Johnston Canyon Campground — Hotel in Alberta

I read the reviews, I didn't listen and I regretted it. Do yourself a favor, read this review and listen. The train isn't an exaggeration, it's so close you can see it through the trees. I sleep like the dead (especially when camping) and it constantly woke me up. The staff are the age and maturity of Catus Club staff. I've never been called "hey guys" more in my life. We went on a hike to come back to our campsite sifted through and items taken to the office. I'm a veteran camper, I never leave food out and throughly clean everything. After I was told how clean and organized my campsite was, I was told my stuff was taken because of "optics". The problem when you give kids any authority at all, they will use that authority any and every chance they get. With authority needs to come maturity, consideration and discretion. At 11pm sharp we were told to put out our fire for quiet time when we weren't making any noise at all and freight trains were rolling through. To make people put out their fire when it's 5 degrees out is just ignorant. The quiet time rule wasn't instituted for people to freeze, it was instituted so people don't get drunk and loud, keeping people up all night. While I expect the rules to change between province's in provincial campgrounds, I don't expect such a vastly different experience in federal campgrounds in national parks. (and in this case the same province) We camp in Wapiti and Wabasso campgrounds in Jasper National Park and it's a totally different experience. Older and more mature staff who won't invade your privacy, speak to you like a you're a child, and won't make you put your fire out in cold weather if you're being quiet. Do yourself another favor, make the extra 3 hour drive and go there for a much...

This campground is nestled in the heart of Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway, this campsite offers a picturesque and convenient base for exploring the stunning natural beauty of the area. Surrounded by towering trees and dramatic mountain views, it’s a favorite spot for campers seeking both tranquility and adventure.

One of its biggest perks is its proximity to the popular Johnston Canyon trail—just a short and easy walk from your tent. This means you can skip the hassle of finding parking and enjoy early access to the trail before the crowds arrive.

In the evenings, families can enjoy live entertainment at the on-site theater, which regularly hosts kid-friendly shows and plays.

Each campsite has a fire pit and there is a RV dump station on the way out. Bathroom are flush toilets, with a dishwashing station and showers.

Firewood is typically available, and the forested surroundings provide a cozy, authentic atmosphere for campfires.

The only notable drawback is the nearby train tracks. Trains do pass through at various times throughout the day and night, which can occasionally disrupt the quiet. However, they’re infrequent enough that most campers find it manageable, especially given the many other advantages of the location.

Overall, it’s a scenic and well-equipped campground that combines natural beauty, convenience, and family-friendly activities—perfect for a summer getaway in...

Location is everything in real estate and campgrounds.

We were in the first loop as you enter the campground and the train was obvious, but not annoying. We were also in a hard-sided tear drop trailer and didn’t ever hear it at night.

This was our third campground along this stretch of railroad and I can say it is the only one, so far, where the train uses its whistle/horn. Not sure why, but every train that goes by uses it. There must be a crossing or something nearby, but I can’t see it on the satellite imagery.

I would image if you are staying further SW in the campground, closer to the track, the train would be much louder and possibly more annoying.

The facilities here are decent. No where as nice as Yoho or Mt Revelstoke. But they had hot showers and a decent bathroom. There is a dedicated handicap restroom and shower. Unlike the other campgrounds, this one only has 1 dishwashing sink per bathroom.

We arrived full of water, so we didn’t use the water sources here but they seem pretty basic. Maybe there’s a better source then what we saw?

Like all the other campgrounds, the staff was very nice and they do interpretive...