banff and Lake Louise. Parking is at the canyon’s foot.
What are the Ink Pots at Johnston Canyon?
They are six spring-fed pools in a meadow in Johnston Valley. An underground spring keeps their water around 4°C for much of the year.
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