Waterfalls, a canyon & an enchanted meadow: this Alberta destination is worth the 4-hour hike

Unless you’re comfortable with ice and snow, hiking season is nearing its end – but there’s no sense in dwelling on it! Instead, use what time we’ve got left and check out as many of the trails and boardwalks Wild Rose Country has become known for!

Not sure where to go? Consider hitting the mountains and exploring past Alberta’s Johnston Canyon.

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Located about a half hour from Banff, this particular hike is well-travelled and can get a tad busy thanks to its majestic waterfalls and impressive viewing points, but there’s more than meets the eye!

For those willing to take a few extra steps, there’s even more to be explored in the area.

“Beyond the falls, a forested trail continues up and down to a meadow where water bubbles from deep below the Earth’s surface into shallow pools called the Ink Pots,” Parks Canada explains on their website. 

Now, as we said – the trip to these colourful ponds will be a bit longer of a loop than the route to the upper or lower falls.

With an elevation gain of 330 metres this 5.7 km (one-way) trip will take approximately 4 hours to complete – but it will be a beautiful adventure!

Not only will you venture into the depths of the canyon on both wide paths and narrow bridges but you’ll also see a spectacular 30-metre-high shower and of course – the enchanting lagoons.

You’re in for quite the sight. Enjoy and happy hiking!

Ink Pots – Johnston Canyon, Banff

Where: Directions here