Anna Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular trails in Banff National Park located about 20 min north of the town of Banff. It’s perfect for both a family hike (easy enough for little kids) or a solo stroll. Either way Johnston Canyon is a can’t-miss stop on your Banff National Park itinerary. Note that access to the canyon area also requires the park pass.
Getting There
There is public transportation available from the town of Banff to Johnston Canyon via Roam Transit Route 9. Meet the bus at the Banff High School and enjoy the 30 minute bus ride down the scenic Bow Valley Parkway lined with jagged, snow-capped mountains. Here’s a link to the Johnston Canyon route 9 bus schedule to plan out return trips and bus fares.
If you’re driving your own car, also be aware that the parking lot fills up at peak times and it’s best to arrive early or late. To avoid crowds and avoid a parking headache, we opted to hike the canyon in the late afternoon (4pm ish). When we got to the parking lot there was plenty of space, and there was a steady flow of hikers exiting the trail. There was hardly anyone else there by this time of day- and it was so peaceful. However, keep in mind that the canyon begins to darken before sunset, so it’s a good idea to bring a headlamp or flashlight for safety during the later hours.
A Journey Through a Winding Moss-Covered Canyon
This trail is extremely scenic, following a river through a serene moss-covered canyon. The water is so clean and it’s that iconic shade of vibrant Banff blue. Walking along this gorgeous river is so calming. What’s really cool about the trail is that it’s fortified with steel catwalks. They that loom directly over the rushing rapids and weave under fern covered boulders. They’re an interesting feature that makes the trail feel very rugged and adventurous. Fortunately, the trail isn’t difficult at all! It’s mostly flat with a very slight incline, making it accessible for families with young kids. Expect some stairs along the trail, and the catwalks can become slippery at times. The trail is 3.4 miles out and back to the upper falls.
Lines form around the catwalks and the cave when the trails are busy. The catwalks are narrow, and sometimes require single file traffic. You may want to plan your visit during the off-peak times to avoid traffic jams.
Exploring the Waterfalls and Hidden Caves
The Johnston Canyon trail hosts two main waterfalls, with smaller falls sprinkled throughout the length of the trail.
The Lower Falls: The first waterfall can be viewed from either side of the river. Catwalks line the waterfall, allowing hikers to enjoy the view from multiple perspectives. A bridge over the river offers sweeping views up and down the canyon. It leads to a cave naturally carved from the bedrock creating a hidden natural viewing platform to observe the lower falls crashing into a deep blue pool.
This feature is really unique and you can grab some great photos from this angle. It’s a small area, however, accommodating about 4 people at a time. Be aware that the cave is short, so watch your head. The ground is damp and can get slippery, as it collects the mist from the waterfalls.
The Upper Falls: The second waterfall is much larger and dramatic. The series of catwalks extends well into the center of the river, to provide a great view of the upper falls and towering canyon walls. The whole scene feels very remote and immersive.
The Ink Pots: The trail continues on for another 3.2 miles to get to the Ink Pots. These are a series of quiet blue pools along Moose Meadow. In the winter, the trail is crusted over with dramatic icicles, creating a mesmerizing ethereal scene. The ink pots are scenic and remote, a gorgeous point of interest in the Johnston Canyon area, but much less traveled spot in Banff National Park.
Accommodations in the area
Johnston Canyon is home to the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows and offers the following accommodations.
The Blackswift Bistro is casual dinning with a full bar or 25$ corkage fee. They even serve gluten free and vegan options as well.
Market Cafe: A full cafe serving small meals. Here you can enjoy a latte to go, pastries, sandwiches etc. Half of the area is a beautiful gift shop.
The Shack: An actually wooden shack serving up ice cream cones. They also offer coffees, water bottle and trail snacks.
There are also thankfully, large restroom facilities with flush toilet!! Not all trail sites within the park have flush toilets and it feels like a luxurious commodity when you find them.
Plan Your Perfect Visit
For an optimal experience on this Johnston Canyon trail, consider the following:
- Timing: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid parking headaches and long lines at narrow sections of the catwalks.
- Transportation: Utilize public transit if possible, or plan to arrive early if driving. Be careful driving home at night; Bow Valley Parkway has a higher incidence of wildlife crossing the road. Use high beams and watch for animals.
- Safety: Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to hike in the late afternoon as natural light diminishes quickly. Watch footing on wet catwalks and damp cave floor. Always be bear aware!!
- Other considerations: don’t feel wildlife, even small animals. Be careful of dropping paper cups, water bottles and other litter. Accidents happen, of course, but it’s difficult to retrieve the trash in this area under the catwalks 🙁
It’s easy to see why this is one of the most scenic and interesting hikes in Banff National Park. Johnston Canyon Trail and the Ink Pots through Moose Meadow are serene and unique — they’re truly can’t miss hikes in Banff. As always, I welcome questions and comments. Can’t wait to chat with you 🙂 and thank you for reading!
