Johnston Canyon: Day Trips and Tours from Banff

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most visited sites, and for good reason. This spectacular gorge features two thundering falls, which can be reached via a scenic stroll amid mountains and through pine forests.

You can expect a Johnston Canyon day trip from Banff to be action-packed, with a variety of activities on offer. Whether you prefer to hike, bike or drive around the national park’s most spectacular spots, you’ll find a tour to suit your needs.

Here's all you need to know about Johnston Canyon, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips from Banff.

How to get to Johnston Canyon from Banff?

Johnston Canyon is located in Banff National Park, approximately 30 kilometers from Banff town.

From Banff to Johnston Canyon by car

An easy way to make the journey to Johnston Canyon from Banff is to drive. By car, the route takes approximately 30 minutes and is simple to navigate.

You'll leave Banff in a northwesterly direction and follow the Trans-Canada Highway 1 until you reach a fork in the road. Here, you'll take the Bow Valley Parkway, which leads you all the way to the canyon.

Because of an influx in tourism, and in order to promote the affluence of wildlife population and cyclists, the eastern section of the Bow Valley highway is closed for motorized vehicles from May 1st to June 25th and throughout September.

From Banff to Johnston Canyon by bus

Another way to make the jaunt to Johnston Canyon is via public transport. You can use the Roam bus network, which transports tourists from Banff town to various popular destinations around Banff National Park and runs regularly throughout the day.

In order to reach Johnston Canyon, you'll use bus Line 9, which leaves from Banff High School Transit Hub and takes just over 30 minutes to reach the gorge. It's worth noting that during the fall, winter and spring seasons, this bus only runs during the weekends.

Guided tour to Johnston Canyon from Banff

Alternatively, leave the details to your tour provider by opting for a guided excursion to Johnston Canyon. You’ll usually meet in an easy-to-reach location in Banff town around 9 AM and day trips typically last between 4 and 8 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Johnston Canyon cost?

There is no specific entrance fee for visiting Johnston Canyon. However, you will need a valid Banff National Park pass, which is available upon arrival at the nature reserve daily.

• Adults: CA$10.50 (US$8)
• Seniors (65+): CA$9 (US$7)
• Children (under 18): Free

You can also purchase a family/group pass, which costs CA$21 (US$15) and covers the entrance fee for up to seven people traveling in a vehicle together.

What is the typical itinerary?

All Johnston Canyon day tours feature their own unique itineraries, depending on the activities you participate in and the time of year you visit. After meeting your guide in the morning, you may head straight to the gorge for a refreshing hike to its lower falls.

Some excursions stop here for you to walk across the bridge before returning to your vehicle and moving on to the next destination. However, avid walkers can opt for a tour that ventures onto the upper falls, which are 30 meters high.

Alternatively, your Johnston Canyon day trip may begin by visiting other destinations before moving on to the ravine. Popular stopping points include Vermillion Lakes and Lake Louise, where guests can participate in a variety of activities, such as hiking and snowshoeing.

After visiting Johnston Canyon, you may move on to see other attractions or you may return directly to Banff.

If you have additional time to spare, you should consider choosing a day trip that enables you to visit a handful of Banff National Park’s highlights, such as its hot springs, Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Johnston Canyon?

There are a variety of different Johnston Canyon day trips available to suit outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

Guided icewalk tours to Johnston Canyon from Banff

Adventurers that head to Johnston Canyon during the frosty winter months can participate in an invigorating and challenging guided icewalk.

After strapping on your ice cleats and grabbing your hiking poles, you'll begin your scenic walk toward the canyons' lower, and upper falls. Warm up with a sweet cup of cocoa while admiring the view of the glistening falls, completely frozen over before returning to Banff.

As you trek through this part of Banff National Park, you'll learn all about the history and geology of the region, including how the canyon was formed.

Bike and walking tour to Johnston Canyon from Banff

Leaving Banff behind, you'll travel to Vermilion Lakes without breaking a sweat on a convenient eBike. This collection of three lakes is located at the foot of Mount Norquay and is known for its incredible sunsets, as well as an abundance of wildlife.

Moving on, you'll make your way up the Legacy Trail and along the famous Bow Valley Parkway. Once you arrive at Johnston Canyon, you'll hop off your bike and follow a hiking trail toward the lower falls. Stand on a bridge overlooking the roaring waterfall and enjoy nature's chorus.

