Short Walkeasyforest

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls

Catwalks bolted into a canyon. Easy, magical, get there before 9am.

Time

Distance

2.4 km

Gain

30m

Trailhead

Bow Valley Pkwy

Directions Trail conditions

Conditions, access, and parking can change quickly. Check before going.

Plan notes

Best for

Families or first-timers who want easy canyon scenery with good payoff.

Pair with

Johnston picnic areas or Bow Valley Parkway stops.

Access

Large trailhead lot can fill early on peak summer days.

Season

Used year-round, with winter traction often needed.

Safety

Catwalks and rocks can be slick; keep kids close near railings and edges.

From town

Short drive

Similar hikes

Mount Rundle misty lake reflection wide.

Easy Hike

Tunnel Mountain

Banff's backyard climb. 90 minutes, town and valley views almost the entire climb.

LeveleasyTime1.5hCrowdpopular

Best for

Big valley views for modest distance and elevation.

Mountainno-car-friendly+3

4.3 km260m

Moderate Hike

Johnston Canyon → Ink Pots

Push past the falls. Six bubbling springs in a meadow. Worth the extra hour.

LevelmoderateTime4hCrowdpopular

Best for

The meadow and bubbling springs feel completely different from the busy catwalk section.

Forestno-car-friendly+2

Shuttle recommendedParking fills early

11.6 km320m

Misty mountain view across Lake Minnewanka.

Photo: Jakub Fryš / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Easy Hike

Stewart Canyon

Easy forest-and-canyon walk from Minnewanka with a river bridge and mellow grades.

LeveleasyTime1.5hCrowdquiet

Best for

A mellow canyon-and-bridge walk that feels more substantial than a roadside viewpoint.

Lakeno-car-friendly+2

4.6 km50m