[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” global_module=”1730″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” width_tablet=”75%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”8px||6px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/secure.webrez.com\/hotel\/2453″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Book Now” button_alignment=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#26cad3″ button_font=”|||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”0px|40px|0px|40px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”width: 300px;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e0e0e0″ parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”guide” subhead=”the trail | common questions” background_overlay_color=”rgba(84,58,37,0.5)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#ffffff” title_font_size=”36px” subhead_text_align=”left” subhead_text_color=”#ffffff” subhead_font_size=”20px” background_color=”rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)” background_image=”https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/header_trail.jpg” background_layout=”light” subhead_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e0e0e0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”9″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ menu_font_size=”12px” background_color=”#e0e0e0″ text_orientation=”center” custom_css_menu_link=”padding: 10px 5px;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e0e0e0″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_duration=”1500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”25%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
self guided \/ easy to moderate difficulty<\/p>\n
A definite must see natural attraction in Banff National Park.\u00a0 <\/span>The hike\/walk up Johnston Canyon is truly spectacular in any season and is the most popular hike in all of Canada. Why is it so popular? It has the greatest scenic value, multiple waterfall vistas and easy access over a relatively short distance.\u00a0 <\/span>Regardless of your age or activity level, everyone can enjoy and experience the Canyon.\u00a0<\/span>It is recommended to hit the trailhead before 8 am or after 6 pm in the summer months as you will be rewarded with a much more intimate nature adventure.\u00a0<\/span>Peak hours do bring bus groups and large crowds of day visitors which changes the dynamic of the hike significantly.\u00a0 <\/span>Not shocking, but the further that one hikes up the trail, the volume of visitors decreases. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/DSC_3634_web.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”70%” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/DSC_3668_web.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/DSC_3752.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#e0e0e0″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The trail head starts right at the Lodge and is a semi paved and fenced route.\u00a0 <\/span>The trail ascends gently along the creekside\/canyon edge and through forest where over the course of 2.75 km (1.5 miles) 7 dramatic waterfalls are presented along the self-guided hike. Catwalks and view platforms are suspended in the canyon walls, offering profound views of how the canyon was carved out of the smoothly polished limestone rock. \u00a0 <\/span>The lower falls are a 20 minute walk or 1 km (1\/2 mile) stroll where you will have an incredible view of the roaring falls from a bridge or enter a small cave for an even more intimate view.\u00a0 <\/span>Careful taking camera gear into the cave as there is always heavy mist\/moisture from rising waterfall spray. Here a variety of large pot holes are beautiful carved and polished from eons of glacial water erosion.<\/span><\/p>\n From the lower falls to the upper falls is an additional 2 km (1 mile) or 45 minutes.\u00a0 <\/span>6 more waterfalls \u2013 most notably Stella Falls and Marguerite Falls present themselves. \u00a0<\/span>At Marguerite Falls you have two options; to go the lower viewing platform of the upper falls or proceed upwards to a higher view point.\u00a0 <\/span>You really should experience both as they both offer spectacular views of the roaring cascading thunder.\u00a0 <\/span>Again, heavy mist and spray at both locations particularly in the spring snow melt (run off ) which reaches a peak the 2nd week in June.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/DSC_3717_StellaFalls.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e0e0e0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Is it wheelchair accessible?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n It is most of the way to the lower falls \u2013 however there are catwalks that will only accommodate the width of the wheelchair so it is highly advisable to do this before 8 am on a summer day or after 7 pm before or after the crowds.\u00a0<\/span>This round trip will take you approximately 45 minutes and you will experience some beautiful vistas.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Can I bring my dog?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Yes. \u00a0 <\/span>The pet must be on leash at all times in Banff National Park (Fines can be quite expensive for an off leash pet violation). Make sure your dog is well behaved as there are many visitors with dogs also hiking. \u00a0<\/span>For the dog’s enjoyment and yours \u2013 an early start (7 – 8:30 am) is highly recommended.\u00a0 <\/span>Bring doggy bags and for the love of mother nature… DO NOT leave them in the woods or on the trail, or behind a tree.\u00a0 <\/span>Helpful hint: bring a large coffee cup with a lid and put the bag in that \u2013 secure the lid, pack it out and discard later at the garbage bins at the parking lot.\u00a0 <\/span>The dogs will love all the forest smells and woodland creature noises.\u00a0 <\/span>Please note there are very few if any places to allow the dog access to the creek water’s edge so bring a bottle of water and small container for them to hydrate.\u00a0 <\/span>Sadly we have some tragic situations in the Park every summer with pets becoming seriously ill or dying because of heat exhaustion.<\/span><\/p>\n How is trail in the winter and is it open?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The trail is open all year round however once snow is on the trail, it is recommended to rent or buy snow cleats that attach to your shoes for better grip as the packed snow can be very slippery. \u00a0<\/span>Ski poles are also an asset.\u00a0 <\/span>The waterfalls freeze over entirely and the massive ice formations clinging to the walls are magically spectacular. \u00a0<\/span>At times you can see the waterfall surging behind the enclosed sheets of encased ice. \u00a0<\/span>Not even Disney\u2019s \u201cFrozen\u201d can compete with this ice magic.\u00a0 <\/span>Keep in mind these trails are not patrolled at night so stay on the trail and time your hike to the available daylight.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Is there a danger of bears on the trail?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n No.\u00a0 <\/span>While the landscape surrounding Johnston Canyon hosts an immense amount of wildlife, the chance of experiencing any wildlife other than smaller woodland creatures is very very remote.\u00a0<\/span>Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Goats have been occasionally seen high up on the Canyon walls but the trail is too busy for bears and the canyon is a real obstacle for them to move through the valley.