Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows

Castle Junction 51.24614800, -115.84164600 , Box 875, Highway 1a Bow Valley Parkway (Show on Map)
7.0
Good


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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsJohnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows serves as a delightful retreat nestled between Banff and Lake Louise, offering an exceptional base for exploring the stunning Canadian Rockies. Guests praise its proximity to Johnston Canyon and other key attractions like Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, allowing for early starts to adventurous hikes and easy explorations. The lodge, set in a serene forest environment with dramatic river views, provides a tranquil and secluded ambiance perfect for nature enthusiasts.

The cozy, spacious cabins are well-positioned, offering privacy and direct access to nature trails. Guests enjoy relaxing on decks with beautiful views, while the on-site restaurant adds convenience with its delicious dining options. The breakfast from the bistro is highly rated for its quality and variety, despite being considered somewhat pricey by some visitors. Dinner offerings are also praised for their taste, although the limited vegetarian options and early closing times are noted drawbacks.

The cabins receive compliments for their tasteful furnishings, cozy interiors and high-quality bedding decor. However, some guests mention issues such as small room sizes, outdated furnishings and occasional cleanliness concerns. Enhancements in housekeeping and cabin upkeep could greatly improve the overall guest experience.

The warm and helpful staff at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows significantly enhance the hospitality. Praised for their friendliness and proactive service, the staff contribute to the positive atmosphere of the lodge. Meanwhile, WiFi connectivity can be inconsistent with some guests appreciating the digital downtime, while others feel that reliable internet access, especially in central areas, would be beneficial.

Comfortable sleeping arrangements are crucial for a memorable stay and while some guests find the beds satisfactory, others report discomfort due to small sizes and firmness. The charming fireplaces, however, draw unanimous praise for creating a snug and inviting atmosphere, quickly warming up the cabins and adding to the rustic appeal.

Despite minor drawbacks like occasional maintenance issues and limited WiFi, Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows presents an idyllic getaway immersed in nature, attracting those looking to unwind amidst the scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
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Chalet with Free Wi-Fi
This lodge offers free Wi-Fi.

Chalet with Rooms With Fireplace
Located on the Bow Valley Parkway, this lodge offers bungalows with fireplaces, providing a rustic and cozy experience. Its proximity to Johnston Canyon allows for easy access to natural attractions.

Chalet near Ski Resorts

Dog Friendly Chalet

Room Types
Studio This duplex features a flat-screen TV/DVD player, dining table, fridge and coffee machine. Additional 25.00 CAD per pet, per night

Two-Bedroom Bungalow Features a kitchenette with a dining area and a spacious living room with a fireplace.

Cottage This cottage features a seating area and a gas fireplace. This room rate is based on 2 people and can sleep up to 3 people, including children. Please refer to hotel policy regarding extra person charge.

Family Cottage This is an open plan family cabin with a small table and chair seating area. An en suite shower is available.

Bungalow This bungalow features a fireplace, sofa, flat-screen TV/DVD player, dining table, fridge and coffee machine.

Red Cabin This cottage features a flat-screen TV/DVD player, dining table, fridge and coffee machine.

Guest Reviews
7.0
Good
Location
Nestled between Banff and Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows boasts an exceptional location that offers guests the perfect base for exploring the stunning Canadian Rockies. The lodge's proximity to Johnston Canyon and its beautiful waterfalls is a highlight for many, allowing for an early start to hiking adventures right from the property. The scenic beauty of the surrounding nature, combined with the intimate and quaint cabins, creates a tranquil and secluded atmosphere.

Guests appreciate the cozy and spacious accommodations, which are nicely positioned in the forest, offering both privacy and direct access to nature trails. The on-site restaurant adds convenience and enhances the overall experience with delicious dining options. Whether it’s sitting on the porch, enjoying the peaceful and dark nights or embarking on a bicycle tour, the centrally located lodge makes it easy to explore Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

The serene and rustic setting, coupled with the dramatic views and sounds of the nearby river, contributes to the lodge’s charm. Visitors consistently praise Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows for its fantastic and superb location, making it an idyllic choice for nature enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Breakfast
Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows offers a satisfying breakfast experience at its on-site cafe and bistro. Guests consistently praise the quality and flavor of the food, highlighting the delicious and plentiful breakfast options. The bistro serves fantastic meals with an impressive breakfast menu, ensuring that diners start their day well-fed.

The restaurant's chef receives high accolades for his skill with many noting that both breakfast and other meals were excellent, often returning for multiple meals. Guests particularly enjoyed the bistro's offerings early in the morning with pastries receiving notable mentions for their taste.

However, some guests did find breakfast prices to be on the higher side with some expressing that the cost didn't always match the value received. The inclusion of breakfast in the booking would have been appreciated by some and there were a few remarks about the speed of service being slower than expected.

Overall, while the cost may be a consideration, the quality and taste of the breakfast at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows receive high marks from guests, making it a memorable part of their stay.

Dinner
Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows offers a charming dining option with some notable highlights and a few aspects for potential improvement. The restaurant fits beautifully into the serene forest setting, providing a quiet escape from crowded areas. Guests have generally praised the quality of the food, describing it as tasty and exceptional with memorable items like garlic shrimp and Caesar salad standing out.

