Ink Pots Banff Hike in Alberta
Five brightly colored ponds, the Ink Pots of Banff are mineral springs that draw in crowds from all over Canada.
With the bottom settled in quicksand, the ponds fill trickle with water creating black rings on the sand surface.
If you’re looking for a beautiful hike near Banff, consider these unique ponds in the Canadian Rockies.
Read below for everything you need to know about the Banff Ink Pots hike.
Basic information of hiking the trail
Length – 11.7km
Type of trail – Out and back
Elevation Gain – 608m
Time to hike – 2.5 to 4 hours
Difficulty – Moderate
The pools tend to be different colors due to the speed in which they fill from spring water.
If you look closely, you’ll be able to see bubbles coming from the sandy bottom.
Be prepared for wildflowers, waterfalls and unique little pools.
How to get to the Ink Pots near Banff?
There are two ways to reach the trailhead. One is more scenic, the other much quieter.
Johnston Canyon Entrance
The most common place to begin the trail is by combining it with the Johnston Canyon Hike. Being accessed from this very popular hike makes the first 2.7km kilometer hike to the upper falls very busy.
Shortly after you pass the upper waterfall, you’ll reach a ‘T’ intersection linking up with the second option of reaching the small pools.
Moose Meadows Entrance
If you came from Castle Junction way, you would have passed Moose Meadows. This path links up with the same trail from Johnston Canyon.
Moose Meadows is a lot quieter than the first option, but also adds an extra 500m one-way distance to the trail length.
What to expect from the trail?
The trail is tagged as moderate difficult. Which is pretty spot on.
There are some steep sections along the trail and the majority after the waterfalls is not paved.
So decent walking/hiking shoes and fitness level is recommended.
Dogs are allowed on the trail but they must be on leash at all times.
The best time to hike to the Ink Pots is during the summer months, of June to October.
While its common to read reviews of disappointed hikers, this doesn’t make sense in my mind. If you’re not into visiting small pools of black rings, it’s likely this hike isn’t for you.
As is common with the Canadian wilderness, encountering wildlife is common. Please be aware of all animal safety, mainly bears. Also understand feeding or allowing wildlife food is a good way for them starve to death. Brutal to put it that way, but its common to see.
The Ink Pots are located by a small river and a beautiful meadow. Plenty of spots for lunch.
I’m not sure why, but it seems rubbish is commonly left at the ink pots. Please, don’t be a total grub and take all your trash with you. No one needs to see your lack of respect for nature.
Ink Pots and COVID-19
The information below was true as of my hike on the 21st of July 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and road contruction, the road to Johnston Canyon and carpark is currently closed.
That means to access the trail head, you will have to make your way from the Castle Junction parking lot, 6km away, one-way.
The fastest way to do this is by bicycle, but you can also walk the 12km return.
The number of people hiking this trail is considerably less. Just look at the image comparison below.
Be aware the pathway through Johnston Canyon is narrow at times. If you can, pull off to the sides where possible and try to keep your hands off the green railings.
As always, social distancing, hand sanitizer and regular common sense will help you and others stay safe.
Enjoy your hike!
That’s all your need to know to have a great hike to these beautiful pools of nature.
Take your time and enjoy the wilderness Canada has to offer.
Have you been to the Ink Pots and did I get something wrong? Or have things changed? Please let me know in the comments below so I can keep this post up to date!
Thanks for reading,
Happy and safe travels,
Ben – Horizon Unknown