Banff 
A major highlight of travelling the Bow Valley Parkway in the winter season is Johnston Canyon. While many are eager to view the Canyon during the spring or summer while the waterfalls are rushing, this frozen Canyon is worth every step of the hike.
There are many reasons why the Bow Valley Parkway is considered the scenic route between Banff and Lake Louise. This includes the incredible views one would get without even having to leave the vehicle, like Morant’s Curve, or Castle Mountain. For those with time to stop and explore while travelling the parkway, the area offers several more scenic routes to take on foot, ski, or snowshoe.
A winter trip to Johnston Canyon will reveal frozen, icy, and wonderous scenery you can’t find anywhere else in Banff or Alberta. Beyond the Canyon, but still close by, are many other ways to explore the winter wonderlands of Banff and Lake Louise.
Winter Hikes at Johnston Canyon
Once at Johnston Canyon Day Use Area, hikers have the option to head out to the Lower Falls only, or to extend the hike out to the Upper Falls. Both waterfalls are an incredible sight over the winters when the ice appears frozen in time and drapes over the rocks and canyon cliffs.
The Lowers Falls are the smaller of the two, while the Upper Falls tower is a whopping 30m high.
There are several great ski and snowshoe trails in the area; however, the Johnston Canyon trails are exclusively for hikers. Proper footwear is strongly recommended (with ice cleats) as the trail is often packed with snow and ice and is usually slippery.
- The Lower Falls trail is 2.4km out-and-back, while the Upper Falls require a 5km out-and-back hike.
- No matter which routes you choose, there will be awe-inspiring scenery throughout every step of the hike, with some of the coolest views right after the trailhead.
Guided Johnston Canyon Tours
The guided trips available through Banff’s Johnston Canyon are usually referred to as ice walks. The Johnston Canyon ice walk tours are available from a variety of operators in the area who guide you through the Canyon’s frozen surfaces with interpretive information and additional background info. Book a spot with White Mountain Adventures, or Banff Adventures, each with tours available until April.
Lake Louise & Sunshine Village
Johnston Canyon is located almost exactly halfway between the Banff Sunshine Village, and the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Sunshine is about 28km southeast of Johnston, while Lake Louise is about 35km northwest of Johnston. Both locations also offer an array of accommodations.
- For outdoor fun, Lake Louise Ski Resort offers snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding (with a brand-new heated chairlift!), and a sightseeing gondola. The destination is also home to several dining and shopping opportunities, while the resort hosts weekly events.
- Fun at Sunshine Village includes the sightseeing gondola, skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. And within the village, take in the shopping, dining, or a day at the spa.
Snowshoeing & Cross-country Skiing near Johnston Canyon
Banff National Park is one of the top spots in the entire province for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park’s trails offer a range of difficulty levels, lengths, and areas to explore across the large park area.
- Some of the top cross-country ski trails closest to Johnston Canyon include the 4km trail around Castle Junction and Protection Mountain Campground, also on the Bow Valley Parkway, and the Bow River Loop in Lake Louise.
- Snowshoers can reach the Johnston Canyon Inkpots by taking the alternative route from Moose Meadows. This day hike is about 11km out-and-back and avoids the busier Johnston Canyon trails via forest and meadow landscapes.
Planning your Winter Trip to Johnston Canyon
What: Johnston Canyon is a year-round attraction in Banff National Park. The Canyon is accessible by hike from the Bow Valley Parkway and features two stunning waterfalls. The hike leads through the steep limestone walls of Johnston Canyon, formed over thousands of years by Johnston Creek. The creek begins at a much higher elevation and flows toward the Bow River.
Location and how to get there: Johnston Canyon day use area; east of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway
Use ROAM Route 9 for access from Banff, available on weekends in the winter
Cost: Banff National Park Pass $10.50-$21 per day
Best time to go: year-round, check for advisories/trail conditions and be aware of weather warnings before you go.
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