Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots

This is Banff’s crowd-pleaser for good reason: a dramatic canyon walk on steel catwalks bolted to limestone walls, two photogenic waterfalls, and a payoff at the Ink Pots—five blue‑green, cold mineral springs bubbling up in a wide meadow. From the Johnston Canyon parking area on the Bow Valley Parkway, you’ll follow Johnston Creek upstream through the canyon to Lower Falls (about 0.7 mi/1.1 km), then continue to Upper Falls (about 1.7 mi/2.7 km). Beyond the Upper Falls the trail leaves the tight canyon for forest and, finally, the open meadow with the springs.

Expect about 7.5 miles total (12 km) out-and-back to the Ink Pots from the main lot. The elevation gain is moderate but steady after Upper Falls; reported totals vary widely (roughly 1,100–2,000 ft/335–608 m) depending on the source and device, so budget energy for a sustained climb before the meadow. Plan on 3–5 hours round trip, plus time for viewpoints and photos.

The experience shifts as you go: the lower canyon is lush and shaded, with catwalks and bridges that put you right beside the turquoise water and up close to both waterfalls. Past Upper Falls, it’s a regular dirt trail through forest before the landscape opens and the Ink Pots come into view—clear, colorful spring pools (about 4°C year‑round) where you can see sand bubbling on the bottoms. Each pool has its own color and flow rate; the blue ones usually fill faster than the green.

Crowds are the trade-off. This is one of the busiest walks in the park, and the catwalks create bottlenecks at viewpoints. Go early (ideally before 9 am) for parking and elbow room, or late in the day. If you want a quieter return, consider looping back via the Moose Meadows trail, which skips the canyon’s busiest section and trades it for a calmer forest walk.

Trail surface is a mix of sturdy catwalks/bridges and maintained dirt path. The Lower Falls section is very approachable for most hikers; beyond Upper Falls it gets steeper and rougher. Dogs are allowed on leash; bikes are not. Amenities are excellent at the trailhead—heated washrooms, a water fill station, and a café/bistro—making logistics easy. You don’t need a trail-specific permit, but you do need a valid Parks Canada pass for the area.

Best time to hike: Late spring through fall (May–October) for clear paths, vibrant water color, and open meadows. Summer weekends are packed—aim for early morning or outside the 9 am–5 pm window. Winter is possible and beautiful in its own right, but the route can be icy; bring traction and expect snow around the Ink Pots.