Explore the majestic waterfalls and deep gorges of the Canadian Rockies with a Johnston Canyon tour departing from Banff. Choose from scenic e-bike rides, small-group excursions, and comprehensive Banff National Park day trips.
Free Cancellation Discover Banff’s iconic lakes and hidden spots with a small group of 24 and guides who focus on stories and photos.
Free Cancellation Walk the limestone paths of Johnston Canyon and see the deep green waters of Emerald Lake.
Free Cancellation A guided day trip through Banff’s highlights, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and a hike at Johnston Canyon.
Free Cancellation Reach Lake Louise and Moraine Lake stress-free with daily shuttle departures from Banff and Canmore.
Free Cancellation Explore Banff’s most iconic lakes and landmarks on a full-day guided tour from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.
Free Cancellation Cycle the Bow Valley Parkway by e-bike and hike the trails of Johnston Canyon on a guided day trip from Banff.
Free Cancellation Visit the iconic glacial lakes and natural landmarks of Banff and Yoho National Parks on this full-day guided tour.
Free Cancellation Explore Banff's essential landmarks, from the limestone cliffs of Johnston Canyon to the views atop Sulphur Mountain.
Free Cancellation A full-day guided tour of Banff National Park’s iconic lakes and viewpoints departing from Calgary or Banff.
Free Cancellation Explore Johnston Canyon’s limestone cliffs and Banff’s famous viewpoints, including Bow Falls and Surprise Corner.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Johnston Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Visiting Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular activities in Banff National Park, offering an up-close look at thousands of years of water erosion. Most tours combine a hike through this dramatic limestone gorge with stops at other iconic Rockies destinations, though you can also find dedicated e-bike and hiking excursions.
You will walk along elevated steel catwalks bolted directly into the sheer limestone cliffs. It feels like you are floating right over the rushing turquoise waters of Johnston Creek.
A gentle 1.2-kilometer hike takes you to the Lower Falls. You can cross a wooden footbridge and duck through a natural rock tunnel to get close enough to feel the waterfall's mist.
For those on tours with longer stops, a steeper 2.5-kilometer hike leads to the 30-meter-high Upper Falls. Platforms allow you to look straight down into the deep, churning pools.
During winter tours, the canyon turns into a frozen wonderland. You'll wear provided ice cleats to safely navigate the trails and might even spot ice climbers scaling the frozen pillars.
Some specialized tours let you ride an e-bike from Banff along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway directly to the trailhead, taking advantage of seasonal vehicle-free road closures.
Many full-day itineraries pair the canyon hike with visits to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, letting you knock out Banff's biggest highlights in a single, stress-free day.
Before you book your Johnston Canyon tour, it helps to understand the different itinerary types, seasonal road closures, and what gear is provided.
You can choose between full-day sightseeing bus tours that hit multiple Banff highlights, active e-bike guided tours, or simple half-day shuttle services. Shuttles are great if you just want to avoid the notorious parking lot congestion.
While hiking the canyon is free, you must have a Parks Canada Pass to be in the national park. Most guided tours include this fee in the ticket price, but double-check your specific booking to be sure.
If you book a combo tour that includes Moraine Lake between mid-October and late May, the road to Moraine will be closed. Tour operators typically substitute this stop with Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge.
Take note that the entire Johnston Canyon trail will close to the public for two to three months starting October 12, 2026. Parks Canada is performing mandatory rockfall hazard maintenance during this time.
If you are visiting between November and April, the trail gets incredibly icy. Almost all winter guided tours and shuttles provide free use of microspikes or ice cleats, which are absolutely essential for safety.
The 1.1-kilometer paved path and flat catwalks to the Lower Falls are wheelchair and stroller friendly, with a gentle 4% grade. However, the trail to the Upper Falls is steeper and not accessible for wheels.
Most full-day tours offer convenient hotel pick-ups from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. Be aware that starting in Calgary adds significant driving time to your day compared to departing directly from Banff.
The vast majority of Johnston Canyon tours and shuttles offer a standard 24-hour cancellation policy, allowing you to get a full refund if your plans change or the weather looks terrible.
