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A family in front of a waterfall on the Johnston Canyon trail in the summer in Banff National Park.
A group of people on a guided ice walk in Johnston Canyon in the winter in Banff National Park
Hiking

Hike Johnston Canyon

Nestled within the awe inspiring landscapes of Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon offers an exciting hiking adventure for all ability levels. The well-maintained trail winds through lush evergreen forests, with suspended catwalks guiding hikers to the lower and upper falls.

Accessible year-round, the canyon transforms in the winter, offering a magical experience with snow covered trails and frozen waterfalls. Book a guided tour with an engaging local guide or explore the trail independently.

Good To Know

Difficulty
Easy
Duration
1-3 hrs
When
Year Round

Plan Ahead

Take Roam Transit Route 9 or bike to the trail head.

Location

Distance from Banff:
25km
Distance from Lake Louise:
34km

When to go

Operating Dates

MonthOperating Status
JanOpen
FebOpen
MarOpen
AprOpen
MayOpen
JunOpen
JulOpen
AugOpen
SepOpen
OctOpen
NovOpen
DecOpen

Busy Times

Everyday, June - October

Local Tips

  • Parking is limited at this popular trail. Avoid missing out and use Roam Transit Route 9 everyday in the summer and on weekends and stat days in the winter.

  • The trail is icy in the winter time, traction devices for your shoes are essential to ensure you're able to enjoy the trail. These are available to rent or buy at many retailers in Banff.

Getting There

  • Roam Route 9: Daily service from May - September and weekend service from October - April.

  • Hop On Banff: Explore the highlights of Banff National Park from June to September with this flexible sightseeing tour - including a stop at Johnston Canyon.

  • Guided E-Bike Tours: Take a bike and hike tour from May to October with White Mountain Adventures or Banff Cycle.

  • Guided Ice Walk: Take a guided Ice Walk tour through Johnston Canyon from November to April with transportation included.

More Information

  • Lower Falls Trail

    Difficulty: Easy

    Length 1.2 km one way

    Hiking time: 1 hour round trip

    Trailhead: Johnston Canyon day-use area

  • Upper Falls Trail

    Difficulty: Easy

    Length 2.5 km one way

    Elevation gain: 120 m

    Hiking time: 2 hour round trip

    Trailhead: Johnston Canyon day-use area

Useful Links

Let's do this!

The providers below offer Johnston Canyon tours, with availability varying by season.

Banff Adventures

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Banff Adventures

Banff Cycle and Sport

Equipment Rentals
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Banff Cycle and Sport

Discover Banff Tours

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Discover Banff Tours

Hop On Banff

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Hop On Banff

Mountain Park Transportation

Shuttles & Taxis
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Mountain Park Transportation

Radventures

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Radventures

Stellar Experiences

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Surrounding Areas
See details about Stellar Experiences

White Mountain Adventures

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about White Mountain Adventures