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Johnston Canyon - Ink Pots

GPS Track

Upper Falls and most photogenic part of Johnston Canyon

Multiple Dates, Last Feb 23 2024

Johnston Canyon is one of busiest areas in Banff National Park.  Tour buses and hordes of tourists clog this beautiful area year-round.  It is still very beautiful and well-worth a visit. Try to come early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.  In winter months canyon is generally less busy but it is still hard to have it to yourself.  Upper falls are popular with ice-climbers that often provide quite a show.   Extension to Ink Pots is well-worth and provides glimpse into the fantastic back-country of Sawback Range. Mt. Ishbel looks fantastic late in the day from the meadows!   Optional return via Moose Meadows is longer and has no real benefits except that it avoids the crowds.

Park at Johnston Canyon about 7km south from Castle Junction on Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A).  Space is hard to find, even in winter months as lower parking lot is closed.  Follow crowds into the canyon with several photogenic spots including the cave in lower canyon and several platforms further on.  Most beautiful is the bend just before major waterfall in upper gorge / ice-climbing area.  Trail then climbs slightly and joins path coming from Moose Meadows. This junction is signed.  Turn right and hike to Ink Pots in about 30-40 minutes from upper Canyon.  Trail continues to Luellen Lake and Pulsatilla Pass; this is part of famous "Sawback loop" back-country trip, but most day-hikers usually turn back at Ink Pots.  On my winter trip one season I continued to Mystic Pass junction by Jo9 campground, but for initial 10 minutes trail was entirely forest enclosed and not worth if not going further.  If returning via Moose Meadows, be prepared to walk for about 1km back to Johnston Canyon parking.

Update 2020:  Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, Johnston Canyon vehicle access was closed for entire season.  This created opportunity to visit this unique area without all the tour buses gong show.  I cycled closed Bow Valley Parkway (1A) in spring had the canyon entirely to myself;  huge parking lot normally full to the brim was completely empty giving almost eerie feeling.  I expect Parks Canada will reinstate vehicle access sometime in 2021.

Update 2021:  Bow Valley Parkway remains closed between Banff and Castle Junction.  This has crowds in Bow Valley rejoicing as it is such a nice bike ride without vehicles.  Parks Canada Poll conducted in Fall 2020 revealed 90% of participants being in favor of making this closure permanent.   I have now cycled from Banff to Johnston Canyon both in April '20 and '21 and tremendously enjoyed the experience.  Not to mention awesome Johnston Canyon with no crowds.

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