Bow River
We were approaching our final full day in Banff and we were exhausted, but our experience so far was worth the lost sleep. We decided since our lungs had adapted to the altitude we would go hike Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots on our final full day. This hike was nearly eight miles, but we had nothing else we wanted to do that day so we were going for it. If you choose to make this hike do arrive and begin your hike just at or before sunrise. This is probably one of the most popular hikes due to its location and the fact that the lower falls are a very easy hike. I will say this for the parents with young children that want to take a stroller, DON’T!!! The cliff-side extends over the path in a few spots and makes passing with a stroller difficult, especially when it becomes more crowded.
We got up extra early and visited our favorite local coffee shop Good Earth Coffeehouse to prepare for our day. We grabbed coffee, breakfast and a few pastries to enjoy for lunch. I will recommend packing a light lunch to enjoy when you reach Ink Pots. We arrived at the Johnston Canyon parking lot just before 7am to start our journey. The temperature was freezing so I was fairly bundled up.
Upper Falls
As we began our hike we were in awe repeatedly as around every turn it seemed there was another waterfall. I think when it was over I counted seven falls total, big and small, that we came across. There are two big falls, the first of these, the lower falls, being a turnaround point for many. If you want to see the upper falls do know that it is quite steeper than the walk up to the lower falls, but very manageable for those in decent shape. Once you make your way to the upper falls you have a choice to keep going to Ink Pots or this can be your turn around spot.
Ink Pots
If you continue to Ink Pots be sure you have water, a snack, and hiking polls are very helpful as the trail gets fairly steep. You will soon begin your decent down into Ink Pots, yes you go down which means coming back you must go up! Watch your footing and take your time to enjoy the amazing beauty along the trail. There is a lookout spot along the way that is stunning.
We took our time once we arrived at Ink Pots. We sat by the river and enjoyed the views and the pastries that we had packed with us. Be sure you take your trash with you DO NOT leave your trash. Be prepared and even pack a bag to place all kinds of trash that you may produce, like toilet paper. We all use the restroom, but the last thing I want to see is piles of toilet paper in the bushes. There is no cell phone service here so we had to actually talk to one another. I know who does that anymore?! I honestly could have stayed there all night and just left the next day it was so amazingly beautiful. After exploring for several hours we decided to make the trek back to the car. Knowing this was my last day, I was tempted to throw myself onto the ground like a toddler who didn’t get their way and make my husband drag me out. I didn’t want to embarrass myself though, so I went unwillingly-willingly.
View from Ink Pots
The hike back was honestly the hardest part. I was extremely thankful for the hiking polls we had rented from Snowtips-Bactrax in Banff. The trail is fairly steep with rocks and roots so again watch your footing. There were times where I felt like the climb back up would never end. Once we reached the upper falls again the trail began to flatten out and descend (thankfully because I didn’t think I was going to make it much further!).
As we began our descent to the parking lot from the upper falls the crowd began to thicken. I’m talking elbow to elbow, screaming kids and yes strollers. Now I don’t know about you, but this is when my patience starts wearing thin. I couldn’t get to the car fast enough but every time I would pass a group, I was road blocked by another group of people stopping in the middle of the trail to observe the falls and river. MOVE OVER PEOPLE!! We finally made it back to the car and wow was the parking lot full of cars and buses.
The trip took us about six hours round trip, but we took our time and stopped many times to soak in the beauty of it all. This was probably my favorite hike, but if you want to enjoy nature and not be disturbed by crowds be sure to go early!