Johnston Canyon Tours
1 Review
The jewel-blue water of Johnston Creek streams through the sheer-sided canyon, foaming white as it careens down waterfalls into pools below. A well-maintained trail—including a cliff-affixed walkway with incredible views—makes Johnston Canyon one of Banff National Park’s most accessible and beloved day hikes.
The Basics
Coach tours from Banff and Calgary typically stop at Johnston Canyon and other beauty spots in the Canadian Rockies, such as Moraine Lake, Victoria Glacier, and Takakkaw Falls. While many travelers hike the trail independently in summer, in winter it’s better to go as part of a guided tour, as you’ll need special equipment to navigate the trail safely. Many multi-day excursions exploring Banff, Jasper, and Yoho national parks also visit the canyon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The trail to Lower Falls is wide, paved, relatively easy, and accessible to wheelchairs.
- There are two viewing platforms at Upper Falls: one overlooking the bottom of the falls, and one at the top of the gorge looking out across the top of the falls.
- You’ll find restrooms at the parking lot, and a gift shop and restaurant in Johnston Canyon Resort (summer only).
How to Get There
Johnston Canyon is about a 30-minute drive from Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway. Buses run a seasonal route between Banff and Johnston Canyon. The trail starts behind Johnston Canyon Lodge.
When to Get There
The Johnston Canyon trail is one of the busiest in Banff. If you’re going in summer, prepare for crowds—the trail usually has fewer hikers before 9am and just before sunset. For a more serene experience, opt for a nighttime winter tour, when the frozen canyon is silent except for the sound of your footsteps on the snow.
Hiking at Johnston Canyon
Choose from several Johnston Canyon hikes. A round-trip walk to Lower Falls is about a mile (1.6 kilometers), with an elevation gain of around 164 feet (50 meters). The round-trip trek to Upper Falls is about 3 miles (5 kilometers)—the path gets steeper after Lower Falls. More experienced hikers might continue another 2 miles (3 kilometers) to the Ink Pots, shallow mineral springs bubbling to the surface in a high mountain meadow.
Address: Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Canada
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Johnston Canyon
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Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk
Discover one of Banff National Park’s most popular hiking trails at night, without the fear of getting lost, during this small-group tour. Equipped with a headlight, explore Johnston Canyon with a guide leading the way, and marvel at shimmering frozen waterfalls and hike along a suspended catwalk. Then, take a break to warm up mid-route with hot chocolate and maple cookies.
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From
$67.53
From
$67.53
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Experience the winter wonderland of Banff’s Johnston Canyon on this ice walk tour. Join a professional guide on a hike along the canyon’s steel walkways, to visit the beautiful lower and upper waterfalls, and learn how this majestic canyon was formed. Your excursion includes round-trip transportation, ice cleats, and a hiking pole, plus a light snack and hot chocolate to help warm you up.
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From
$67.53
From
$67.53
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Johnston Canyon Icewalk from Banff
Trek safely through Johnston Canyon in the winter, surrounded by frozen waterfalls and ice pillars, in the company of a guide. This half-day tour allows you to embark on an icy trek without worrying about safety issues or directions; your guide is with you the whole way. Listen to guided commentary on the canyon's formation and see fossils buried in the rocks, giving a window into the past. This moderately difficult hike includes cookies and hot chocolate to warm up with at the conclusion.
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From
$67.53
From
$67.53
Small Group Snow Activity & Johnson Canyon Winter Fun from Calgary or Banff
Perfect for one day snow fun tour!
Attractions:
● Lake Louise Ski Resort - Tubing & Gondola (Optional)
● Johnston Canyon
● Lake Minnewanka
For adventurous people who like to the winter outdoor activities, this tour gives your the opportunity to experience tubing, sightseeing gondola, and icewalking activity at Canadian Rockies in the winter. This is great for those who want to explore the amazing wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in an active way.
Also visit Johnson Canyon, Banff National Park's most popular Icewalking destination. It takes you into the depths of a canyon along catwalks and amongst spectacular fronzen waterfalls (anti-slip equipment is included; If closed, replaced by Vermilion Lake)
Stop at Lake Minnewanka, a place with rich history where the mountains stand stark and impressive against the sky. Nature is coming alive around you and you’re happy you woke early to experience it. This is what you came to the Canadian Rockies for.
Small group - Maxmium 8 guests
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From
$112.22
Price varies by group size
From
$112.22
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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