Banff/Johnston Canyon

Jeremie Misquitta

This trail is such a lovely way to spend a few hours outdoors. The path winds through the canyon with the sound of rushing water always nearby, making it a peaceful and refreshing walk. There are two beautiful waterfalls along the way — one lower and one upper. The full route through the canyon is about 5.5 - 6 km, you may choose to visit just the lower falls for a shorter 2–5 km hike. The upper falls are absolutely worth the extra effort — a rewarding finish to a scenic and relaxing adventure in nature.

Maxim Gavrilenko

This hike was amazing! The parking lot was pretty packed but there were open spots in each row and the bathrooms were clean. We came at around 4 and there were still a LOT of people. The trip has 3 main destinations- lower falls, upper falls, and the ink pods. We went all the way to the I’ll pods and the trip was about 12km(7.5 miles) there and back. The views were breathtaking and even some postcard worthy pictures. Highly recommend

Mei Po Ho

We arrived to the park around 9am and parking was plentiful. The park paths are well maintained and the waterfalls are amazing! Such a beautiful park. Then we continued on to the Ink Pots and the scene was stunning. The path to the Ink Pots has a bit more elevation. You may need more time to get there and back.

Ananta Patel

We did the hike from Johnston Canyon all the way to the Inkpots, and it was an unforgettable experience. The trail through the canyon is well-maintained and offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. The catwalks built into the canyon walls make for a unique hiking experience. Once you pass the Upper Falls, the trail becomes quieter and more natural, leading to the serene Inkpots — beautiful turquoise pools bubbling from underground springs, surrounded by open meadows and mountain views. It’s a peaceful spot to rest and soak in the scenery before heading back. The full hike took us about 4–5 hours round trip at a relaxed pace with plenty of photo stops. Highly recommend starting early to beat the crowds at the canyon and enjoy the tranquility of the Inkpots.

Florin M

My hike through Johnston Canyon was simply fantastic. The route is exceptionally well-maintained, with sturdy catwalks and bridges that allow you to get up close to the incredible scenery without feeling unsafe. The views along the way are spectacular, with the waterfalls thundering through the narrow canyon. ​The real gems of the hike are the fabulous Upper Falls and, for those who continue on, the beautiful Ink Pots. Reaching the Ink Pots is a bit more of a challenge, but the serene, naturally colored pools are a truly unique reward that makes the extra effort completely worth it. ​This hike offers a great physical challenge that is both fun and rewarding, even for those who might not be experienced hikers. It's accessible enough for most, but challenging enough to feel like a real accomplishment. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a memorable and beautiful experience in Banff National Park.