Johnston Creek (Alberta)

Johnston Creek
Johnston Creek
	Upper Falls in Johnston Canyon
Location
Country	Canada
Province	Alberta
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Badger Pass, Pulsatilla Pass
• coordinates	51°23′38″N 115°56′52″W / 51.3938°N 115.9478°W
• elevation	2,500 meters (8,200 ft)
Mouth
• location	Bow River
• coordinates	51°14′30″N 115°51′16″W / 51.2417°N 115.8544°W
• elevation	1,440 meters (4,720 ft)

Johnston Creek is a tributary of the Bow River in Canada's Rocky Mountains. The creek is located in Banff National Park.

Course

Johnston Creek originates north of Castle Mountain in a glacial valley southwest of Badger Pass and south of Pulsatilla Pass, at an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). The creek flows southeast between Helena Ridge and the Sawback Range, and then south through a gorge known as Johnston Canyon. The stream empties into the Bow River, south of Castle Mountain, between Banff and Lake Louise, at an elevation of 1,440 meters (4,720 ft).

Johnston Canyon

As Johnston Creek approaches the Bow River, it flows through a large canyon formed by erosion over thousands of years. The creek has cut through the limestone rock to form sheer canyon walls, as well as waterfalls, tunnels, and pools.

A popular hiking trail follows the canyon and leads to a meadow within the Johnston Valley above the canyon. The first part of the trail consists of a constructed walkway with safety rails and bridges, while the last part of the trail is natural and more rugged. Within the meadow are the Ink Pots, which are six blue-green spring-fed pools. In August 2018, a few of the "natural" trails near the falls were closed off, in an attempt to help recover the small nesting population of the American black swift.^[1]

Ice climbing is a popular activity on the frozen waterfalls in winter.

A tourist lodge and large parking area is located at the foot of the canyon, close to the creek mouth, along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).