Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Length: 1.2 km, one way
Hiking time: 1 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 30 m
Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Town of Banff
Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
Length: 2.4 km, one way (from parking area)
Hiking time: 1.5 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 120 m
Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Town of Banff
The Johnston Canyon Lower/Upper Falls is indicated on Parks Canada maps as green which means they are easy trails. It’s a beautiful yet busy hike with tourists; however it is worth the beautiful views! Once you reach the upper falls, where there is a crowd of people taking photos, continue to the viewpoint at the top for a nice birds eye view perspective of the falls. Loads of people turn back once they see the 30m high upper falls and don’t continue on to the other viewpoint. This is a great opportunity to take photos with less of a crowd and to enjoy the views.
Ink Pots
Length: 5.4 km one way (from parking area)
Hiking time: 4 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 330 m
Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Town of Banff
If you want more isolation, don’t worry because the Ink Pots Trail is much less busy! I would say about 90% of the people disappeared after the viewpoint for the upper falls. The hike was 5.4km one way (4hr return) with a tiny 330m elevation gain. The Ink Pots Trail is considered by Parks Canada to be a moderate trail which is indicated as blue on the Parks Canada Maps; however it was actually a pretty easy breezy hike. I say breezy because it was actually kind of cool and this was in mid July, so I suggest packing a mid layer and rain gear. It did rain a bit while we were hiking and thankfully we were protected by the trees because the hike is below the tree line. Shout out to the trees and beautiful mother nature for the added protection from the rain! Woo! If you are not a fan of hiking under the canopy, rest assured you eventually come to the opening of a beautiful valley with ink pots. This makes for breathtaking views, very few people and a great spot for lunch! Yayyyy snack break!
