Johnston Canyon Tour from Canmore

Because Johnston Canyon is one of the most photographed spots in Banff National Park, an early morning start tends to mean fewer people in your photos and less crowding on the narrower sections of catwalk near the falls. If getting quieter photos matters to you, mention that when booking so we can plan an earlier pickup time.

How the Canyon Was Formed

Johnston Canyon was carved over thousands of years as Johnston Creek cut through the limestone bedrock, gradually forming the narrow, steep-walled canyon visitors walk through today. The catwalks and bridges that make up much of the trail were built to give access along sections of the canyon that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach on foot, suspended directly over the rushing creek in places. This engineering is part of what makes the canyon accessible to a wide range of visitors, not just experienced hikers.

Lower Falls vs Upper Falls

The Lower Falls sit closer to the trailhead and are reachable by a shorter, easier walk, making them the more commonly visited of the two waterfalls. A short tunnel near the Lower Falls lets visitors get unusually close to the cascading water, which is a popular photo spot. The Upper Falls require additional walking distance and some elevation gain, with a taller, more dramatic drop as the reward. Most visitors with reasonable time and mobility do both, but if you are short on time, the Lower Falls alone still capture much of what makes the canyon worth visiting.

Winter Ice Walks

In winter, Johnston Canyon takes on an entirely different character as the waterfalls freeze into columns of ice and the canyon walls become lined with icicles and frost. This has made winter visits to Johnston Canyon increasingly popular in their own right, distinct from the summer hiking experience. Winter visits require different footwear and preparation than summer, since the catwalks can be icy, and appropriate traction devices are commonly used by visitors on the trail during the colder months.

Wildlife and Plant Life Along the Trail

The forest surrounding Johnston Canyon is home to typical Rocky Mountain wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and occasionally larger animals, though the busy trail means sightings of bigger wildlife are less common here than in quieter areas. The canyon’s microclimate, kept cooler and more humid by the creek and shade, supports moss and plant life that looks noticeably different from the drier forest typical of the wider Bow Valley, which is part of what gives the canyon its distinct atmosphere compared to more open trails in the region.

This shaded, humid environment also means the canyon trail can feel noticeably cooler than the surrounding area on a hot summer day, which many visitors find a welcome break partway through a longer sightseeing itinerary that includes more exposed viewpoints elsewhere in Banff National Park.

That contrast in temperature and scenery is part of why Johnston Canyon pairs well with a longer day that includes a stop at a more open destination like Lake Louise.

Whichever combination you choose, allowing enough time at the canyon itself, rather than treating it as a quick five-minute stop, tends to make for a more satisfying visit given how much of the appeal lies in the walk itself, not just the waterfalls at the end. Some visitors also pair this with our Emerald Lake Tour for a fuller day, and if you need everyday local rides while you are in town, see our Canmore taxi service.