If you were thinking of a Johnston Canyon wander, hold off. Parks Canada has closed the Johnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area to all traffic and travel.
What's closed, and when
- The Johnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area
- The washroom facilities
- The P1 parking lot
- From October 13, 2026 until December 11, 2026
Parks Canada says the reason is to keep the public and workers safe during construction work.
It's an official order
The closure is an order from the Superintendent under Section 36(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, part of the Canada National Parks Act. Anyone who ignores it can be charged under the Act, with a maximum penalty of $25,000.
So no worries about missing out on a quiet shoulder-season visit: the area simply isn't open to anyone until the work wraps up.
For updates on the closure or other areas in Banff National Park, check the Parks Canada bulletin for the latest notices.