Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots
Get here early to avoid the crowds and enjoy your time ascending Johnston’s Canyon. Begin your hike by heading upwards on the broad path through the Canyon. As you get deeper, the views are constantly changing. You’ll soon have to start using catwalks that are fixed to limestone cliffs, which allow you to penetrate this canyon, as there is no space for a trail.
The trail approaches the Lower Canyon Falls (1.2 km, 30 m elevation gain), where you can walk through a tunnel to get an even closer look at the beautiful cascading water.
Continuing from here, there is another 1.2 km and 90 m of elevation to the Upper Canyon Falls. When you arrive, climb out of the forest and the lower canyon. One viewing area is accessible by a catwalk looking out on the bottom of the falls, while another requires taking a steep trail to a platform overhanging the gorge and looking down on the falls.
From the Upper Canyon Falls, continue on to the Ink Pots, which are mineral springs that bubble up in a meadow surrounded by nearby peaks. This route is a broad path that cuts through the forest. To get to the Ink Pots, head west from the Upper Canyon Falls on a path that links up with the ascent route from Moose Meadows after 5 minutes.
At this junction, go right on a path for approximately 2.5 km. The path initially goes through the trees and then narrows before it reaches Johnston Creek Meadows. 0.5 km after the meadows you reach the Ink Pots.
Once arriving at the Ink Pots, there are many great places to relax, eat a snack, and enjoy the scenery. Continue back down the way you came, making sure you don’t accidentally descend the Moose Meadows route – which leads to a different parking lot.
Note: On the map you can see the route to ascend from Moose Meadows. This route is good to use if you don’t want to endure the craziness of going up and down Johnston Canyon. The distance is similar whichever way you go.
Insider Hints for Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots
- You’ll be in a canyon for much of this hike, bring an extra layer of clothing as it can get chilly.
- Do this very early or late, as this hike tends to be extremely busy.
- You can bypass the crowds and hike from Moose Meadows to the Upper Falls and then back to Ink Pots.
- The 1A highway has animals feeding very early in the morning, keep your eyes open for bears!
Getting to the Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots Trailhead
From Banff, head west on the Trans-Canada Highway towards Lake Louise. You can take the scenic route and take the Bow Valley Parkway exit (#1A) and drive along this all the way to Johnston’s Canyon (18 km) or else take the Trans-Canada all the way to Castle Mountain Junction and driving back 5.5 km.Route Information for Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots
When to do:
May through early October
Backcountry Campsites:
Larry's Camp
Toilets:
Trailhead
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Extreme
Route Type:
Out and back
Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots
I admire the limestone cliffs and the beautiful cascading waters.
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Gorgeous river and waterfalls.
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- Physical Difficulty
A lot of waterfalls to see. Would suggest to go early since the trail can be busy. Well kept trail.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
A lot of great waterfalls to see. somewhat busy hike out. ink pots were cool to see. I can say that the scenery is breathtaking on this hike. Definitely would love to visit again
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- Physical Difficulty
Amazing scenery. Simply breathtaking. I suggest visiting early to avoid huge crowds.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Paint Pots were such a marvel, that I didn't mind the crazy crowds. A lot of non-hikers end their hike at Upper Falls, and the space at the Paint Pots is very wide-- no need to worry about getting a spot for lunch. Yes, the crowd can be overwhelming, but just time your hike wisely and just be patient with others on the trail. This is one of the few accessible hikes for non-hikers or families and your physical mobility is a privilege, not something that entitles you exclusive access to the wilderness as some fit hikers on the trail seemed to think ;)
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
You've gotta be here EARLY if you want to avoid the crowds. Do it middle of the week if you can. Not hard and very pretty.
I enjoyed hiking to the Ink Pots, it gets busy but just get there early!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
tell you what - if you overslept and still thinking it's worth going, forget it. I did just that and the number of walkers was like the zombie apocalypse.
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
I actually prefer hiking to the Paint Pots over Johnston Canyon in summer. Pretty views and not as busy.
- Trip Length
- 03:30
- Physical Difficulty
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