CISC Johnston Canyon Hike

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park and has a network of steel catwalks built into the canyon walls that allows you to walk right along this cathedral of ice with airy views into the gorge below.

As you do, you’ll get to wander through a natural cave to gaze down at the flowering waters of the lower falls. Continue onto the awe-inducing upper falls — a glittering tower of ice that rise 30 metres above your head. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns.

Distances And Elevation To The Falls

Lower Falls 1.1 km’s each way, elevation gain of 30 meters.

Upper Falls, 2.7 km’s each way, elevation gain of 120 meters.

Allow two to two and a half hours to do the return trip taking in both the lower and upper falls, and approximately one hour if just doing the lower falls.

Pace: Relaxed. It is expected that everyone stays together in a group for safety. If you are not willing to stay with the group, this hike may not be the right hike for you. Remember - the journey is as important as the destination!

Required Gear: Appropriate footwear (hiking boots or hiking shoes), microspikes, appropriate layers for the temperature (plus additional layers for when we stop), warm hat and two pairs gloves/mittens), personal-sized first aid kit, personal medications (if needed), water (at least 2 litres unless you need more) and lunch/snacks.

Please bring a change of socks/footwear for after the hike and a plastic bag for dirty/wet hiking boots or shoes and microspikes (keep your driver's car clean).

A word about mandatory microspikes - recommended brands are Kahtoola Microspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampons (these are available for rental at the UofC Outdoor Centre) or something similar. Yak Trax are not appropriate. If you are unsure, send a photo to the organizer prior to the hike to see if what you have is acceptable.

Directions To Johnston Canyon

Coming from the east from Banff, head west on the Trans-Canada Hwy for approximately 5 km’s. Watch for the exit sign for Hwy 1A or (Bow Valley Parkway). Take this exit and continue west for 18 km (11 miles) to the Johnston Canyon parking lot that will be on your right hand side.

Coming from the west the quickest way is to follow the Trans Canada Hwy #1 to the exit for Castle Junction. (this is halfway between Lake Louise and Banff) Take this exit and turn left at the top of it, following the signs to Castle Junction until you come to the T-section with Hwy 1A or (Bow Valley Parkway). Turn right and follow the signs to Johnston Canyon which is approximately 6 km’s down the road.

From Lake Louise there is a second option. Take Hwy 1A or (Bow Valley Parkway) the entire way. It is slower, the speed limit is between 50 and  60 km’s an hour. This is due to the possibility of wildlife being present on or near the road because there is no fencing like the main Hwy #1. It’s a nice drive and will only add an extra 15 minutes. From the Lake Louise village take the overpass crossing the Trans Canada Highway and then take your first right. This is the Bow Valley Parkway, follow it all the way to Johnston Canyon.

Register at CISC website or email Debbie at sport@cisc.org

Park Pass is required