Lower Johnston Canyon Falls

Johnston Canyon is located 17 ½ kilometers west from the eastern terminus of the Bow Valley Parkway (a total of about 20 kilometers from downtown Banff). The falls are found just over a kilometer from the trailhead.The lower falls of Johnston Canyon is the most often photographed waterfall along the creek simply because it is the first one encountered along the Johnston Canyon Trail – just 1 kilometer from the trailhead. However, ease of access aside, this is a rather unique waterfall from a geologic perspective as well. The falls flume about 30 feet down a slightly pitched wall, dropping into a deep swirly pool, before channeling an additional 5-10 feet out into an even larger pool by way of a foot-wide crack in the bedrock. Overlooking the falls is a footbridge which leads from the trail to a tunnel through the rock adjacent to the falls which provides a moist view of the falls. On an average summer day, Johnston Canyon is swarming with tourists, about half of which will call the Lower Falls their destination, so be prepared for massive crowds if you visit during mid-day. Come late in the evening or early in the morning and you’re more likely to not have to jostle for elbow room at the most popular viewpoints.