Johnston Canyon Campground

Certainly an area that shows the power of nature and time - rushing water carves a path through the limestone canyon and potholes form over the years from plunging waterfalls. This is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. The trail begins as a paved walkway for the first 1.1 km (0.7 miles) to the Lower Falls . Here, the water plunges 10 m (33 feet) into a deeply carved pothole below. The trail becomes slightly more rugged as the hike continues to the Upper Falls (2.7 km/1.7 miles) and Ink Pots. The Upper Falls are dramatic with water cascading down more than 30 m (almost 100 feet). At this point, the trail leaves the creek and widens on route to the Ink Pots. It narrows again for a final descent to the Johnston Valley bottom and the Ink Pots (six clear greenish pools filled with spring water that remains at a constant 1-degree Celsius year-round). Johnston Canyon is shaded and moist - bring an extra layer of clothing. Bring a bird book - this canyon is a unique for bird watching. Bring a water bottle and snack. Quick water stops are important every 20-30 minutes (more often if it is hot), especially if you are not used to higher elevations. Wear appropriate day-hiking shoes for the trail beyond Lower Falls . Slow your pace; slow your breathing. Smell the scent from the surrounding spruce, pine and fir forest.  Drive west from Banff on the Trans-Canada Hwy. Take the 1A Hwy ( Bow Valley Parkway) turnoff and continue west 18 km (11 miles) to Johnston Canyon Lodge. Past the lodge, a trail sign at the northern end of the parking lot marks the start of the hike.