Canada · Canadian Rockies, Alberta
Johnston Canyon Falls
A catwalk trail bolted directly into the limestone canyon walls leads past a lower falls and on to a taller upper falls, one of the most popular short hikes in Banff National Park. In deep winter the frozen curtain becomes a well-known ice-climbing venue.
A catwalk trail bolted directly into the limestone canyon walls leads past a lower falls and on to a taller upper falls, one of the most popular short hikes in Banff National Park. In deep winter the frozen curtain becomes a well-known ice-climbing venue.
Johnston Canyon Falls drops 40 metres (131 ft) on the Johnston Creek, inside Banff National Park. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Banff, with YYC the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Summer keeps the catwalk trail ice-free; winter transforms the canyon into an ice-climbing destination.
What you can do here
Ice climbing
In deep winter some of these falls freeze solid and become vertical ice routes.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Summer keeps the catwalk trail ice-free; winter transforms the canyon into an ice-climbing destination.
Entry: Park entry pass required
Getting there
- Base townBanff
- AirportYYC
- CountryCanada
- RegionCanadian Rockies, Alberta, North America
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
51.2489, -115.8386
Quick answers
How tall is Johnston Canyon Falls?
Johnston Canyon Falls drops 40 metres (131 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the Johnston Creek.
When is the best time to visit Johnston Canyon Falls?
Peak flow is June to September. Summer keeps the catwalk trail ice-free; winter transforms the canyon into an ice-climbing destination.
What can you do at Johnston Canyon Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: ice climbing, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Johnston Canyon Falls?
The usual base is Banff, and the closest airport is YYC. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Park entry pass required.
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