Johnston Canyon

Rocks in Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park, Sept. 2012

On our first full day in the Canadian Rockies in early September (after Labour Day), we went on the Johnston Canyon trail.  It was a cloudy, drizzly day and we joined many walkers on the cool, shaded trail.  This is one that many people would find quite do-able, particularly the lower trail.  There were elderly as well as young people, including some with babies in strollers.  The presence of other people did not diminish the beauty of the canyon which we found to be a great introduction to Banff National Park.

Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, Sept. 2012

Catwalk on the Johnston Canyon Trail, Sept. 2012

Rock and Water on the Johnston Canyon Trail, Sept. 2012, Banff National Park, Canada

Johnston Canyon Ochre Rock on Upper Trail, Sept. 2012, Alberta

We eventually took the upper trail, which lead us to deep ochre coloured rocks.  There we spoke to a couple from Great Britain who were delighted, as we were, by the beauty we were in.  We did not continue on to the inkpots but will likely do so on a future visit.

Here I am, pausing on our first walk–in Johnston Canyon–in Banff National Park, Sept. 2012

Johnston Canyon, Sept. 2012

The drizzle turned to rain as we retraced our steps, watching our footing on slippery rocks.  Despite the chill and dampness, I felt the trees, rocks and water giving me a feeling of well-being and calling to me to learn more about the history of this dramatic part of the country.

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