However, the pricing has been a point of contention for some, as several reviews mention the food being on the pricier side, seemingly due to the captive market situation. Despite the cost, the meals, including both dinner and breakfast, are often noted for their great value, service and overall positive dining experience.

One drawback mentioned is the restaurant's early closing time, which could inconvenience late diners. Vegetarian options appear limited, which might be a downside for those with specific dietary preferences. Nonetheless, the location and accessibility of the food service, especially the proximity to Johnston Canyon, makes it a convenient spot for guests staying in the picturesque bungalows.

In summary, while the restaurant at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows is somewhat pricey and has a limited timeframe, it compensates with great food, wonderful service and an idyllic setting.

Rooms
The Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows offers a unique and charming experience nestled right by the scenic Johnston Canyon, making it an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts. Guests frequently appreciate the tastefully furnished and stylishly decorated cabins, complemented by clean and cozy interiors that offer a warm and toasty retreat. The bedding decor is particularly noted for its high quality.

The cabins provide a quiet and homely feel with the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, although some find them basic and minimalistic. The surrounding forest enhances the rustic charm and many bungalows offer lovely views and decks perfect for relaxing outdoors.

However, some visitors note that the rooms can be quite small and outdated with limited furnishings and occasionally problematic upkeep. Issues such as creaky beds, musty smells and cleanliness concerns have been mentioned. Despite these drawbacks, the overall ambiance and the location right next to the beautiful canyon often win over guests looking for a getaway immersed in nature.

Beds
Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows offers a mixed experience when it comes to sleeping arrangements. While some found the beds to be very comfortable and in good condition, there are numerous complaints about the size and comfort of the mattresses. Specifically, many guests felt that the beds were too small, often described as smaller than anticipated and several remarked on the discomfort of the mattresses, citing them as too hard or leading to an uncomfortable night's sleep. The decor of the bedding is stylish and of high quality, adding a touch of elegance to the rooms.

However, issues such as creaky and old beds, lack of blankets and cold conditions in the bungalows were noted, although the heating system does effectively counter the nighttime chill. Some guests even reported their beds as falling apart, highlighting an urgent need for upgrades, especially given the price point of the cottages. Overall, while the lodging does have potential, modernization and improvements in bed quality could significantly enhance the guest experience.

Cleanliness
Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness. Many guests found the cabins and cottages cute, comfortable and overall clean, featuring simple yet functional furnishings. The cozy ambiance of the cabins and the inviting atmosphere is frequently noted positively. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with cleanliness, including dusty and cobweb-filled corners, dirty bathrooms and inadequately cleaned floors. Some cabins had unpleasant smells and signs of insufficient cleaning, like old carpets and leftover grime. Additionally, while the main areas may appear clean, a deeper, more thorough cleaning seems necessary to meet guest expectations. Improvements in housekeeping could elevate the overall stay quality at this otherwise charming lodge.

Staff
Nestled next to the picturesque Johnston Canyon trail and conveniently close to Banff and Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows boasts an exceptional atmosphere complemented by its amazing staff. Guests consistently highlight the warmth and helpfulness of the staff, from the front desk to the restaurant servers. Individuals like the front desk person Orion and restaurant staff Luke, Chloe and Cameron receive particular praise for their courteous and attentive service. Most reviews commend the staff for their knowledge, friendly demeanor and proactive customer service, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of during their stay.

Owner Tim and various team members are described as friendly and accommodating, contributing significantly to the overall positive guest experience. While there are occasional mentions of unfriendly interactions or lesser-informed staff, these instances seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the staff at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows receive high marks for their attentiveness, friendliness and ability to enhance the guest experience in this scenic location.

Wi-Fi
Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows offers guests a serene mountain retreat, but connectivity can be an issue. While some guests found the Wi-Fi to work great, others experienced slow, unstable or frequently disconnected service. Internet reliability appears to be a common challenge with some mentioning that WiFi only worked in specific areas like the restaurant or partially overall. Being far in the mountains may contribute to these connectivity issues, making it an ideal place for those appreciating a bit of digital downtime. However, it would be beneficial if WiFi were accessible at least in central areas such as the office. Additionally, the lack of automatic WiFi password provision and no connectivity in the cabins might be a downside for some visitors. For a getaway focused on nature and relaxation, the limited WiFi could be a welcoming factor, but it is something potential visitors should be aware of beforehand.

Rooms with Fireplace
At Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, guests find the fireplace to be a standout feature, contributing significantly to the cozy ambiance of the cabins. Whether it's a wood-burning or gas fireplace, the warmth it provides is frequently praised, especially during cooler evenings. Visitors appreciate how quickly the fireplaces warm up the space, adding to the overall comfort and homeliness. The fireplaces are highlighted not only for their heating capabilities but also for their ease of use. Some reviews note the charming addition of a claw foot tub, enhancing the rustic appeal. Overall, the fireplaces at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows create a snug and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.


No, Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows.

Yes, Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows welcomes dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows.

No, Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows doesn't have a gym.

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