Ink Pots
Banff National Park’s Ink Pots are five natural springs of bubbling, swirling turquoise water in a clearing overshadowed by subalpine forests and the dramatic Rocky Mountains. The only way to reach them is by hiking along a very popular and busy—but spectacular—trail through the Johnston Canyon. Time your hike right for a hustle-free visit.
The basics
If you’re visiting in the summer, arrive early in the morning (8am or earlier) to nab a spot at the Johnston Canyon parking lot. From there, follow a trail along catwalks and bridges through the canyon for about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers), past the Lower and Upper Canyon Falls. Continue through forest for another 1.5 miles to reach the beautiful Ink Pots.
Many guided tours of Banff-area highlights stop at Johnston Canyon, but only venture to the Lower Falls, and possibly the Upper Falls. To hike all the way to the Ink Pots you’ll probably have to go independently, though some private guided hikes are available.
Things to know before you go
- This moderate hike takes about 3.5–5 hours to the Ink Pots and back. There are some steep sections.
- Bring extra layers to wear for the cool, shaded Johnston Canyon portion of the hike.
- A few things are strictly prohibited here: drones, feeding the wildlife, and going off-track in Johnston Canyon.
How to get there
The hike to the Ink Pots begins from the Johnston Canyon parking lot, 15 miles (25 kilometers) northwest of Banff town. You can either drive along the Trans–Canada Highway (which becomes the Icefields Parkway at Lake Louise) or take the Bow Valley Parkway on the northern side of the Bow River.
When to get there
Johnston Canyon, which you must hike through to reach the Ink Pots, is extremely busy in the summer (June–September). Because the trails are narrow and constrained (some are metal platforms chained to the canyon walls), you’ll have no choice but to wait your turn on many sections. The second part of the trail to the Ink Pots is typically less crowded. Plan to come early in the day or in the late-afternoon/evening to avoid the crowds. If you’re visiting in the winter, be prepared to hike in snowy and icy conditions.
Bear safety in Banff
You may encounter bears on this hike, though the trail’s popularity tends to keep them away. It’s essential to be aware of bear safety protocols when hiking in Banff National Park, though. Hike with bear spray, make noise to avoid surprising them, hike in groups if possible, and stick to designated trails.
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