Johnson Canyon, Banff
Typical spring weather meant we made no particular plans for this weekend, but I have had my eye on this little wander for quite a while now and thought we should have a go. Sarah was keen to get out to the mountains so we headed off to Banff National Park and a small canyon just off the Bow Valley Parkway.
There's ample parking and good toilet facilities as well as a cafe (though closed for winter) As always Sarah had to use the facilities as soon as we arrived, like a dog 'scent marking' its territory.
the paved trail begins by the toilet block and drops through the trees and over the small river running directly out of the canyon, once over the bridge a right turn sets us on the correct path.
the trail is well walked and compacted snow covers most of it completely, the surface is a little broken and the pine needles reduce the chance of slipping as we head up into the forest.
not far along it's apparent that we need the the microspikes to stay upright, Sarah thinks she is now a mountaineer as she had her spikes on.....no matter how hard I tried to tell her differently!!
along the canyon walls the remains of significant winter ice and snow clings desperately to the ever warming rocks.
This place really reminds me of 'Catwalk Canyon' down south in New Mexico, USA. The steel frame attached to the canyon wall provides a great viewpoint throughout the walk.
Occasionally the underfoot conditions clear but it is only for a very short time. I confess Sarah and I look smugly at each other as we see more and more people struggling to stay upright on the icy trail.
The catwalk is quite a construction considering it is merely a tourist trail, it does make the walk very easy and as a result very popular too.
The pathway undulates along the canyon, rising and falling to ensure you never leave the waterside. Though my guide book says there are fish in here we didn't see any despite spending quite some time trying at every available opportunity.
it really is a scenic little wander and definitely worth considering if you are in the area. You can actually add a few km's to this walk and hike up to a pair of lakes called 'The Inkpots' though Sarah was not too keen on that idea today.
The lower falls come into view after about 3/4 of a km and a close view can be accessed by crossing the bridge and ducking down to stoop through the small cave opposite.
I'd taken the wide angle lens today (due to the anticipated enclosed spaces) so getting a shot of us two on the bridge with the lower falls in the background was easy, even though Sarah was having kittens about the possibility of the camera falling in the river.
You know you are entering a small place when Sarah has to duck down to get in there, after looking in the tunnel she came out again and said "you go first, there might be...........something"
Once through the tunnel there is a very small space to stand and grab a photo, I can't help but think this will be a bit of a nightmare in the summer/tourist season. I think this is probably the best time to see the falls as there is both water and ice (though winter would probably be spectacular)
Once we had said a few oooh's and aaah's we set off again up the steep switchbacks toward the upper falls, an overlook above the lower falls provides a great vantage point for a pic.
The trail continues very much as before with the catwalk along the canyon and waterfalls a plenty
When we stopped on a small bench beside a waterfall for Sarah to rest we were quickly joined by a little squirrel seeking a handout, I felt kind of guilty for not having anything to give him as he put on a good show deserving of a reward.
The trail leaves the canyon for a short ascent through the forest before rejoining the canyon where a descending catwalk takes you to the viewpoint at the bottom of the upper falls.
There is still a small amount of ice clinging to the canyon wall here but even as we stood admiring the falls large chunks were breaking off and crashing into the water
The falls themselves are quite impressive and measure around 90 feet from the water level to the top. Water is pouring down even now but it is hidden away by the ice. We can hear water crashing down and see it entering the river below but the curtain of ice hides most of the falls.
We reascend the canyon and go to the viewpoint at the top of the falls to complete the walk, we stand a while watching ice fall from the walls and boom against other ice and rocks before splashing into the beautiful clear water.
Over the edge, the curtain of ice is still an impressive sight....I may have to return here in the middle of winter to see the full effect.