Ink Pots: Banff’s Bubbling Alpine Pools and the Hike That Leads There
A measured hike from canyon catwalks to a meadow of bubbling mineral pools — the Ink Pots reward the patient traveler.
You arrive before the day crowds, boots still stiff from the first switchbacks, and the forest is all dappled light and hush. A creek keeps time on your right, impatient and narrow, while the trail threads cedar and spruce, climbs through shale and folds of limestone, then spills you into a meadow that seems to have been set down by a different hand. There, in a pale bowl of grass beneath a serrated ridge, six pools sit like glass beads—turquoise, olive, ink-black—each one freckled with bubbles that rise and vanish like quiet exhalations. These are the Ink Pots: mineral-fed springs whose color and calm make this one of Banff National Park’s small, essential discoveries.
Trail Wisdom
Start early
Parking at the Johnston Canyon trailhead fills quickly—begin before 8 a.m. in summer to secure a spot and catch the pools in softer light.
Bring bear spray
This is active bear habitat—carry spray accessible, travel in groups when possible, and make noise in dense forest sections.
Leave no trace at the springs
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks—the Ink Pots’ fragile algae and mineral rims can be damaged by foot traffic.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Sturdy trail shoes with good grip handle wet boardwalks, roots and scree comfortably.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A short detour above the meadow yields quieter vantage points and better light for morning photos.
- •Late-July buttercups and alpine lupine along the approach trail are often overlooked but spectacular up close.
Wildlife
elk, pikas
Conservation Note
Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation and the mineral chemistry of the springs; increased foot traffic can alter algae and sediment that create the pools' colors.
The Ink Pots lie within Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park (established in 1885), and the area was historically a travel corridor used by Indigenous peoples prior to European settlement.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: early wildflowers, fewer crowds
Challenges: patchy snow and muddy sections, cold nights
Late spring offers cool air and early blooms but expect snow patches at higher elevations and muddy trail sections—microspikes may be useful early in the season.
summer
Best for: wildflowers, clear trail conditions
Challenges: parking congestion, higher daytime temperatures
Summer gives the most dependable access and vivid pool colors; start early to beat crowds and midday heat.
fall
Best for: larch color, crisper light for photography
Challenges: cooler temps and early snow, shorter daylight
Autumn’s light and color are spectacular—dress warmly and be prepared for a sudden dusting of snow at higher elevations.
winter
Best for: quiet, snowy landscapes, snowshoeing
Challenges: deep snow and avalanche risk on nearby slopes, trail closures or limited access
Winter is for experienced snow travelers; the canyon and road conditions can be challenging and require winter gear and route planning.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Bear sprayEssential
Required safety in bear country; carry it accessible on your chest or hip.
Sturdy trail shoesEssential
Good traction handles wet boardwalks, roots and the rocky meadow approach.
Water and filterEssential
Bring at least 1–2 L; a lightweight filter is useful if you plan to top up from streams (not the pools).
Light insulating layer
Weather changes fast in the mountains—pack a warm layer even on warm mornings.
Common Questions
How long is the hike to the Ink Pots?
Plan roughly 10–11 km (6.5–7 miles) round trip from the Johnston Canyon trailhead with about 200–260 m (650–850 ft) of elevation gain; allow 3–4 hours at an easy pace.
Do I need a park pass?
Yes—Banff National Park requires a valid park pass, which can be purchased online or at park gates and visitor centers.
Can I drink water from the Ink Pots?
No—the pools are mineral-rich and not suitable for drinking; bring your own water or a proper filter and refill from designated streams if necessary.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs are restricted on many park trails—check current Banff NP regulations before bringing pets.
Is the hike suitable for children?
Older children and teens who are used to day hikes will enjoy it; keep younger kids close near the pools and on boardwalks to protect both them and the fragile environment.
How do I reduce my impact at the Ink Pots?
Stay on the trail, avoid touching or entering the pools, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate springs and meadow.
What to Pack
Bear spray (safety), 1–2 L water (hydration), sturdy trail shoes (terrain), layered jacket (variable mountain weather)
Did You Know
The Ink Pots are mineral springs fed by groundwater moving through limestone; their colors come from dissolved minerals and algae, and the pools often bubble from CO2 released as water resurfaces.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Buy a Banff park pass in advance; 2) Arrive early to avoid parking and crowds; 3) Carry bear spray and know how to use it; 4) Stay on marked trails to protect fragile pools.
Local Flavor
Pair a morning at the Ink Pots with lunch in Banff town—try local bison or elk dishes at a nearby bistro and wash it down with a Banff-area ale; the town balances tourist infrastructure with a surprisingly strong outdoors culture.
Logistics Snapshot
Distance: ~10–11 km RT | Elevation gain: ~200–260 m | Time: 3–4 hrs | Start: Johnston Canyon trailhead | Pass: Banff NP required | Difficulty: Moderate
Sustainability Note
Protect the Ink Pots by staying on trails, not touching springs, and packing out everything; small changes in mineral deposits from human contact can permanently change pool colors.
Continue Reading
Red Rock Primer: Two Hours Inside Sedona’s Scarlet Circuits
A fast, guided primer to Sedona’s iconic formations: two hours of geology, Wild West stories, and the best photo frames that will shape the rest of your trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Between Plates and Parliament: Hiking Thingvellir’s Rift and Waterways
Where Iceland’s parliament met and two continents keep a slow, visible disagreement—Thingvellir combines short cultural walks, long ridgeline hikes, and the surreal clarity of Silfra. It’s an intimate, elemental introduction to Icelandic landscape and history.
Reykjavík, Capital Region