\u00a0 <\/span>Having said that, it is recommended to carry bear spray on any hike in the mountain parks and avoid wearing earbuds or headphones.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Best time of the year to see Johnston Canyon and the waterfalls?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Each season dramatically changes the Canyon\u2019s character so that is a very subjective question.<\/span><\/p>\n Winter: December \/April. \u00a0<\/span>Daylight from 7 am – 6 pm.<\/strong> \u00a0 <\/span>Most Peaceful. Massive ice-encased waterfalls, ice climbers ascending on the frozen waterfalls, dazzling translucent colours and multiple layers of ice formations. \u00a0<\/span>Slightly busy on weekends and trail noise is serenely quiet. The creek can be seen and heard gurgling and bubbling under the ice surface.\u00a0 <\/span>Slip-on ice cleats are recommended and can be rented or purchased in Banff<\/span><\/p>\n Spring: May \/ June.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Daylight from 6 am – 10:30 pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/span>Most dramatic. Water level reaches peak in mid June from the winter snow melt run off and roar and force of the water is intimidatingly fast and powerful.\u00a0 <\/span>Deadfall and even large trees can be seen being swept over the falls and down the canyon floor. The water appears very aggressively turbulent; a cloudy mix of glacial till and melt water with thundering roar deafening at certain locations.<\/span><\/p>\n Weekends can be quite busy – mid week the trail has reasonable traffic<\/span><\/p>\n Summer: July – September.\u00a0 <\/span>Daylight 6 am – 9 pm.<\/strong> \u00a0 <\/span>Most like a postcard.\u00a0 <\/span>The actual waterfalls are at the peak of beauty and colour as the muddy run off has subsided and the emerald green waterfall pools contrast against the pure white roaring cascades.\u00a0 <\/span>Moss and poplar trees radiate fresh forest smells and greenery.\u00a0 However, t<\/span>he trail is at its busiest peak for traffic \u2013 early morning or early evening times are best to explore.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Fall: October \/ November.\u00a0 Daylight 8 am – 6 pm.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Most relaxed.\u00a0 <\/span>October bursts with fall colours and the water levels are at their lowest of the year so the waterfalls are greatly subdued.\u00a0 <\/span>The creek however reveals more as rapids have eased and you can clearly see the limestone creek basin.\u00a0 <\/span>Huge glacial river rocks rest at the bottom of Johnston Creek which are all polished perfectly showcasing unique colour combinations and geological composition. Very low traffic volumes.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ custom_padding=”22px||0px|||” global_module=”1459″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”1A Bow Valley Parkway, Banff National Park, AB, T1L 1L9″ use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||400″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”193b2350-0cc5-44b9-838d-d6c75afb2ca9″ header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/g.page\/johnston-canyon-lodge” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”1-888-378-1720″ url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”193b2350-0cc5-44b9-838d-d6c75afb2ca9″ header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”tel:18883781720″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”info@johnstoncanyon.com” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”193b2350-0cc5-44b9-838d-d6c75afb2ca9″ header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”mailto:info@johnstoncanyon.com” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Instagram” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”193b2350-0cc5-44b9-838d-d6c75afb2ca9″ header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/johnston.canyon.lodge\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Facebook” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||400″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”193b2350-0cc5-44b9-838d-d6c75afb2ca9″ header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/JohnstonCanyonResort\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Rainbow_icon-e1529000376546.jpg” title_text=”Rainbow_icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_signup provider=”constant_contact” constant_contact_list=”johnstoncanyonadm@gmailcom|1170614274″ first_name_fullwidth=”off” last_name_fullwidth=”off” title=”Newsletter Sign up” description=”<\/p>\n Sign up for our newsletter and exclusive offers from Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows. Get 10%OFF your first stay with us.<\/span><\/p>\n ” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” form_field_custom_padding=”5px||5px||true|false” header_font_size=”18px” body_font_size=”12px” form_field_font_size=”12px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”15px” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#26cad3″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_signup][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" johnston canyon trail self guided \/ easy to moderate difficulty A definite must see natural attraction in Banff National Park.\u00a0 The hike\/walk up Johnston Canyon is truly spectacular in any season and is the most popular hike in all of Canada. Why is it so popular? It has the greatest scenic value, multiple waterfall vistas […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" [et_pb_section bb_built=\"1\"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\"][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=\"3.0.97\" title=\"on\" meta=\"off\" author=\"on\" date=\"on\" categories=\"on\" comments=\"on\" featured_image=\"off\" featured_placement=\"below\" text_color=\"dark\" text_background=\"off\" \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"3.0.97\" background_layout=\"light\"]<\/p> Spacious bungalow with dedicated parking, two separate bedrooms, queen bed in each, hide-a-bed (or cot if requested), full kitchen, microwave, gas stove, electric oven,\u00a0<\/span>coffee maker, kettle, hairdryer, large flat screen TV to watch blu ray or DVDs, sound system, arts and craft furniture, vaulted ceiling living room with wood burning fireplace, vintage slipper bathtub, robes, patio.\u00a0 <\/span>Ideal for two couples or a small family.\u00a0 <\/span>Interiors reflect Frank Lloyd Wright arts and crafts era; mica light fixtures, hard wood floors and original working appliances.<\/span><\/p> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\"][et_pb_image _builder_version=\"3.0.97\" src=\"http:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/DSC_3365.jpg\" show_in_lightbox=\"off\" url_new_window=\"off\" use_overlay=\"off\" always_center_on_mobile=\"on\" force_fullwidth=\"off\" show_bottom_space=\"on\" \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/459"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=459"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1751,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/459\/revisions\/1751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnstoncanyon.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}overview of the trail to the lower and upper falls<\/span><\/h2>\n
common questions<\/h1>\n
4 - 6 people \/ starting from $ CAN.\u00a0 <\/span>US<\/span><\/h3>