Adventure Dates: 09/17/2025 – 09/23/2025
Introduction
After a busy morning exploring Lake Louise, my wife and I made our way to Johnston Canyon to finish off the day before heading back to Banff. It turned out to be the perfect balance of beauty and adventure.
Johnston Canyon is one of those trails that feels both accessible and exciting, with walkways clinging to the cliffs above rushing water and waterfalls echoing in the distance. It is no wonder it is such a popular spot for visitors to Banff National Park.
Map of Location
Here’s where Johnston Canyon is located:
Hiking to the Lower Falls
The hike to the Lower Falls started off easy and scenic. The path was a mix of paved walkways, dirt trails, and steel catwalks that hung along the edge of the canyon. We could see the river rushing below us, carving its way through the canyon walls. The railings provided a sense of safety while still letting us enjoy the thrill of being right above the drop.
It was a popular trail, so at times the path became narrow, and we had to take turns with people coming from the opposite direction. Even with the crowds, the scenery made every step worth it.
Lower Falls Viewpoint
After about 45 minutes of walking and stopping for photos, we reached the Lower Falls. The sound of the waterfall grew louder the closer we got until we reached a small viewing platform. There was a line of people waiting to enter a narrow cave that led to a closer viewpoint of the waterfall, but since it was packed, we decided to stay outside and enjoy the view from there instead.
It was a beautiful spot, and the mist from the waterfall added to the cool mountain air. We took a few pictures, admired the scene for a while, and then decided to turn back rather than continue to the Upper Falls.
Morant’s Curve
On our drive back to Banff, we made a quick stop at Morant’s Curve, a well-known viewpoint overlooking the Bow River and railway line. Unfortunately, there was no train passing through while we were there, but it was still worth the stop to take in the quiet scenery and snap a few photos.
Quick Impressions
The canyon views and waterfalls were stunning with every turn of the trail offering something new to admire.
The trail is well-maintained and accessible for most fitness levels with clear paths and plenty of viewpoints. Parking is plentiful. Elevation change may make it difficult for some.
A great trail for families with older kids, and the walkways and railings make it feel safe. We did see some families with smaller kids running around but still risky with how high up you can be at certain spots on the trail.
Closing Thoughts
Johnston Canyon was the perfect way to end our day in Banff. The combination of waterfalls, narrow walkways, and canyon views made it a memorable hike for our trip. Even though we did not go all the way to the Upper Falls, walking to the Lower Falls was good exercise.
If you plan to visit, go earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, and bring a light jacket since the air near the canyon can get chilly. It is a hike that perfectly blends accessibility with adventure.
Photo Gallery
We took plenty of photos during our Johnston Canyon adventure, from canyon views to the waterfalls and the scenic stop at Morant’s Curve.
