Last updated on October 17th, 2023 at 10:11 pm
When it comes to awesome spots to camp near Banff, the Johnston Canyon campground has to rate highly! Thai large but peaceful campground is a short drive from the town of Banff, located perfectly to explore the area and all the beautiful hikes and activities which can be done in the park.
Just a few minutes walk from the campground is the popular Johnston Canyon hike with its incredible waterfalls, making this a must stay at spot, since it is easy to check out the trail during more peaceful times of the day. I hiked it in the evening and while there were still plenty of people around, it was fairly quiet, plus I didn’t need to stress about finding a parking spot like in high summer.
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Where Is The Johnston Canyon Campground
The Johnston Canyon campground is located along the Bow Valley Parkway or Highway 1A. It is clearly signposted off of the main highway and located around 25 kilometers West of Banff. An easy and scenic drive will get you to the campground.
Note that due to the Bow Valley Parkway being part of a prime wildlife area, there are often closures on the highway, this may be overnight closures or for a few months. In this case it is around a 37 kilometer drive from Banff via Highway 1, turning off at Castle junction where you can then travel a short distance along the Bow Valley Parkway to reach the Johnston Canyon campground.
What You Need To Know About The Johnston Canyon Campground
The first thing to note about the Johnston Canyon Campground is it is quite large, but it is split into three loops of sorts, so it doesn’t feel too big when you are there. There are 132 sites at the Johnston Canyon campground, they are all unserviced and better suited to smaller RV’s and tents as space can be limited in some of the sites. Don’t be fooled by it’s size through, it gets really busy and if you want to guarantee your spot here, reserve ahead online.
The individual sites all have a picnic bench and firepit. You pay for your fire permit when you book your site and there are two wood piles at the Johnston Canyon campground which you can pick your wood from. Some sites around the edges have more privacy, while some of the sites in the middle of the loops have less privacy from your neighbours.
There is some highway noise but I didn’t really notice, the trainline also runs near the campground. The train is a little more noticeable but I still had an incredible night’s sleep so it really didn’t bother me at all while I was staying at the Johnston Canyon campground.
Johnston Canyon campground has running, potable water. There are plenty of washrooms dotted around the campground, all with flush toilets and running water. Outside of the washrooms there are sinks for your washing up, these also have potable water. Along with the regular washrooms there are two buildings which also have showers in. While I was visiting they were super clean but there isn’t an abundance of them, so you may have to wait if you pick a busy time to shower.
For rainy days, there were a large number of mostly enclosed picnic shelters, these large covered shelters are the perfect places to escape bad weather, with benches inside as well as wood burning stoves. For anyone not travelling in a vehicle, there are also bear proof food lockers around the campground to store your scented items.
In the Johnston Canyon campground there is also an amphitheatre which offers interpretive programming in the evenings during the high summer period. Ask the staff member when you check in about what is on while you are visiting.
Items You Might Need To Camp At Johnston Canyon
There are plenty of trees in the Johnston Canyon campground, if rain is in the forecast, pack a tarp and rope to be able to string up a shelter.
It was chilly when I visited, so camp slippers were perfect for hanging around at the site and going to the washroom. Flip flops would be great for warmer weather as well.
Don’t forget an axe if you plan on having a fire, the wood provided at the Johnston Canyon campground is split but you’ll want to make it smaller in order to start the fire.
The Johnston Canyon campground is in bear country, make sure to pack bear spray and have it on you while at camp and out hiking.
Things To Do Nearby
The most obvious activity you can do while staying at the Johnston Canyon campground is to hike Johnston Canyon. This fairly easy hike takes you to a waterfall via trails and boardwalks. For those with more time, continue on to the upper falls or for a full day activity, continue past the upper falls to the Ink Pots. I’d recommend getting up early and going as the trail gets incredibly busy.
You can also travel the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise where there are lots of sightseeing and hiking opportunities, whether it is taking in the lake or hiking up to a tea house. Again, if you wish to park at Lake Louise, make sure to get there early, or book a shuttle which will also take you out to Moraine Lake.
A 20 minute drive brings you into the town of Banff, where there are shops and restaurants if you wish to have a more relaxing day.