Trail Run Project Logo

One of the most popular family trails in Banff for a reason, this riverside trail has plenty of stunning views.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.2

KM

93%

Runnable

4,890' 1,490 m

High

4,724' 1,440 m

Low

167' 51 m

Up

1' 0 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Need to Know

The trail is located within Banff National Park, so purchasing a Park Pass is mandatory. This is an extremely popular run and parking may be limited, especially on weekends May–September. The smaller parking lot at the Johnston Canyon Lodge fills up quickly and has easy access to a cafe and bistro. The eastern parking lot is much bigger and is adjacent to the restrooms. This trail is wheelchair accessible but there are many tight sections that only allow one person through at a time, so it would be wise to go early or late in the day after the crowds have cleared.

Description

Starting from the eastern parking lot, the trail bridges the river and connects to the lodge parking lot, beginning an easy climb through the forest towards the river that the trail will closely follow for much of the run. There is plenty of shade, as the majority of the trail is forested. In many areas, the trail overhangs the river on catwalks following the cliffsides, giving picturesque views of the canyon, the river, and smaller waterfalls and rapids. There are a few section where the cliffs overhang the catwalks or cause them to narrow, so please be respectful to returning runners and take turns navigating these sections.

Near the waterfall, the trail forks with one path leading towards the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls and the other continuing to the Lower Falls. The intersection is clearly signed. Continuing to the Lower Falls brings you to a viewpoint to take in the falls, and a bridge crossing over the river. Once you cross the bridge, you can enter a tunnel in the cliff face which will take you directly in front of the falls. The tunnel is low and narrow, allowing only one crouching person at a time, and the rocks may be slippery with spray, so proceed with caution.

You may then head back to the parking lot, or continue upwards towards Johnston Canyon Upper Falls and the Ink Pots.

Flora & Fauna

While many animals call Banff their home, bears included, the location and popularity of this trail means it's extremely unlikely to encounter any mammal larger than a chipmunk on this hike.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ordinary Fruit with improvements by Brian Huber

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#11721

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#67

in Alberta

#11,721

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,139 Since May 13, 2019
Intermediate Intermediate

25%
0%
75%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
May 13, 2019 near Banff, AB

0 Comments

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.