The Johnston Canyon hike is one of the most popular trails in Banff National Park. Explore two impressive waterfalls leading through the canyon, with the option of continuing through the forest to the ink pots. Whether you’re looking for easy winter hiking in Banff or a longer hike to the ink pots, the family-friendly Johnston Canyon winter hike offers something for everyone.
Last Updated: February 17, 2024
A few years ago, I had a very unique experience on the Johnston Canyon hike. With the Bow Valley Parkway closed to vehicle traffic (due to the pandemic), I walked an extra 6 km along the road to the Johnston Canyon Trailhead. I was completely alone at the Johnston Canyon falls and ink pots, and only crossed paths with one or two others on my way back. Bow Valley Parkway reopened to vehicle traffic in July 2021 but has seasonal closures to the east of Johnston Canyon Campground from March to June. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, visit Johnston Canyon early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Whenever you visit, the Johnston Canyon hike is a must-see in Banff National Park!
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About Johnston Canyon Hike — Winter Hiking in Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Distance: 12 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to length)
Elevation: 530 metre gain
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
Features: The Johnston Canyon hike is a family-friendly trail in Banff National Park, including lookouts at the Lower and Upper Falls. For a longer outing, hike to the end of Johnston Canyon Trail to find several small, turquoise pools called Ink Pots. In the winter months, it’s possible to experience an ice walk through the canyon as well (though I haven’t personally done this).
Johnston Canyon Trail Map
Directions to Johnston Canyon Trailhead
To reach Johnston Canyon from Calgary, take a scenic drive through Banff National Park with the Johnston Canyon Trailhead located about 25 km from Banff and 34 km from Lake Louise. Follow the Trans Canada Hwy west from Calgary for about 145 km and take Exit 50 toward Bow Valley Parkway (Alberta Hwy 1A) through Castle Junction. Turn right to go east on Bow Valley Pkwy for about 7 km to Johnston Canyon. Driving from Calgary should take about 2 hours. If you’re in Banff without a car, the Roam Transit Route 9 provides daily service between Banff and Johnston Canyon from May and September, and weekend service from October to April.
Note: The well-maintained Johnston Canyon hike is open year-round, including indoor washroom facilities at the Johnston Canyon Trailhead. Did you know that nearly one million people pass through Johnston Canyon every year?
Johnston Canyon Winter Hike
If you’re visiting Banff National Park, the Johnston Canyon hike is worth the visit. As one of the popular trails around, you might want to consider an early morning or late afternoon trip. No matter when you arrive, Johnston Canyon offers a short and well-maintained hike to the Lower and Upper Falls, which are pretty spectacular all year round. For example, Johnston Canyon’s Lower Falls is only about 2.5 km from the trailhead, which is a fairly easy trip for the whole family. Once you get there, why not keep going to the Upper Falls which is about 5 km from the trailhead? And to escape the crowds, especially in the winter months, head out to the unique ink pots for a 12-km out and back journey.
If you’re new to Johnston Canyon, you’ll quickly see why it’s a great place to visit in any season. In the winter, large icicles formed from frozen waterfalls create wondrous winter scenes, and roaring falls capture the attention of crowds in the summer. Highly-maintained trails include metal catwalks adding stability and safety rails beside the canyon. While it’s a family-friendly trail, I wouldn’t bring a stroller here.
Read next: Tunnel Mountain Hike in Banff National Park
Johnston Canyon Hike — Lower Falls and Upper Falls
In the summer, Johnston Canyon Lower Falls typically bursts with activity, as visitors wait their turn to enter the cave. When I visited in the winter, I found an empty bridge waiting to be crossed. If you’ve never been, it’s worth checking out the views from inside the cave, with a unique vantage point of the roaring Lower Falls. After a short stop, I keep going to find the Upper Falls. While I had visited several times before, this was my first Johnston Canyon winter hike.
How cool are those icicles on canyon walls? (pun intended) The Johnston Canyon Upper Falls provided impressive frozen scenery, but it wasn’t possible to get too close with the last extension of the catwalk temporarily closed. In the dead of winter, when the canyon’s water is frozen solid, the Johnston Canyon ice walk offers a different kind of adventure. I didn’t explore the ice walk this time, but I enjoyed the similar Maligne Canyon ice walk in Jasper National Park. If you’re going to do this, trail crampons are essential for traction on slippery ice.
Read next: Maligne Canyon Hike in Jasper National Park
Johnston Canyon Ink Pots
If you’ve got the time, hiking to the Johnston Canyon ink pots is about 12 km out and back and takes between four to five hours. As I approached the ink pots, knee-deep snow made it difficult to go far without snowshoes. The five turquoise pools were all in view, glistening in the afternoon sun. For an easier time, bring trekking poles and sturdy winter hiking boots. After hiking through the forest, the ink pots is the only place with mountain views. It’s a lovely spot to visit if you have time and energy.
In the summertime, there are many other hiking trails in Banff National Park that I would choose over Johnston Canyon. That being said, it’s popular for a reason and highly worth visiting. If the timing works, try to plan a Johnston Canyon winter hike. Don’t forget to bring day hiking essentials for the journey.
Read more: Chester Lake Hike: Winter Hiking in Kananaskis Country
What To Bring — Winter Hiking in Banff
When exploring outside in the winter months, it’s important to bring the right gear and wear appropriate clothing. If you’re new to winter hiking, check out this post for tips and suggestions on what to wear. I always dress in layers to keep warm (and shed when I’m too hot), with a baselayer, midlayer, and outer layer. I’d also recommend wearing trail crampons in the winter, and perhaps using hiking poles if you want extra support. And of course, always carry your essential hiking gear, like a water reservoir and first aid kit. In the winter, I sometimes carry my Jetboil stove to boil water for a hot drink.
Read next: Winter Hiking for Beginners: What To Wear Winter Hiking
Know Before You Go — Johnston Canyon in Winter
Park Pass: To visit Johnston Canyon, you’ll need to purchase a yearly or day park pass. Buy your pass online, or at the park gate or visitor centre. Make sure your pass is displayed in your vehicle while parked at Johnston Canyon.
Parking: During peak times, parking at Johnston Canyon can be limited. You may want to arrive early to secure a spot. That being said, parking is typically less challenging in the winter months.
Toilets: You’ll find indoor toilet facilities available year-round next to the trailhead. It’s wise to use the washroom before starting the hike, as there are no outhouses or toilets along the Johnston Canyon Trail.
Pets: You can bring your four-legged friend on the Johnston Canyon Trail, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Be prepared to manage your pet in snowy and icy conditions.
Wildlife: Banff National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black and grizzly bears, and even cougars. During the winter, wildlife encounters are less common, but it’s always important to keep a safe distance and never feed or approach wildlife. Bring bear spray especially if you’re heading to the ink pots, and know how and when to use it.
Safety: The Johnston Canyon winter hike can be slippery and hazardous due to ice and snow. I suggest wearing microspikes or trail crampons for extra grip. Bring enough food and water, and extra warm clothes just in case. I would also carry a small first aid kit and satellite communications device just in case (especially if you’re hiking alone).
More Winter Hikes Near Banff
Looking for more things to do in Banff in winter? Here are a few other winter hikes nearby that you may want to check out:
- Tunnel Mountain Hike in Banff National Park
- Lake Minnewanka Hike in Banff National Park
- XC Skiing Moraine Lake Road in Banff National Park
- Little Lougheed Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Prairie Mountain Hike Near Bragg Creek, Alberta
Have you experienced the Johnston Canyon winter hike or are you planning to visit Johnston Canyon soon? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
