The towns of Canmore and Banff, nestled right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, serve as ideal home bases to explore the surrounding area, including the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots hike.
Canmore is approximately 55 kilometers (about 34 miles) away. It will take around 45 minutes to reach the start of the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots trail.
During my visit, we spent the first four nights of our trip staying at a VRBO located in Canmore. Hotels in Canmore tend to be more affordable than Banff so consider splitting your stay between these two towns to keep your budget happy.
Another nice perk when staying in Canmore is that you'll be within minutes of the Three Sisters Viewpoint trailhead!
Banff, on the other hand, is a bit closer to the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots hike and other popular destinations. Located about 32 kilometers away (approximately 20 miles), a journey by car will only take you about 30 minutes to reach the trailhead.
We spent two nights at the Brewsters Mountain Lodge which is located in the heart of Banff. It's one of the more budget friendly hotel options in Banff and sits directly across the street from my favorite restaurant in town, Three Bears Brewery.
If you're keen on staying near Johnston Canyon specifically, consider looking into the historic Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows that reside here. This family run hotel is a great option if you're looking to get away from the crowds you'll encounter when staying in the town of Banff.