Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
Though there are two major waterfalls on the trail, there are plenty of small ones like this

A Walk through Johnston Canyon in Photos

Brendan Van Son·
Photography

I’m finding writing about being home in Canada quite difficult.  I guess the fact that I’ve seen it all before, and I’ve spent so much time guiding in the area makes it all a little bit more difficult to write in the same way as I do with fresh eyes in a new location.  I mean, I’ve been to Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park at least 100 times.

Sure, it’s exciting and beautiful, and I find myself constantly reminiscing, but it’s hard to put it all on paper.  The same isn’t true for photography; the photos have been easy to create.

The beauty of being home and shooting photography is two fold.  For one, the last time I was in this area I didn’t really shoot that many photos, so even though I’ve seen it all, it’s all new image locations.  

Of course, even if you shoot the same place over and over, you never get the same light and same exact scene.  And secondly, the fact that I know the region like the back of my hand makes it easy to find amazing places to shoot!  As soon as I got to Banff National Park, I headed to one of my favourite places in Alberta to photograph: Johnston Canyon.  These are some photos from the hike through Johnston Canyon and there is some info in the captions to lead you through the photos as well.  Enjoy!

Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
The Johnston Canyon Hike takes people along a series of boardwalks above a narrow creek which is rich blue from the limestone rock sediment in the water.
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
If you’re in the Banff area, get out and hike Johnston canyon. The hike is best done in the morning before the crowds get there. It’s also the best time for photography as you won’t fight as much with harsh light!
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
Though you can keep hiking up to a place called the ink pots, I turned around and shot some more of the smaller falls on the trail.
Upper falls, Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
The upper falls are taller than the lower, but somehow less dramatic. Still, incredibly beautiful.
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
From the lower falls, it’s another mile or so to the upper falls.
Lower Falls, Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
The best views of the falls are from the bridge, though you can actually get right under some rock and next to the lower falls.
This is the lower falls at Johnston Canyon. The majority of tourists just wander here. The hike is about 25 minutes round trip.
This is the lower falls at Johnston Canyon. The majority of tourists just wander here. The hike is about 25 minutes round trip.
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
Though there are two major waterfalls on the trail, there are plenty of small ones like this
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Canada
Gotta love that light blue water. There are few places more stunning!

How to Visit Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is just a 30 minute drive down the old highway in Banff National Park from the town of Banff. There is a lodge there, but you can easily stay in Banff, Lake Louise, or even Canmore and visit the canyon on a daytrip.

There is a fair amount of parking at Johnston Canyon. But, be warned that during the high season that parking lot fills up really fast and cars end up lining down the parkway. So, you might have to walk a bit to get to the start of the canyon’s trail.

My recommendation is to come early in the morning before the crowds show up, or later in the evening.