A hike through Johnston Canyon is a popular day trip activity for anyone visiting Banff, Canmore, and even nearby Calgary. I had always visited in the summer but finally got to experience it in the winter and let me tell you, Johnston Canyon in the winter is one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen. And this is coming from a self-professed snow and winter hater. Even when my hair was turning white as it froze in the -30 temperatures and I couldn’t feel my legs anymore, I was overjoyed. I’m not exaggerating.
Banff is one of Alberta’s top tourist destinations and for good reason: it is gorgeous in all seasons, a beauty that you really can’t imagine until you see it with your own eyes. Right now, it’s the time when the leaves are turning glorious shades of red and gold and everyone in Alberta is waiting for the first snowfall of the year. Which, in my opinion, is coming a little bit too early but hey, if you’re going to enjoy the snow then it might as well be amongst the mountains. And one of the best things to do on a snowy day in the mountains? Drive on over to complete the Johnston Canyon ice walk.
How To Get To Johnston Canyon
Getting there is pretty easy as it’s a major tourist point, well marked with signs and shows up on Google Maps. The easiest option is to drive or, if you don’t have access to a car, you can join a guided tour from town.
Banff Town to Johnston Canyon: 30 minutes
Canmore to Johnston Canyon: 45 minutes
Calgary to Johnston Canyon: 1 hour 45 minutes
Parking at Johnston Canyon
There is a large parking lot available at Johnston Canyon and parking is free. If this is full, people are allowed to park outside of the parking lot, alongside the main road leading in. It can get busy here so the best way to beat the crowds is to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to enjoy Johnston Canyon! The only thing that you will need to pay for is the Banff National Park Entrance Fee, which, for a day pass, is $8.30 for a senior, $9.80 per adult, or $19.60 for a group up to 7 people in one vehicle. Kids up to 17 years old are free.
Things To Note
You’ll want to be prepared for the temperatures of an Alberta winter. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to the temperatures of the hike when you work up a sweat or when the sun decides to come out. A toque that covers your ears, mittens/gloves, a scarf, winter jacket and winter boots are recommended. Some people like to wear thermals under their pants for added warmth or even snow pants!
These paths can get icy in the winter, so make sure your boots have good traction or you can get some hiking crampons to strap to your boots to help stop you from slipping and sliding.
PRO TIP: purchase some hand and foot warmers to throw in your boots and hold in your hands… and rub on your face to warm up those cheeks. Seriously, it can get cold!
Time
You have the option of going to the Lower Falls and turning around or continuing on to the Upper Falls before making your way back. It will take you roughly thirty minutes to reach the Lower Falls and one hour to get to the Upper Falls, so if you’re planning on doing the whole circuit, give yourself 2 – 2.5 hours to complete it. If you’re like me and enjoy stopping to take it all in, snap some photos or take a rest here and there on the benches along the way, give yourself more time.
Amenities
There are washrooms located near the parking lot but you won’t find any along the trails, so use them while you can! Johnston Canyon Lodge has their Market Cafe, Blackswift Bistro and ice cream shack open from May – October, so there are no food services available during the winter months. Bring snacks or head into the town of Banff for a bite to eat after your hike. Reminder: any garbage that you bring in, please bring out. Do not leave your garbage on the trails.
The Johnston Canyon Hike
As the temperatures drop in the mountains, the waterfalls and river that usually flow through the canyon freeze over, creating a true winter wonderland of ice and snow. Thick blankets of snow fall gently over the spruce and pine trees along the way, huge icicle formations cling to the sides of the rocky canyon, and impressive frozen waterfalls are easy to spot. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped through the wardrobe and into a real-life Narnia.
Acombination of paved mountain trails and steel pathways that cling to the side of the rock wind their way through this canyon, taking you on a journey through frozen waterfalls, hidden caves and towering trees of the dense Canadian wilderness. As it is winter, do expect it to be slippery so be careful – but there are often railings that you can hold onto down steps or downhill slopes to steady yourself.
There are two main waterfalls on this little hike but plenty more that will catch you by surprise as you wander through, so keep your eyes peeled! You’ll reach the first major waterfall, Lower Falls, in about half an hour. Going down the trailhead, a walkway will take you through a cave where you can get up close and personal to the falls on the other side. During busy times, you might find people lined up to take turns (in true Canadian fashion) snapping a photo by the falls. Once you’ve had a good look, head on up the way you came and continue the trail towards the Upper Falls.
Johnston Canyon’s Upper Falls is a 100ft. tall, powerful waterfall that comes pouring down the canyon wall. In the wintertime, the Upper Falls are frozen in time and the surrounding canyons are covered in thick ice. You’ll most likely find some adventurous ice climbers picking their way up the blue ice to the very top of the canyon.
These Upper Falls are the turnaround point for you to begin heading back to the beginning of the trail where you started! Not feeling like you’ve had quite enough of your hike yet? From the Upper Falls, you can continue on to hike to the Ink Pots, a collection of five mineral pools in different shades of turquoise.
Have some extra time in the area? Check out Grotto Canyon, another very easy hike less than an hour away, or have a peek at Andrea’s guide to a few Banff hikes with incredible views!