Johnston Canyon: closed until 11 December 2026
A closure order covers the Johnston Canyon trail and the day-use area, including the toilets and car park P1, from 13 October to 11 December 2026. The closure is for safety construction work. You cannot walk the canyon trail in this period, so do not plan a winter walk here for this season.
Check the current notice before you travel and again on the day. If your dates fall after 11 December, confirm the reopening first.
Lower Falls, Upper Falls and Ink Pots
Distances are from the start of the trail, one way. Do not add them up.
| Destination | One way | Return trip |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Falls | 1.1 km | about 1 hour |
| Upper Falls | 2.4 km | about 2 hours |
| Ink Pots | 5.5 km | about 4 hours |
Older maps and brochures show slightly different figures: 1.2 km, 2.5 km and 5.7 km one way. Use the numbers above as a guide and expect small differences on the ground.
Johnston Canyon and Banff day trips
Guided trips from Banff to the canyon area and the Bow Valley, with current prices and availability.
What the walk is like
The Lower Falls are the short, popular part. The Upper Falls are about twice as far and take around two hours return. The Ink Pots are the long walk, 5.5 km one way, and need about four hours return.
The path runs along the canyon walls, and the falls are the reason most people come. Because it is short and close to Banff, it fills up. Go early or late in the day, and keep to the signed path.
The Upper Falls and the Ink Pots can also be reached via Moose Meadows. That is a different approach from the closed canyon trail. Check the current notice to see whether this route fits your day.
Getting there and parking
The access points sit on the Bow Valley Parkway.
By car
The day-use area is on the Bow Valley Parkway. Park only in the marked areas. While the closure lasts, the day-use area and car park P1 are closed to the public.
By Roam bus
Route 9 is the Roam bus to the canyon. In 2026 an adult pays CAD 5 one way or CAD 10 for a day pass. Youth and seniors pay CAD 2.50 or CAD 5, and children up to 12 ride free. Cash needs to be the exact amount, because the driver has no change. During the closure, check whether the route runs on your date.
Bow Valley Parkway closures
The 17 km of the Bow Valley Parkway east of Johnston Canyon are closed at night, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. From 1 March to 25 June they are closed for all activities. Plan your timing around this, especially for early or late visits.
Park pass
You need a park pass when you stop in the park. Prices are on the park pass page.
Planning around the closure
What to do with the day while the canyon is shut.
Check before every trip
The closure order names 13 October to 11 December 2026. Look at the current notice a few days before you travel and again on the morning of your visit, because work schedules can change.
Choose another walk
The hikes page lists other trails near Banff and Lake Louise, with one-way distances and times. For a day by car, the Icefields Parkway has short stops and longer walks.
Stay in town
Banff has museums, viewpoints and short walks that do not depend on the canyon. See the Banff town page for twelve ideas.
Plan the rest of your trip
If the canyon is closed, these pages help fill the day.
Johnston Canyon: frequently asked questions
Is Johnston Canyon open?
No, not in this period. The trail, the day-use area, the toilets and car park P1 are closed from 13 October to 11 December 2026. Check the notice again before you travel.
How long is the walk to the Lower and Upper Falls?
The Lower Falls are 1.1 km one way and take about 1 hour return. The Upper Falls are 2.4 km one way and take about 2 hours return.
How far are the Ink Pots?
The Ink Pots are 5.5 km one way from the start and need about 4 hours return. Older brochures give 5.7 km, so expect small differences.
Can I take the bus to Johnston Canyon?
Roam route 9 serves the canyon. An adult single fare is CAD 5 in 2026. Check that the route runs while the trail is closed.
Do I need a park pass for Johnston Canyon?
Yes. A park pass is required when you stop in the park. Follow the parking signs on site, and use only the marked areas.