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Johnston Canyon
Eight thousand years ago, this canyon was formed by rushing waters.
Plan Around Johnston Canyon
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Johnston Canyon Details
Johnston Canyon provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and explore. Eight thousand years ago, this canyon was formed by rushing waters. Today, a trip through Johnston Canyon yields an opportunity to experience the limestone core of a mountain. Within the canyon you'll find a cool, moist, shady environment, all formed millions and then thousands of years ago. Debris from glacial outwash diverted the nearby creek and forced the water to follow fractures in the bedrock. Overtime, the rock eroded leaving us with Johnston Canyon. At Johnston Canyon you'll find an interpretative 1 kilometer paved trail, that takes you over catwalks and through tunnels to the Lower Falls. The Lower Falls is wheelchair accessible as well. Explore the upper falls via a windy path and stairs and take in the 30 meter drop from the top viewing platform. You can also access the ink pots from the upper falls. These are a series of blue-green pools from the mountain springs. If you arrive at Johnston Canyon in the winter months, make the trek into the falls to embark on an ice climb, or just watch the many climbers attempt the fall. Just make sure you bring the proper footwear, as it's not an easy ascent if covered in ice. Johnston Canyon is a crowd favorite along the parkway during the summer, so visit early in the morning (before 9am) or in late evening if you are looking for a quieter experience. You'll find restrooms, a gift shop and restaurant at the nearby Johnston Canyon Resort should you need a bite to eat or pit-stop before or after visiting the falls.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Nearby Parks Around Johnston Canyon
Compare nearby parks around Johnston Canyon when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Johnston Canyon
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Johnston Canyon while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Take some time to check out the Lower Falls in Johnston Canyon, one of Bannf National Park's most spectacular natural features.
0.6 mi away
Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
Climb the falls for a fantastic vantage point.
0.9 mi away
Johnston Canyon Campground
This camping site is 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) from downtown Banff, off of the Bow Valley Parkway.
1.3 mi away
Moose Meadows
Though named for the massive animals, you're more likely to see deer in these meadows than moose.
1.8 mi away
Ink Pots
Follow the trail to see where warm water bubbles up from the Earth's surface.
