Category: destination of the week 19 feb to 25 feb summer

Accessible natural beauty

Carved steeply into the limestone bedrock by thousands of years of water erosion, the dramatic Johnston Canyon is a must-visit natural attraction in Banff National Park. Overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, the deep pools of Johnston Creek, and lush forest are sure to leave a memorable impression. And it can all be experienced via an an easy hike along smooth trails and catwalks, making it ideal for families and people of all fitness levels and ages.

Summer & Fall
During spring, summer, and fall, take a walk up the canyon to view the Lower and Upper Falls. Along the way there are many viewpoints from which you can look over the canyon and down to the deep blue creek below.
The trail to the Lower Falls is fairly flat and smooth, initially through forest and then on catwalks besides Johnston Creek and up into the canyon. Don’t miss the short tunnel through the canyon rock to a viewing platform a couple metres from the falls – just don’t be surprised if you get misted with water.

WINTER
During the winter months (December to April), Johnston Canyon is a favourite place to go ice walking and ice climbing. The Upper Falls freeze during the winter and make for excellent beginner and advanced ice climbing. Although ice climbing might sound rather daunting, with proper instruction complete beginners can climb simple routes – if you can climb a ladder, you can climb a frozen waterfall! Guided trips and instruction are available from several providers in Banff and Lake Louise.
Ice walking is another great way to experience Johnston Canyon during the winter. Guided tours are a good option – you will be provided with all the gear you need to safely and enjoyably walk up the canyon and the opportunity to learn about its striking features.

TRAIL TO THE INK POTS
If you are looking for a longer hike and some more solitude than the canyon, you could try the trail beyond the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots. The Ink Pots are seven pools of green coloured mineral springs located in an open meadow about 3 kilometres on from the Upper Falls.

AMENITIES
There are washrooms at the parking lot, and a gift shop and restaurant open during summer at the Johnston Canyon Resort. The trail to the Lower Falls is stroller and wheelchair accessible – after that there are a few steps

The Best Grizzly Bear Viewing and Scenery in the Canadian Rockies!

Located in Banff National Park, the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola & Wildlife Interpretive Centre offers a unique opportunity to dine on delicious mountain inspired dishes, ascend to an awe-inspiring viewpoint, and to learn why we are the home of the grizzly bear. Whatever your fitness level, Lake Louise will quickly capture your heart so be sure to bring your camera to save your own special memories of soaring peaks, stunning glaciers, lush carpets of alpine wildflowers fed by clear bubbling springs, and-often-delightful glimpses of wildlife surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of summer.

From 2088m, the spectacular scenery is yours to explore at will. There are interpretive guided walks for the adventurous, or equally lovely short leisurely walks for those with more modest exercise goals.

Dining
Your great day on the mountain includes hearty and healthy meals right here at the resort. Choose from full-service dining to sun-drenched decks, breakfast and lunch menus, and grab-and-go items amongst unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies.

Wildlife Interpretive Centre
The end of the lift and gondola ride is only the start of the adventure. All lift and gondola visits begin with a pre-ride visitor welcome. This brief presentation will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit while enlightening visitors about our unique surroundings.

Exploring the high country by Horseback!

There is something very special about waking up in the morning, saddling your horse, and exploring the wilderness of Banff National Park from atop of your long-legged steed. By horseback, you travel at a steady rhythm, without being confined to roads or disturbing the tranquility around you. Following trails through vibrant alpine pastures, traversing mountain passes, or fording rushing rivers, horseback riding in Banff and Lake Louise is a strikingly memorable experience.

DAY TOURS
Explore the mountains and Alberta’s outfitting history with a half- or full-day tour offered by one of the horse ranches around Banff and Lake Louise. Seize the opportunity to experience the stunning scenery from the unique perspective on horseback. Take an introductory tour to become more comfortable on horses and experience what the original outfitters might have felt, or join a longer tour as you are led into the wilds around Banff and Lake Louise. Longer tours may give you the opportunity to circumnavigate a mountain, explore the high country, or ride from Lake Louise to a historic tea house.

BACKCOUNTRY TRIPS
If a day of exploring on horseback isn’t enough, take an overnight or multi-day tour. Ride through jaw-dropping scenery during the day, and by night, stay in a backcountry cabin or rustic tent camps like the original cowboys did. Tell stories while sitting around the campfire exchanging adventures with other guests and fall asleep admiring the starry skies. The next morning, after a cup of freshly brewed “cowboy coffee,” you’ll be on your way exploring more spectacular scenery.