Johnston Canyon, Banff, Alberta, Canada. Lower Falls, Cavern Falls, Upper Falls and Ink Pots. This beautiful National Park is 15 miles/24 kms from Banff town. Drive here and park at the entrance or catch a Parks Canada shuttle bus from Banff train station to here. From the rear of the parking area, follow the trail across a footbridge. This leads to the lodge and trailhead on the west side of the creek. All distances are from the Lodge/Trailhead. Don’t forget to read TIPS at the bottom.
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Alberta
- Johnston Canyon
- Lower Falls – 0.7 miles/1.1 kms/40 minutes, easy hike
- Cavern Falls – (NOT officially named) 1.5 miles/2.5 kms/1.5 hour, moderate hike
- Upper Falls – 1.6 miles/2.6 kms/1 hour, moderate hike
- Ink Pots – 3.6 miles/5.8 kms/2.5 hours, difficult hike involving up and down mountain trails
1. Johnston Canyon
The walkway beside the creek leading to the falls. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
The trail begins immediately behind Johnston Canyon Lodge.
The walkway to the falls and the ink-pots is very pretty. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
After a short climb through the forest, it descends and stays close to Johnston Creek all the way to the Lower Falls.
The walkway, high above the creek. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
Along the way you pass over sturdy iron catwalks attached beneath overhanging canyon walls. The turbulent waters of the creek flow and thunder beneath your feet.
The walkway is more like a catwalk as it hugs the canyon walls. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
The trek from the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots is very demanding and no longer hugs the stream.
The trail from the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
You walk up and down mountain trails, sometimes rocky and sometimes with scattered tree roots on the ground.
The trail from the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
2. Lower Falls
The tunnel entrance to the viewing station for the Lower Falls. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
This 30 foot/9 meter waterfall, is a thundering and powerful yet comparatively small waterfall. View it from a bridge that crosses the creek or walk through a short tunnel in the canyon bedrock.
Tunnel leading to the viewing station at the Lower Falls. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
This tunnel leads you to a viewing station closer to the falls but very wet.
Lower Falls, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
Be mindful about your cameras as this viewing station gets really wet from the mist. If you have a raincoat, wear it.
Lower Falls, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
The Lower Falls prepare you for something bigger, Cavern Falls and the Upper Falls.
3. Cavern Falls (not officially named)
Cavern Falls that can be seen from the trail or from ground-level. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
The trail is very picturesque and you pass a few small waterfalls along the way. There are a total of six waterfalls within Johnston Canyon. On the trail between the Lower and Upper Falls, you will find a waterfall that is unique.
Cavern Falls has carved a path around this boulder, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
This 30 foot/9 meter waterfall has cut its way around a big boulder and has also carved a huge cavern besides the boulder. If you’re adventurous, you can scale down the side of the trail (slippery) and get to the bottom.
Picture from inside a cavern after a steep climb down to the creek. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
This picture is from inside the cavern, besides the big boulder and at the foot of the falls.
The Cavern formed by the sheer force of the water over time. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
This picture is of one part of the cavern, it is a surreal feeling to walk inside it.
Walking towards the back of the Cavern to go behind the Falls. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
Walk to the extreme end of the Cavern, and you will be behind the waterfall.
Behind Cavern Falls. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
4. Upper Falls
Upper Falls, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
This 100 foot/30 meter Waterfall has two viewpoints. The bottom of the falls is reached by a side-trail and catwalk that leads to a viewing platform. People line up here till it is their turn to click pictures, simple courtesy.
View of the Upper Falls from the viewing platform, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
A short steep climb on the main trail will take you to the top of the falls and another viewing platform. This one hangs out over the gorge above the waterfall.
The Upper Falls are a 100 foot/30 meter drop, simply gorgeous. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
Always stay on the trail and keep young children under control.
5. Ink Pots
The magnificent Ink Pots in the meadows besides Johnston Canyon Creek, Banff-Canada
Above Upper Falls, the trail climbs out of the canyon to join the trail from Moose Meadows. There is one junction in the trail, follow the sign for Ink Pots. Eventually, it descends to the meadows and the springs, located on the right side of the trail not far from the creek.
The Ink Pots are set with the most beautiful backdrop. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
There are seven cold mineral springs here that bubble to the surface in the open meadows beside Johnston Canyon Creek.
So serene and peaceful. The Ink Pots, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
These springs are unique, they have a constant temperature of 39°F/4°C and their basins are composed of quicksand.
The Ink Pots basins are comprised of Quicksand. Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
Yes, we did spot a Mama and baby bear but it was outside the canyon on the way back to Banff.
Mama and baby bear in a meadow, Johnston Canyon, Banff-Canada
There are no garbage bins along the way, bring back what you take with you.
TIPS
- There are no washrooms once you leave the lodge/trailhead
- Wear a Bear Bell
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothing, travel light
- Use insect repellent
- A comfortable trip right to the Ink Pots and back takes at least 6+ hours, leave early morning
- Towards noon is the busiest at the Lower and Upper Falls
- Hike to the Ink Pots first and on your way back, visit the Falls. You get less tired this way
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