August 13th ~ Banff National Park
Tim on the Johnston Canyon hike
When we were staying in the campground right next to the town of Banff, I had wanted to do the Johnston Canyon Hike, but just could not get my patootie out the door. But now, I was feeling guilty at missing one of the most popular hiking trails in Banff National Park.
That could only mean one thing – BACKTRACKING!
Thankfully it was only a very short distance from our new site near Lake Louise, so really not a big deal.
Johnston Canyon Hike
Only .5 Mile to Lower Falls and 1.5 to Upper Falls
It was easy to see why this hike is on everyone’s list. The first part to the lower falls takes only 30 minutes, travels along a boardwalk and is rated easy. The engineering task of embedding metal into the side of the rock walls, and installing a cantilevered catwalk is impressive.
Word of warning – get there early to avoid the crowds and to get a parking space.
The steep canyon walls and roaring Johnston creek provide a glorious setting.
Johnston Canyon
Many thousand boots have passed over this rock and polished it until it shined.
Rock polished by many pairs of boots over the years
You can see how the walkway is built out over the canyon below
Lower Falls – notice the tunnel opening on the far right side
On the right-hand side of this picture you can see a tunnel opening. It is narrow, but opens up to a closer observation deck where you just might get some cool spray on your face.
Continuing up the trail toward the Upper Falls, there is a little more climb involved, but still not a difficult walk. The walkway is a simple dirt path in areas, interspersed with more of the reinforced boardwalk.
More waterfalls dotted our path. I think there were seven in all. Upper Falls was worth the climb.
Castle Mountain Internment Camp
About the camp
Canada, as does the USA, has a dark relationship with imprisoning enemy aliens. During World War I, some 8500 people from countries who were at war with Canada were put into internment camps. Despite them being civilians, many were sent to prisoner of war camps and used as forced labor.
“Of particular note was the use of forced labour in Canada’s national parks, where they were introduced there as a matter of policy to improve existing facilities and increase accessibility by developing the park system’s infrastructure. By 1915 several internment camps in and around the Rocky Mountains were in full swing, including a camp at the foot of Castle Mountain, the terminal point of the then uncompleted Banff-Laggan (Lake Louise) road.” ~ Wikipedia
Today a monument marks where the camp was located
From Bow Summit, you can take a short walk to see some pretty impressive views of Peyto Lake (pronounced PEE-toh).
Bow Summit Sign
During the summer, there is an abundance of glacier rock flour, which gives this lake (and many other glacier fed lakes through out this region) its’ incredible turquoise color.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake
About the coloring
Bridal Veil Falls
Located along the Icefields Parkway, Bridal Veil Falls is a class 4 waterfall with a drop of 1200 feet. The falls are visible from the pull-out, but even with threatening skies, we hiked a bit down the trail in hopes of getting a better shot.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that we were willing to backtrack and did not miss taking the hike in Johnston Canyon.
A Note From Abroad 
Beautiful photos! Unfortunately our short visit to Banff this summer was marred by unrelenting rain.
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Oh, that is such a shame. We find that we are fair weather travelers ourselves, and sometimes choose to stay inside when it is pouring.
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absolutely gorgeous! thanks for sharing!!!
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Lovely photos! Unfortunately I think these beautiful places are even busier than usual with the free park entry for Canada’s 150th birthday.
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Caroline, you are right. The park rangers mentioned that the amount of visitors was up considerably this year. It was wonderful that the parks are free for everyone this year, but yes, the downside is crowded conditions and parking lots filling us early.
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Great pictures! I’m hoping to put Banaff back on my bucket list even though I camped there over 43 years ago.
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Barbara, it probably has changed little other than being more crowded. Still spectacular!
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What a beautiful hike. I’m so glad that you decided to backtrack too! The waterfalls are fabulous! Were the red things on that one stem berries or flowers? It is interesting why the lake is that color it is. Thanks for sharing that. The internment camps were a horrible part of our histories. I guess all countries have an era they are ashamed of as times change. At the time, I’m sure it felt like the right thing to do.
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Those were some kind of a seed or berry, but I’m sorry I don’t know what they are called. I am often drawn to plants/flowers that I find in each area we travel. The colors in nature are wondrous!
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Yes, I agree. Nature has a fantastic color palette. I thought the plant was interesting, as it looked like the berries are directly on the stem and not a flower stalk. Sort of like the red bud tree’s flowers being on the limb and not at the end where flowers normally are. (Hope that made sense. It sounds a little like I am beating around the bush.)
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Perhaps around a red berry bush 🙂
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🙂
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Wonderful pics and post! 😇☺
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Thank you!
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We loved Johnston Canyon too. We were so lucky because we left Kananaskis in rain that morning, then drove through terrible weather to our next destination, but our stop at the canyon was perfect!
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I’m so happy that your weather gave you a reprieve, just at the right time!
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Taking notes.
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HaHa, you will have a notebook full of notes. There is sooooo much to see and do. I’m excited for you. Enjoy the planning stage.
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I am a geography teacher in Romania and I mentioned this park in one of my lesson. The images are very beautiful.
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Thank you very much!
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Absolutely worth backtracking!!! What gorgeous photos!
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Every once in a while, going the “wrong” direction turns out to be the “right” direction 😬
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