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| Full-Day Rockies Highlights | Half-Day Shuttle Service | Guided E-Bike & Hike | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 9 to 11 hours | 4 to 5 hours | 4 hours |
| Best for | First-time visitors wanting to see the canyon plus Lake Louise and Moraine Lake | Independent hikers who want to skip the massive parking headaches | Active travelers looking for a unique, vehicle-free ride on the Bow Valley Parkway |
| Includes | Guide, transport, park fees, winter cleats | Round-trip transport from Banff/Canmore, winter cleats | E-bike rental, helmet, interpretive guide, return shuttle |
| Price from | $55 - $95 USD | $58 USD | $150 USD |
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Johnston Canyon is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, there are a few seasonal access rules you need to know about.
The canyon is located about 25 kilometers west of the Banff townsite along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).
Summer (July - August): Offers lush greenery and vibrant turquoise waters, but expect extreme crowds. To avoid parking nightmares and heavy foot traffic on the narrow catwalks, arrive before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.
Winter (January - February): A magical time to visit with frozen waterfalls and far fewer crowds. You must wear microspikes or ice cleats as the trail turns into a literal sheet of ice.
Worst Time: Midday (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) during peak summer is highly congested. Also, avoid late October through December 2026 due to the planned trail closure.
Johnston Canyon is one of the most accessible natural attractions in Banff, though it has limits depending on how far you want to go.
Preparation is key, as facilities are entirely concentrated at the start of the hike.
Parks Canada strictly enforces rules here to protect the delicate ecosystem and visitor safety.
Most full-day guided tours and shuttles include the required Parks Canada Pass in their ticket price. However, you should always check the 'inclusions' section of your specific tour, as a few budget shuttles may require you to buy it separately.
Yes, winter tours are very popular. The canyon transforms into a stunning landscape of frozen waterfalls and ice pillars. Tour operators typically provide ice cleats or microspikes, which are absolutely essential for walking safely on the icy catwalks.
The hike is quite easy and family-friendly. The walk to the Lower Falls is mostly flat and takes about an hour round trip. If your tour allows time for the Upper Falls, it requires a bit more effort with a 120-meter elevation gain over a 5-kilometer round trip.
Generally, no. Most guided bus tours and shuttles only allocate 1.5 to 2 hours at Johnston Canyon, which is enough time to see the Lower and Upper Falls. The Ink Pots require an 11.6 km round trip (about 4 hours), which doesn't fit standard tour schedules.
The road to Moraine Lake is closed to all vehicles from mid-October to late May due to avalanche risk. If you book a combo tour during this time, operators will automatically substitute Moraine Lake with a visit to Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge.
No, there are absolutely no public washrooms along the hiking trails to the Lower or Upper Falls. You must use the heated restroom facilities located at the main parking lot before you begin your hike.
Parks Canada is closing the entire trail for two to three months starting October 12, 2026, to perform routine rockfall hazard management. Crews will remove loose rocks and upgrade safety systems on the canyon walls.
Yes, but with limitations. The 1.1-kilometer path to the Lower Falls is paved and flat enough for strollers. However, strollers cannot be taken to the Upper Falls due to the steeper, uneven terrain. Check with your tour operator to ensure they have storage space on the bus.
No. Recreational drone use of any size is strictly prohibited in all Canadian National Parks, including Johnston Canyon. Flying a drone without a commercial permit can result in a massive fine of up to $25,000 CAD.
No, you should not drink from the creek or any of the pools. Additionally, visitors are strictly forbidden from throwing coins or any objects into the water to protect the delicate natural habitat.
