Are you planning to hike Johnston Canyon? Make sure you’re prepared by following these tips for a safe, enjoyable hike.
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Hiking Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular things to do in Banff National Park, and for good reason. The canyon is home to waterfalls, towering limestone cliffs, and a vibrant forest. While Johnston Canyon is beautiful in any season, it is especially magical in the winter. The snow-capped peaks, frozen waterfalls, and sparkling ice formations create an unparalleled winter wonderland.
However, there are a few extra precautions that every hiker needs to take when visiting the canyon in the winter.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter.
What To Know Before Hiking Johnston Canyon:
If you’re visiting Johnston Canyon in the winter, you’ll want to make sure that you bring all of the essentials for a safe, snowy hike.
- Snowshoes or Crampons: The hiking trails are covered in snow in the winter months, so you’ll want to be sure that you wear snowshoes or crampons to grip the snow and ice. I recommend purchasing snowshoes or crampons before your trip, as you’ll use them on nearly every lake, mountain, or trail you visit.
- Layers: Even though it may be below freezing outside, your body will still warm up as you hike through the canyon. Be sure to wear several layers so that you can peel them off as you go.
- Chapstick: This is an essential on any packing list for Banff, but when you’re hiking Canada in the winter, you’ll be outside for several hours in the cold, dry air.
Tips for Hiking Johnston Canyon:
- Arrive early: The Johnston Canyon hike is very popular, so I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds.
- Bring water and snacks: There are no water fountains or food options at the trail, so you’ll need to bring your own.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes: The trail is mostly paved, but there are some uneven surfaces and stairs. Be sure to wear shoes that provide good support and traction.
- Pack bear spray: Bears are common in the area, so it’s important to be prepared.
- Leave no trace: As always, pack all of your trash and leave the canyon as you found it.
How To Get To Johnston Canyon:
From Banff: If you are staying in the town of Banff, the canyon is only about half an hour away. You’ll head west on the Trans-Canada Highway to exit AB-1A, which will merge with the Bow Valley Parkway West. Continue on the Bow Valley Parkway for 11 miles (17.5 km) until you reach the Johnston Canyon parking lot and trailhead.
From Lake Louise: If you’re visiting Johnston Canyon from Lake Louise, you’ll need to get on the Trans-Canada Highway going east. From the Trans-Canada Highway, follow exit 50 for AB-1A. Keep left, and you will reach the left turn for Banff Windermere Highway. After a tenth of a mile, at the T in the road, take a right onto Bow Valley Parkway. After about 4 miles (6.4 km) on Bow Valley Parkway, you will reach the parking lot for Johnston Canyon.
The Lower Falls and The Upper Falls:
Johnston Canyon has two main hikes, the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The Lower Falls trail is considered an easier hike, while the Upper Falls trail is longer with steeper terrain. Neither hike is too strenuous with the right preparation.
The Johnston Canyon Lower Falls hike is a 1.4 mile out and back trail. This hike leads you through the Canyon, with ice sculptures and rock formations along the way. When you reach the Lower Falls, there is a bridge to a cave viewpoint where you can see the frozen falls and natural turquoise pool below.
The Johnston Canyon Upper Falls hike is just over three miles, and requires stairs and uphill hiking in the snow. This hike takes you through the forest, with snow covered trees lining the trail. There is a large viewpoint when you reach the Upper Falls where you can see the towering frozen waterfalls and turqouise water below. If you want to get closer to the falls, you have the option to hike off trail. Keep an eye out for people on the ice – in the winter months, the 100 foot Upper Falls are a popular spot for ice climbing!
Other Winter Hikes in Banff National Park:
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