Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Johnston Canyon’s Lower and Upper Falls via catwalks over the gorge
The route
The line through Banff NP, Alberta, Canada - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Year-round (icewalk in winter)
Spray, ice in winter, summer crowds
Open year-round; icy in winter (see the Icewalk). Confirm.
On the trail
Steel catwalks bolted into a limestone canyon along the creek
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Accessible to most walkers and families; not fully wheelchair accessible - confirm
Black and grizzly bear country - carry bear spray, travel in groups, store food properly
Extremely busy
Lower Falls only (near-flat); continue to Upper Falls and the Ink Pots
Getting there & staying
Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Lake Louise; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
Parks Canada day pass; heavy parking pressure - arrive early or use transit. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Slippery catwalks, crowds, ice in winter
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.