Johnston Canyon Lower and Upper Falls

Getting There:

The Canyon is very well marked, but here are directions anyway if you're coming from Banff: Head West on the Trans-Canada Highway for about 5 km or so. Take the Bow Valley Parkway exit, and continue West for another 18km - you'll then see signs to your right for Johnston Canyon.

The Hike:

Johnston Canyon is very well marked, as it is a popular tourist spot. From the parking lot, you should have no problem finding the trailhead. For the hike, you have two options: You can go to the lower falls, which takes about 30 mins (1.1km), or go to the upper falls, which takes about an hour (2.6km). I'd highly recommend going to upper falls, it's only an extra half an hour and the view is totally worth it. The hike itself is relatively easy. A majority of it is along a boardwalk that winds through the canyon following the river. The sections that go through the forest are only a slight incline, and very manageable. There are seven sets of waterfalls in the canyon, but you'll know when you reach the main attraction. As you get to the end of the trail, you'll have a few viewpoint options: there's a path that goes to the base of the falls, and another that takes you to the top of it. I'd check out both if you have time. Along the way, there are a few places where you can go off the path and get a little closer to the river, so check those out - just be careful, especially if it's recently rained.

What I wish I knew:

• This place is a little more popular than I expected. Beat the crowds by going early, or closer to closing
• Explore all the pathways. If I could go back and do it again, I would check them all out because some people got some cool pictures I missed out on.