Over the Easter long weekend, we headed to Johnston Canyon with the kids (a quick, family-friendly outing in Banff National Park) for a little adventure, and it turned out to be the perfect way to stretch our legs, breathe in fresh canyon air, and make memories together.
If you’re visiting Banff without your own vehicle, having a car makes stops like Johnston Canyon much easier to plan.
🌸 Springtime on the Trail
This time of year, Johnston Canyon is still in between seasons, and we got a little bit of everything from ice to sunshine and of course, a dash of slush for fun. It felt like nature was slowly waking up and stretching.
The Lower Falls trail is just over 1.1 km (one way), and it's mostly boardwalk, so it’s very manageable even with younger kids. Just make sure you’ve got good grippy shoes!
💦 Lower Falls Highlights
We didn’t push for the Upper Falls this time; We kept it easy and stopped at the Lower Falls, which was the perfect payoff for a family hike. The little cave tunnel leading to the lookout was honestly my highlight. There’s something about squeezing through that passage and being face-to-face with a roaring waterfall that just feels epic.
🏨 Where to Stay Near Johnston CanyonIf you’re making a weekend of it, staying in Banff or Canmore keeps the day relaxed and avoids rushing back after the hike.
👉 Browse family-friendly hotels in Banff and Canmore
That said, there was a bit of a queue to get through the cave, so be prepared to wait a few minutes, especially on a busy weekend. This is where my kids finished ALL their snacks, so definitely have a little something stashed in your bag to keep everyone happy while you wait.
👉 Want to see what we got up to? Here's a link to our Instagram Reel 🎥
👟 Tips for a Spring Visit to Johnston Canyon
If you’re planning more sightseeing after the hike, there are plenty of Banff attractions and experiences worth booking ahead.
If you love easy hikes and trails like this, you might also enjoy this trail we explored in Canmore. We also took a quick winter escape to Banff, which is packed with family-friendly fun.
💬 Looking Back on Our Little Adventure
Even though we only did the Lower Falls, it was the perfect little spring outing for our family. We got fresh air, some nature time, and lots of pictures for the memory books.
If you’re looking for more low-effort outings like this, there are plenty of family-friendly day trips from Calgary that work well year-round.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Johnston Canyon with Kids
- Is Johnston Canyon suitable for kids? Yes. Johnston Canyon is one of the most family-friendly hikes in Banff National Park. The boardwalk trail to the Lower Falls is short and manageable for kids, with railings along most sections.
- How long is the Johnston Canyon hike with kids? Most families hiking to the Lower Falls spend about 1 to 1.5 hours round-trip, including stops for photos and snack breaks.
- Is Johnston Canyon stroller-friendly? Not really. While much of the trail is boardwalk, there are narrow sections and stairs. A child carrier works better than a stroller.
- Do you need winter gear for Johnston Canyon? In colder months or shoulder seasons, the trail can be icy. Grippy footwear or traction cleats are recommended, especially near the falls.
- Are there washrooms at Johnston Canyon? Yes. Washrooms are available at the trailhead, which is very helpful when hiking with kids.
That will be all from me today. Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet today. Until next time… Xoxo 💋
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