Johnston Canyon — Attraction in Alberta

Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers a perfect mix of easy-to-access beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes. Nestled within the Canadian Rockies, the canyon’s well-maintained trails and scenic waterfalls make it a top destination for both casual visitors and avid hikers.

Lower Falls: The Lower Falls are the first major stop on the trail, just under a mile from the trailhead. The path to the falls is easy and well-paved, winding alongside the canyon with dramatic views of the creek below. The walk itself is an experience, with catwalks suspended above the rushing water, allowing hikers to get up close to the canyon walls and the vibrant, turquoise water. The Lower Falls cascade into a small pool, and visitors can step through a small tunnel for an even closer view of the powerful flow. The sound of the falls crashing into the canyon is invigorating, and the mist in the air adds to the sensory experience.

Upper Falls: For those who venture further, the Upper Falls are about another mile up the trail and are even more impressive. The path becomes steeper, but the effort is worth it. As you ascend, the canyon opens up with more dramatic views of towering cliffs and lush forest. The Upper Falls are taller and more powerful, plunging over the rocks in two stages. There are two viewpoints: one at the base of the falls, where you can appreciate the sheer force of the water, and another at the top via a short side trail, offering a bird’s-eye view of the canyon and the falls from above.

Overall Experience: Johnston Canyon is incredibly accessible, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels. The combination of scenic trails, the rich sound of the rushing water, and the lush forest surroundings creates a sense of tranquility, despite its popularity. The trail can get crowded, especially in peak season, but it’s well worth the visit for the stunning views of both the Upper and Lower Falls.

Whether you're visiting for a short walk to the Lower Falls or tackling the full hike to the Upper Falls, Johnston Canyon provides a memorable, family-friendly outdoor adventure in one of the most beautiful settings in the...

They have a store, coffee, and ice cream shops at the trailhead along with bathrooms nearby. The trail itself was mainly shaded, which was nice. There were so many people here, that it was annoying. Someone was smoking on the trail, which I find extremely rude. Smoke on your own time when it won't negatively affect innocent people. When we made it to the Upper Falls, there were sooooo many people crammed into the spot to get their pictures and videos. Instead of shoving ourselves into the crowd, we patiently waited like any person with common sense would. However, other people don't have common courtesy and decided to shove themselves between us and the other people even though there was literally no room. No one saying excuse me or they're sorry, all they care about is getting there one minute sooner than waiting. Honestly ridiculous and childish behavior. We didn't even bother trying to go to the lower falls viewpoint because it was just as busy. Then to top it off, there was litter throughout the trail. It was disheartening to see. A watermelon rind chucked into the woods, endless water bottles down the canyon, and used napkins inside hollowed out tree trunk tops that you'd normally see squirrels or chipmunks in. There were signs telling people not to litter because it could kill animals, but it seems like people don't care. If you litter, do every living thing a favor and just stay in your house. You don't deserve to go hiking so you can potentially kill wildlife and destroy the earth with your selfish behaviors. If there weren't people and litter, this experience would have been amazing, but they truly soured it for us. I think that the Park should have volunteers or workers go and clean up the litter. People need...

Having braved the frosty wonders of Johnston Canyon in winter, I've got some winter wisdom to share for your own icy escapades:

Early Bird Gets the Trail: Arrive before the caffeine kicks in for most folks, around 7am or 8am. Parking spots vanish quicker than hot cocoa on a cold day.

Beat the Trail Traffic: Want Insta-worthy shots sans photobombers? Hit the trail early. Otherwise, you'll be queuing up like it's Black Friday sales, waiting to snap that perfect pic.

Gear Up or Go Home: Don't be that person skating around in sneakers. Equip yourself like an arctic explorer with winter boots, ice cleats, or crampons. Sure, you could survive in sneakers, but you'll spend more time clinging to railings than enjoying the view.

Leash Your Canine Companions: Fido can join the adventure, but keep them on a leash. No one wants to play "Chase the Pup" on an icy trail.

Hydrate or Hiber-nate: Remember to pack water. Dehydration is the last thing you need when you're ice-skating your way to the falls.

Strollers vs. Slopes: Thinking of bringing a stroller? Save yourself the regret and leave it at home. You'll be longing for a sled instead. Opt for a kid carrier and earn your post-hike massage – you've earned it.

Snap Away and Embrace Nature's Chill Vibes: Take a bazillion photos and soak in the chilly beauty of Mother Nature. Just don't forget to actually enjoy the hike amidst all the paparazzi moments.

Consider this my TEDtalk on conquering Johnston Canyon in winter. Now, go forth and freeze... I...