Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most iconic and accessible adventures. Its narrow limestone canyon, waterfalls, and catwalks built right into the cliffside make this short and scenic hike a must do outing. This place get super super crowded so we highly recommend coming here early morning or late in the evening. Because the walkway is narrow and the common photo spots tiny, it gets really overwhelming. If you don't like crowds, we would say that arriving by 8:30 am is perfect - we did this and had the whole canyon to ourselves.

The trailhead is located off the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). There's quite a big parking lot with facilities but it does fill quick. There is also an overflow parking lot so don't worry! From there, the hike to the Lower Falls is just 1.2 km (one way) along a paved path and metal catwalks. The falls spill into a narrow pool, and a short tunnel carved through the rock lets you get right up close — prepare for a refreshing mist! Don't miss getting up and close with the falls - when you go midday you'll notice a big queue of people waiting to get into this tunnel to get their picture taken.

If you’re up for a bit more, you can hike another 1.3 km to the Upper Falls. This section climbs a little more through the forest, but it’s still beginner-friendly. The Upper Falls are taller and are more dramatic — in winter, they freeze, drawing ice climbers and photographers alike.

The whole round trip is about 5.5 km, and it’s family-friendly, with plenty of places to take photos, and enjoy the sound of rushing water. If you're up for even more, you can hike to the famous inkpots lookout which would make your roundtrip about 10 km.

There is usually an ice cream stand at the start of the trail and a gift shop with snacks as well.

In winter, Johnston Canyon transforms into a frozen wonderland. With ice cleats or spikes, you can walk the same trail and see the waterfalls frozen solid — it’s magical, and arguably even more beautiful than in summer.