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This small-group tour takes you to the most iconic sights of the Canadian Rockies, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff townsite. By limiting groups to a maximum of 24 guests, we provide a more personal experience than standard large-bus tours. You will travel in premium comfort with pickups available directly from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. Our guides focus on local storytelling rather than just reciting dates and facts, sharing the legends and history that make these mountains unique. Along the way, we help you find the best vantage points for photos and create a social environment where guests can easily connect. We aim to show you the hidden spots that larger groups often miss while ensuring you see the famous turquoise waters of the glacial lakes. Please note that access to Moraine Lake is seasonal and typically operates from June 1st through October 13th. Outside of these dates, the itinerary includes an alternative scenic location to ensure you still get the most out of your day in the National Park.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This trip visits two of the region's most distinct landscapes: the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon and the still waters of Emerald Lake. At Johnston Canyon, you can follow the catwalks built into the canyon walls to reach the Lower and Upper Falls. The trail provides close views of the rushing water and the limestone formations carved out over centuries. The second stop is Emerald Lake, known for its intense color caused by powdered rock. Here, you have the choice between a self-guided experience or a structured itinerary. You can hike the perimeter trail, rent a canoe, or find a quiet spot for photography. The pace is flexible, allowing you to focus on scenic views or more active exploration depending on your preference.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hindi, English
This full-day guided tour covers the most famous stops in Banff National Park. You’ll visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to see their turquoise waters and surrounding peaks. From October 13 to May 31, when the road to Moraine Lake is closed, the itinerary shifts to Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park instead. The day also includes a stop at Johnston Canyon, where you can walk the canyon’s steel catwalks to view the waterfalls. The tour concludes with time to walk around the shops and restaurants on Banff Avenue. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle led by a local guide. Pickup and drop-off are available at designated locations in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff, allowing you to start and end your trip in different towns if needed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Avoid the difficulty of finding parking at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake by using this daily shuttle service. Departing from both Canmore and Banff, the shuttle provides direct access to these popular destinations, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than the drive. Our local drivers are available to share insights about the area and answer questions during the trip. Pickups in Canmore are scheduled for 7:40 am, 9:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 2:00 pm. For those starting in Banff, the shuttle stops at 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 1:20 pm, or 2:20 pm. These staggered departure times offer flexibility for different schedules, whether you are planning a full day of hiking or a quick photo stop at the water's edge.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chinese, Cantonese, English
This full-day guided tour covers the major landmarks of Banff National Park, with pickup and drop-off service provided in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. Because access to certain areas changes with the weather, the itinerary is adjusted seasonally. You will receive a confirmation message the day before your trip with the final schedule and meeting details. From June to mid-October, the summer itinerary stops at Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, and the Banff townsite. During the winter season (mid-October through May), the route includes Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and Banff town. Throughout the day, your guide will provide local insights and assist with taking photos at each location. The tour is designed to handle the logistics of park entry and parking so you can focus on the scenery.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chinese, Cantonese, English
This guided tour combines a scenic ride along the Bow Valley Parkway with a hike through Johnston Canyon. You will travel by e-bike, which helps with the elevation changes along the parkway while you look for local wildlife. The route often utilizes sections of the road closed to public vehicles, providing a more relaxed cycling environment. Upon arriving at the Johnston Canyon trailhead, you will leave the bikes behind for a guided walk. The trail uses a system of boardwalks and bridges built into the canyon walls, leading to views of the lower and upper waterfalls. Your guide provides context on the local ecosystem and geological formations throughout the excursion.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour covers the most famous destinations within the Canadian Rockies, beginning with a visit to Lake Louise. You will have the opportunity to walk along the water’s edge or explore the grounds of the historic Fairmont Chateau while viewing the Victoria Glacier. The journey continues to Moraine Lake, situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. You can take a short walk up the Rockpile for an elevated view of the bright blue water and the rugged mountain backdrop. The itinerary also features stops at Emerald Lake, the limestone formations of the Natural Bridge, and the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hindi, English
This guided tour covers the major natural and historical landmarks around the Banff townsite. The day begins at the base of Sulphur Mountain, where you have the option to ride the gondola to the summit for a bird's-eye view of the Rockies. Following the mountain visit, you will have free time to walk through downtown Banff to explore the local shops and cafes. The second half of the tour focuses on the area's geological features. You will visit Johnston Canyon to see the creek and waterfalls cutting through the limestone canyon walls. The route also includes stops at Bow Falls and the Surprise Corner lookout, which provides a famous view of the town and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The trip concludes with a visit to the Hoodoos, unique rock spires shaped by glacial activity and erosion over thousands of years.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chinese, Japanese, Cantonese, English, Chinese (China)
This full-day trip covers the most recognizable sights in Banff National Park, with departures available from both Calgary and Banff. The route focuses on the park's natural landmarks, including the blue waters of Lake Minnewanka, the Bow Falls, and the Hoodoos. You will also stop at Surprise Corner, which offers a famous view of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Beyond the viewpoints, the itinerary includes a visit to the Town of Banff and a walk along the steel catwalks of Johnston Canyon. You can choose to add a ride on the Banff Gondola for a view from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Your guide handles the navigation and provides local history throughout the day, ensuring a steady pace between stops.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour focuses on the natural landmarks surrounding the Banff townsite. You will start at Johnston Canyon, walking along the steel catwalks built into the canyon walls to see the waterfalls and deep limestone chasms. The trail is well-maintained and provides a close-up look at the area's unique geology. Following the canyon, the trip moves to Bow Falls and Surprise Corner. These stops offer a historical perspective of the park, featuring views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River. It is a straightforward way to see the park's primary sights without needing a full day of hiking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English