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4.5
1,331 votes

Johnston Canyon Campground

Hwy 1A, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1A9 Canada

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$$$$
Budget
Open Now
Thu 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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“hike to unusual ancient rock formations”

Certainly an area that shows the power of nature and time - rushing water carves a path through the limestone canyon and potholes form over the years from plunging waterfalls. This is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. The trail begins as a paved walkway for the first 1.1 km (0.7 miles) to the Lower Falls . Here, the water plunges 10 m (33 feet) into a deeply carved pothole below. The trail becomes slightly more rugged as the hike continues to the Upper Falls (2.7 km/1.7 miles) and Ink Pots. The Upper Falls are dramatic with water cascading down more than 30 m (almost 100 feet). At this point, the trail leaves the creek and widens on route to the Ink Pots. It narrows again for a final descent to the Johnston Valley bottom and the Ink Pots (six clear greenish pools filled with spring water that remains at a constant 1-degree Celsius year-round). Johnston Canyon is shaded and moist - bring an extra layer of clothing. Bring a bird book - this canyon is a unique for bird watching. Bring a water bottle and snack. Quick water stops are important every 20-30 minutes (more often if it is hot), especially if you are not used to higher elevations. Wear appropriate day-hiking shoes for the trail beyond Lower Falls . Slow your pace; slow your breathing. Smell the scent from the surrounding spruce, pine and fir forest.  Drive west from Banff on the Trans-Canada Hwy. Take the 1A Hwy ( Bow Valley Parkway) turnoff and continue west 18 km (11 miles) to Johnston Canyon Lodge. Past the lodge, a trail sign at the northern end of the parking lot marks the start of the hike. 

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Johnston Canyon Campground

Hwy 1A
Banff National Park
Alberta
T1L 1A9 Canada
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Hours

Open 24 hours today
  • Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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  • Parking
  • Pets Allowed
  • Restrooms
  • Wifi
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Affiliation
National park
Lowest Nightly Rate
30
Max Length
27 ft
Max Stay
14
Sites Count
132
  • Paved Sites
  • Full Hookup
  • Pull Through
  • Tent Sites
  • Dump Station
  • Big Rigs
  • Age Restricted
  • Boondock
  • Cabin Sites
  • Dispersed Sites
  • Firewood
  • Fulltime Residents
  • Group Tent Sites
  • Laundry
  • Mobile Homes
  • Open Seasonally
  • Permit Required
  • Potable Water
  • Propane
  • Public Water
  • Pull Through RV Sites
  • Reservations
  • Sewer Hookup
  • Showers
  • Sites
  • Standard Tent Sites
  • Water Hookup
  • Outdoor Seating
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Campground, Parking, Dining, Restrooms

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