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April 1, 2021 In Outdoor Edventures

Johnson Lake Hike

Where:

  • Johnson Lake

 

When:

  • March 31, 2021

 

Who:

  • Ed, Jace, Marilyn, Steph

 

Trailhead:

  • turn off Highway 1 at the first Banff exit (heading west) onto the Lake Minnewanka Road
  • after 1 km, turn right and continue for 3.7 km to the Johnson Lake road for another 2.3 km
  • the trail starts out of the far end of the parking lot by the lake

 

 

Degree of difficulty:

  • 70 meters of elevation, so very gentle
  • 3 km loop around the lake, which you can do in either direction
  • the trail was a bit slick, so grippers were an asset
  • the Johnson Lake hike took us one hour

 

 

Interesting notes:

  • a great leisurely trail that is easy to access
  • both sides of the lake have a high and low option trail
  • there is a lot of eco variety within this montane forest area
  • sweeping 360-degree views of numerous peaks, including Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain
  • it has the only beach in the Banff area, so it’s a popular summer destination
  • also, in the summer, it’s a great spot to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard
  • there is also a rope swing that requires a little exploration to find
  • there is a short winter ice skating period before too much snow falls

 

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