Johnston Canyon is a cool spot. Not only is the atmosphere shady and refreshing, the canyon is deep and mysterious, making it seem as though you’re getting a rare look at the earth’s insides. Here, geology buffs will attest, you can see the true impact of flowing water through limestone. A suspended walkway allows you to get remarkably close views of the seven waterfalls that make up the canyon. The coolest part is when the walkway is bolted to the side of the cliff partway up the canyon wall. Although it can be an extremely busy place on a summer day (one of the few 'hikes' most tour bus trips do), it’s still a fun, interesting and impressive place. And it’s great to hang out in the shade beside the spray of the cool river on a hot day. To escape the crowds, head to the Upper Falls and come in the late afternoon.
A short 1-kilometre (0.6-mile) walk takes you to the first falls, which are 15 metres (49 feet) high. Keep going uphill for another 2.7km (1.7ml) to the more impressive 30-metre Upper Falls, which are at the canyon’s deepest section. Johnston Canyon is on the Bow Valley Parkway Highway 1A, 23.6km (14.7ml) west of Banff. There’s a big parking lot (which can be packed).
