Parks Canada Restricts Off-Trail Travel At Johnston Canyon To Protect Endangered Black Swifts

One of Banff National Park's busiest attractions is now subject to stricter visitor restrictions as Parks Canada moves to protect an endangered bird that nests in the cliffs and waterfalls of Johnston Canyon.

The federal agency has prohibited all off-trail travel along the Johnston Canyon Trail corridor between the lower trailhead and the junction with the Ink Pots and Moose Meadows trails. The restriction remains in place until Nov. 15.

Under the order, visitors must remain on the official trail at all times. Parks Canada says those who venture off trail could face fines of up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.

The measure is intended to protect black swifts, one of Canada's most at-risk bird species. Johnston Canyon is home to a small population of the birds, which nest in crevices near waterfalls and canyon walls.

"Off-trail use is strictly prohibited to minimize disturbance to black swifts, protect their habitat and to reduce erosion, trampling and disturbance of sensitive vegetation and soils," Parks Canada said.

The black swift is the largest swift species in North America, recognizable by its dark plumage, long pointed wings and distinctive notched tail. The birds feed on flying insects and can live for up to 16 years.

Despite their ability to nest in remote locations, black swift populations have declined dramatically. Parks Canada says the species has experienced an estimated population decline of more than 50% since 1973. In 2019, it was officially listed as endangered under Canada's Species at Risk Act.

Johnston Canyon has become an increasingly important refuge for the species. Parks Canada describes the canyon as one of only two known black swift nesting areas within Banff National Park.

The birds return each spring and typically nest in small cavities on damp cliff faces near waterfalls. Each breeding pair lays just a single egg per year, making population recovery slow and leaving nesting sites particularly vulnerable to disturbance.

Recent monitoring suggests conservation efforts may be helping.

Parks Canada recorded five active black swift nests at Johnston Canyon in 2021, the highest number observed at the site since 2004. Four active nests were documented in each of the past three years. In 2024, all four chicks successfully fledged from their nests by September.

Even so, the population remains well below historical levels. Parks Canada says as many as 12 active nests were commonly recorded in Johnston Canyon until the early 1980s.

The restricted activity area covers the entire main Johnston Canyon route from the lower trailhead to the Ink Pots and Moose Meadows junction. While hikers can still access the trail system, stepping off the designated route into surrounding forest, canyon edges or informal viewpoints is prohibited.

"Visitors who stay on trail are contributing to this success," Parks Canada notes.

For a species that produces just one chick a year and depends on a handful of nesting sites across the Rockies, even small reductions in disturbance can make a significant difference.