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4.5
1,331 votes

Johnston Canyon Campground

Highway 1A Bow Valley Parkway, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1A9 Canada

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Tue 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
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  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
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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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Reviews of Johnston Canyon Campground

13 people have reviewed this location

Ratings Summary

5.0 Access
5.0 Location
4.5 Cleanliness
4.5 Site Quality
4.5 Noise
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Reviewed by
BBeddoe

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
September 17, 2022
Rated

This was a great campground for small rigs (less than 26ft) and tents. Was not on full on our stay, Tuesday to Wednesday Sept 13th. Host said that it was the first time in a while they had not been full. Free firewood and showers. We had a nice stay! If you fit the size requirements I highly recommend!

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BBeddoe would stay here again

Nightly Rate: -

Days Stayed: 1

Site Number: 114

5 Access
5 Location
4 Cleanliness
4 Site Quality
4 Noise
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Reviewed by
Campendium

July 25, 2023
Rated

This was a beautiful campground with a variety of sites. Our site was among the trees and we were able to get a level spot. Bathrooms were clean and had decent showers with nice, hot water. Was within walking distance to Johnston Canyon hikes and bar/grill. Free firewood although you pay $10/ night for the rights to having a fire and ring.

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This reviewer would stay here again

Nightly Rate: -

Days Stayed: 1

Site Number: 42

5 Access
5 Location
5 Cleanliness
5 Site Quality
5 Noise

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Johnston Canyon Campground

Highway 1A Bow Valley Parkway
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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  • Check
    Parking
  • Check
    Pets Allowed
  • Check
    Restrooms
  • Unknown
    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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    Credit Cards Accepted
Affiliation
National park - Canada
Lowest Nightly Rate
30.0
Max Length
27 ft
Max Stay
14
Sites Count
132
  • Unavailable
    Paved Sites
  • Unavailable
    Full Hookup
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    Pull Through
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    Tent Sites
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    Dump Station
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    Big Rigs
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    Open Seasonally
  • Unavailable
    Age Restricted
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    Boondock
  • Unavailable
    Cabin Sites
  • Unavailable
    Dispersed Sites
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    Firewood
  • Unavailable
    Fulltime Residents
  • Unavailable
    Group Tent Sites
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    Laundry
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    Mobile Homes
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    Permit Required
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    Potable Water
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    Propane
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    Public Water
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    Pull Through RV Sites
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    Reservations
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    Sewer Hookup
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    Showers
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    Sites
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    Standard Tent Sites
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    Water Hookup
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    Outdoor Seating
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