Day trip to Johnston Canyon plus Lake Louise from Banff

On a day tour of Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise, you'll be part of a small group, which enables you to make lasting connections, and enjoy a more personalized experience.

At Lake Louise, you’ll have the opportunity to don skates and glide across the frozen water surrounded by towering mountains, which is bound to be a highlight of your vacation. Alternatively, you can use your free time here to hike or snowshoe around the lake’s many trails.

Moving on, you’ll head to Johnston Canyon for a rewarding trek to its two waterfalls. Once you’ve explored the deep ravines and tumbling falls, you’ll begin your journey back to Banff.

On this Johnston Canyon day trip, you’ll also visit several surprise spots, which may include Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack and Hoodoos Lookout.

Day tour to Johnston Canyon plus Lake Minnewanka and Banff Hot Springs from Banff

This wintertime day tour to Johnston Canyon begins with a scenic drive through the Alberta wilderness to Two Jack Lake, from which you can gain an impressive view of Mount Rundle.

You’ll participate in a leisurely hike before continuing on to Lake Minnewanka. This body of water is the largest in Banff National Park and during the winter features ice bubbles under the surface, which are visible to tourists.

Get closer to nature with a hike to Johnston Canyon’s lower falls before returning to Banff where you’ll have free time to explore the charming ski town.

End your day by soothing your muscles in Banff Hot Springs as you admire the snow-capped pine trees and mountainscapes that surround you.

How much does a day trip to Johnston Canyon from Banff cost?

The most budget-friendly day trip to Johnston Canyon is a guided icewalk, which costs US$70 per person. You’ll pay around US$100 each for a full-day tour to Johnston Canyon, as well as Lake Minnewanka and Banff town.

A combination hiking and bike tour of Johnston Canyon costs approximately US$120 per person, and includes the rental of an eBike, as well as safety equipment.

You can expect to pay US$170 each for a Johnston Canyon day tour, which also explores Lake Louise. You’ll be provided with hot beverages and ice cleats, although optional activities, such as ice skating, and snowshoeing, are available for an extra charge.

What will you see and do?

Johnston Canyon is a natural ravine along Johnston Creek, which has been formed over thousands of years by the erosion of its limestone rock. The canyon was named after a gold prospector who happened upon the region during WWI.

Originally, the area was settled by a man named Walter Camp, who built several bungalows and cabins in order to encourage tourists to visit this corner of Banff National Park.

Rather than lead them around the canyon, Camp created trails, suspension bridges and ladders for visitors to gain an up-close, and personal experience of the two falls. After his death in the 1970s, Johnston Canyon became a public area and since then has boomed in popularity.

The hike to the lower falls is just over a kilometer and is accessible for most levels of physical fitness. Here, you can stop to cross the bridge that connects both sides of the river and offers a striking view of the endless stream of water.

Alternatively, you can challenge yourself on a Johnston Canyon day tour and continue along the trail for an additional 1.3 kilometers to the upper falls, which drop from a height of 30 meters into an icy pool below.

The trail takes you through pine forests and through rock formations, and you can see the upper falls from two separate viewpoints.

Because of how busy the canyon gets, wildlife can be easily scared off. However, if you visit the gorge during a quiet spell, you may see both grizzly and black bears, as well as bighorn sheep, elk, and moose. Grey wolves, coyotes, red foxes and ospreys also call this region of the park home. All of these creatures are most often seen around dawn or dusk.

When is the best time to visit Johnston Canyon?

The best months for planning a Johnston Canyon day trip are May, June and September when the climate is mild, and there are few tourists around. During these shoulder months, you can expect daytime temperatures to range from 14 to 18 degrees Celsius.

While July and August have the best weather, you'll find Johnston Canyon to be brimming with tourists during these months, which can be disappointing for those wanting to enjoy a tranquil moment in nature.

The falls typically freeze over toward the end of September and stay frozen until springtime.

Travel tips

• It's advisable to dress in layers as the weather can vary significantly from one moment to the next in this corner of Alberta.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip on your Johnston Canyon day trip. It's also a good idea to wear your footwear in before your trip for maximum comfort.
• If you choose to visit Johnston Canyon during July or August, ensure you arrive before 9 AM to beat the majority of the crowds.