Hiking at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park During the Winter

Snow covered trails and frozen waterfalls make hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter a magical experience. Since the canyon is so narrow and the sides are so steep, the trail is suspended by a series of catwalks anchored into the canyon wall. With...
Snow covered trails and frozen waterfalls make hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter a magical experience. Since the canyon is so narrow and the sides are so steep, the trail is suspended by a series of catwalks anchored into the canyon wall. With the mind-blowing beauty of the hike and the surrounding Rocky Mountains it is easy to understand why Johnston Canyon is one of the best hikes in Banff National Park. The best part of this hike is sharing the experience with friends who are visiting the mountains for the very first time.
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2 March 2024 at   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
My friend from Quebec was eager to introduce her kids to the Rocky Mountains. This was their first time to the Banff and as one of the most popular hikes in the area, Hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter was a must. It was fun experiencing the...
My friend from Quebec was eager to introduce her kids to the Rocky Mountains. This was their first time to the Banff and as one of the most popular hikes in the area, Hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter was a must. It was fun experiencing the mountains and Johnston Canyon for the first time again with them.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
The trail meanders through the forest for a few hundred meters before reaching the entrance to the canyon. With the fresh snow fall we knew we were in a beautiful winter adventure. After a Quebec winter with very little to no snow, the three of...
The trail meanders through the forest for a few hundred meters before reaching the entrance to the canyon. With the fresh snow fall we knew we were in a beautiful winter adventure. After a Quebec winter with very little to no snow, the three of them were so happy to see everything blanketed in white. The kids were thankful to have the opportunity to play in the snow again. They also couldn't get over how tall the trees are in the mountains.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
The beginning of the canyon portion of the trail begins gradually as it winds its way between the stream and the cliff. The views are impressive. Those exploring the Johnston Canyon Trail are periodically rewarded with views of nearby mountains....
The beginning of the canyon portion of the trail begins gradually as it winds its way between the stream and the cliff. The views are impressive. Those exploring the Johnston Canyon Trail are periodically rewarded with views of nearby mountains. As my friend always says, "The Mountains are so beautiful, you don't know how lucky you are to live near them."
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
It's finally starting to look like a winter wonderland! Oh, how we missed snowy Canadian winters this year. All five of us were so happy to finally be enjoying the beauty of the season.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
The Johnston Canyon hike in Banff National Park is truly spectacular. On a quiet day on the trail, it is nice to take a minute time to stop and enjoy the views. Just a quick pause to take a breath of the clean mountain air. A pause to take in the...
The Johnston Canyon hike in Banff National Park is truly spectacular. On a quiet day on the trail, it is nice to take a minute time to stop and enjoy the views. Just a quick pause to take a breath of the clean mountain air. A pause to take in the silence and to just be present.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Johnston Canyon becomes so narrow that there is no longer any room for the trail to fit in between the cliff face and the water. The solution was to connect the trail with a series of catwalks suspended from the canyon wall.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
The Johnston Canyon Trail gradually climbs its way up along the cliff face towards the waterfalls. In total, the elevation gain to the Upper Falls is 206m.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Fortunately, after only 1.1km of hiking adventurers will reach the Lower Falls. These falls are easily accessible for most people. There is a bridge that crosses the canyon to a small cave. The cave opens up to a nice view of the lower falls. It...
Fortunately, after only 1.1km of hiking adventurers will reach the Lower Falls. These falls are easily accessible for most people. There is a bridge that crosses the canyon to a small cave. The cave opens up to a nice view of the lower falls. It is so small however, that there is only room for one party to one in there at a time.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
As you can see from this picture there is no need to worry if you have a fear of small places, as your spelunking expedition will be short. The little cave opens up to a small space with a great view of the majestic Lower Falls. The view is worth...
As you can see from this picture there is no need to worry if you have a fear of small places, as your spelunking expedition will be short. The little cave opens up to a small space with a great view of the majestic Lower Falls. The view is worth any discomfort caving might give you.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Exploring Johnston Canyon together was a perfect excuse for a little reunion and a long overdue adventure. Living on opposite sides of the country, it has been years since we have seen each other so we were really happy to spend some time hiking...
Exploring Johnston Canyon together was a perfect excuse for a little reunion and a long overdue adventure. Living on opposite sides of the country, it has been years since we have seen each other so we were really happy to spend some time hiking together and to share our love of the mountains with her kids.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Happy faces all around as our group was having fun discovering Johnston Canyon and pretending to be spelunkers. Our friends from Quebec described the incredible beauty of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park as mind-blowing.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
The trail through Johnston Canyon continues towards the Upper Falls following the canyon. After a short distance hiker are rewarded with another waterfall viewpoint that looks down upon the Lower Falls and the cave.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Between the Lower and the Upper Falls in Johnston Canyon is this series of cascading pools. I love the contrast of the blue water against the snowy backdrop and the frozen waterfall.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
The Upper Falls are 2.7km further up the Johnston Canyon trail from the Lower Falls. Although slightly more rugged, it is still an easy trail to this point. As the trail can be slippery in the winter, wearing ice cleats is highly recommended. The...
The Upper Falls are 2.7km further up the Johnston Canyon trail from the Lower Falls. Although slightly more rugged, it is still an easy trail to this point. As the trail can be slippery in the winter, wearing ice cleats is highly recommended. The Upper Falls are even more impressive than the lower falls and are worth the little bit of extra effort it takes to reach them.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
The Upper Falls are so pretty in the winter. I love the way the ice turns blue and covers the canyon making it feel like a natural ice castle. Of the two falls, the Upper Falls in Johnston Canyon, Alberta are my favourite.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
How could we resist getting a family photo of our friends on their first Canadian Rocky Mountain Adventure in Banff National Park. Judging by the smiles on their faces they are happy to be having some winter fun at Johnston Canyon.
2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Warning! Fresh air, fresh snow, exciting adventures, and beauty of the mountains combined with exercise makes for tired kids. Round trip the hike was 6km, had a 206m elevation gain and took us an hour and 40 minutes including rest stops. Although...
Warning! Fresh air, fresh snow, exciting adventures, and beauty of the mountains combined with exercise makes for tired kids. Round trip the hike was 6km, had a 206m elevation gain and took us an hour and 40 minutes including rest stops. Although exhausted by the end of the day the kids had a wonderful day and loved their first Rocky Mountain adventure of their trip.
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2 March 2024 ·   1 month ago taken in   Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
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