Banff National Park | What Goes With What?

Guide to Johnston Canyon Secret Cave

Let’s get right to the good stuff. Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park Canada was just as amazing as anticipated. We headed out to the canyon first thing in the morning trying to beat the crowds. I must say that the parking lot was full later. So get there early! Or better yet take the shuttle that will pick you up in the campground.

The trail – 3.4 miles to the Upper Falls with a 700 foot elevation gain. A bit strenuous but totally worth it. The hardest part for me was breathing at 5000ft elevation since my home is at sea level.

The hike to lower falls is a fairly easy 1.1 miles along catwalks and board walks cut into the canyon. Basically your walking along the cliff face!

At Lower Falls there is a bridge across the canyon. Great photo opp here but beyond the bridge don’t miss the tunnel to a small view point right on the waterfall.

Above shows the tunnel to the right of the bridge. Be prepared to get wet. You’re literally right in the mist of the falls!

Below you can see just how small the viewpoint is.

The trail gets a little more strenuous as it continues another .6 miles to Upper Falls.

As you approach the final hill to the upper falls the Viking noticed some folks down along the river. Had he not seen them we would have missed the iconic Johnston Canyon viewpoint. Don’t get me wrong the falls are gorgeous but the tilting island view is the one I most wanted to experience.

If you see this waterfall you have gone too far. We went to Upper Falls first then on the way back we climbed down to the river floor.

The Upper Falls were stunning!

This is where you want to head off trail and make your way down to the river bed. There’s no sign or marker. You just have to be watching for the opportunity. Keep in mind everything is slippery. It took me a while to find a place where I was comfortable enough to descend. My butt was muddy as I slid over some rocks but, ‘Oh the happiness!’ of being in the canyon was so worth it! There are NO words…

The water has carved out a huge cave (behind where I’m standing) and wound around this portion of rock to form what looks like a tilting island floating in the river. The further I tucked myself into the cave the better my view. My face literally hurt from smiling! Looking back, I would say this is one of the best moments of the whole trip.