If you’re interested in landmarks of Alberta, the Johnston Canyon Hike is one that’s on plenty of “must-see” lists.

If it’s not, it should be.

This ancient canyon draws crowds from all around Alberta and beyond. With high cliffs leading to white water rapids, cascading and giant waterfalls.

This easy hike and it’s short distance draws in plenty of people every day, so let’s get started!

 

Basic information about the Johnston Canyon hike

• Total hiking distance – 2.7km
• Lower Falls Distance – 1.1km
• Upper Falls Distance – 2.7km
• Time to complete the hike – Around 1 hour, one-way
• Elevation gain – 215m
• Difficulty – Easy

You can hike to Johnston Canyon in winter, though the path will be slippery. Aiming pokes, crampons, etc will make this hike easier.

The viewpoints of the Lower and Upper Chutes of Johnston Canyon are usually very busy – visiting during the times of COVID reduces the number of people, but precautions to be taken are listed below.

Ice climbing is common during the winter months. If you’ve never been ice climbing, it’s damn exciting/scary!

The total hiking distance is 2.7km. This takes you along Johnston Canyon, passed the Lower Falls (1.1km), and ends at the upper falls (2.7km). This is one way distance.

The Upper Falls of the canyon has two viewpoints, one at the top and one at the bottom.

The majority of trail along the canyon is smooth and flat with small inclines in sections. It’s quite an easy hike for moderately fit hikers and gives beautiful views along the entire path.

 

How to get to Johnston Canyon Carpark

Johnston Canyon trailhead is reached from the carpark. Once here, everything is well signposted and simple to follow. Usually, you can easily just follow the crowds – it’s a very popular route.

As of July 2020, the carpark  is closed due to construction during the times of COVID-19. More about that below.

When I visited in 2019, this carpark had a $10 fee to park here. Since there is very limited space, you might be forced to park here and pay.

A Park Pass doesn’t cover this fee either. I can only hope my money went to helping the park staff take care of this beautiful area.

 

What to expect from this trail in Banff National Park 

You will encounter people. It’s a very popular hiking trail in Alberta. If you continue to the Ink Pots Trail, you’ll encounter much fewer visitors.

Most of the trail has a steady incline, but nothing too steep. Decent walking shoes are definitely recommended for support up the paved pathway.

The trail to the Upper Falls and even further are well signposted, so getting lost should be very difficult to do.

Due to the trail being heavily trafficked, conservation efforts have areas roped off. Please respect all blocked trails and signposting.

There are a number of special lookouts along the path, take your time to enjoy these. You may have to wait in line, especially during peak hours, but its worth the time.

Please be bear (and other animals) aware and know what to do in the case of an encounter.

Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed at all times.

I’m shocked it needs to be said, but take your trash with you. No one wants to pick up after you and your selfish/lazy behavior. It’s unfair to everyone and nature.

 

Johnston Canyon and COVID-19 Restrictions

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed a lot for this hiking trail. Please note, this information is current during my hike in July 2020 – please let me know in the comments if you experienced differences.

The Bow Valley Parkway and carpark are closed due to construction during the pandemic. This means the closest place you can park is Castle Junction.

From this small parking lot, it’s a 6km hike/walk, each way (12km all up) just to the trailhead.

This makes the total hiking distance around 15km.

This lack of easy access to the trail has its advantages. The crowds are a fraction of what they usually are. Just check out the comparison images below.

While you can enjoy the sights better, you need to take precautions during the time of COVID-19.

The green railing paved pathway is flat and easy to walk along, but it can get quite narrow at parts.

Make sure to allow room for others to pass whenever you have the excess space to jump to the side of the trail.

I would suggest keeping your hands away from the green railings unless you absolutely need to hold on to something. It will help to prevent the spread of germs.

As always, social distancing, hand sanitizer when needed and regular common sense will help keep you and other hikers safer while loving the beautiful canyon in Alberta.

 

Enjoy your hike!

That’s it, all you need to know for an enjoyable hike through one of Alberta’s best canyon hikes.

Nice and short, while delivering special views the entire way and a few powerful waterfalls to cap it all off.

This post was writing in July 2020, so things will definitely change over time. If you experienced anything different, or think I got something wrong, please let me know in the comments below and I’ll make it right.

 

Thanks for reading,

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown