Travel

Western Canada Trip: Johnston Canyon, Alberta (Pt.8)

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Before heading to Calgary, Alberta (post to come), my last stop was Johnston Canyon. The trail to the waterfalls took me about 30 minutes, but keep in mind, it was still frozen over and the walk was quite icy and slippery.

The conditions didn’t stop tourists, it was pretty busy. Most of the Banff resort-goers head to the waterfalls. According to Banff’s official website, “The trail to the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon has to be the busiest in the Canadian Rockies. Nearly every day throughout the summer, hundreds of hikers follow its canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases to the gorge’s Lower and Upper Falls.”

It’s advisable to do the hike during the early morning or evening hours to avoid the rush of people.

Johnston Canyon Johnston Canyon (3 of 8) Johnston Canyon (5 of 8) Johnston Canyon (6 of 8) Jonhston Canyon

Did I mention I saw mountain goat while doing the drive to Johnston Canyon. I was SUPER happy about this.

Mountain goat alberta

Western Canada Trip: Spray, Two Jack, Minnewanka (Pt.7)

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It’s a good idea to plan your time properly if you’re sightseeing with a limited schedule  – and for me, I divided my trip. Day one was spent in the big ski areas, like Banff and Lake Louise, and later in the week, I had a “LAKE ONLY” day. My stops included Spray Lake, Two Jack lakeside and Lake Minnewanka in Alberta.

Touring these three stops actually took a good chunk of my day. But they are beautiful. Bring a wide lens. I was a bit of a goof, and didn’t have a prime wide. I only had my GOPRO and my 35 mm. What can I say? I like to pack light!

This is Spray Lake reservoir, including an image from my drive up the mountain. The reservoir is located in Kananaskis County. According to the Atlas of Alberta Lakes, “Until Kananaskis Country was established in the 1970s, the only road up to Spray Lakes Reservoir was a narrow, rough track clinging to the side of Mount Rundle.”

Spray Lake alberta Spray lake alberta Lakes-Alberta-7-of-12 From there, I headed to Two Jack lakeside. Another beautiful must-see sight, in my opinion.

Two Jack Lake Alberta Two Jack Lake Alberta Two Jack lakeside Alberta Two Jack lakeside Alberta And perhaps my most favourite lake during this day trip, Lake Minnewanka (“Water of Spirits”) – which is right beside Two Jack lakeside. Isn’t it perfection?!

lake minnewanka alberta lake minnewanka alberta

Western Canada Trip: Bow Valley, Canmore (Pt.6)

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A couple of other stops you should make while you’re touring the Canadian Rockies are Bow Valley and Canmore. You’ll find them less lively than a place like Banff, but they are picturesque and provide a great deal of outdoor actives for the adventurer.

Here’s Bow Valley. I hiked a trail for about 40 minutes – it was pretty wooded, and I didn’t get the best views, but there are a number of trails (difficulties vary) depending on how much time you have.

Bow Valley (1 of 2) Bow Valley Canmore is beautiful. I stopped here more than once –  mainly because it was a nice middle ground from Airdrie (where I was staying) to the rockies tour. Also if you have time, there a number of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and paved trails. You can look more up at the Canmore Nordic Centre once you arrive.

Canmore (1 of 3) Canmore (2 of 3) Canmore (3 of 3)

Western Canada Trip: Lake Louise, Alberta (Pt. 5)

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It’s been a few weeks since I posted, but some good news – I’ve just started a new job at another Toronto radio station. And, trust me, I’ve been keeping busy! But I still have so many photos to share from my Western Canada trip. For entry five, I’ll show you some shots from Lake Louise in Alberta, about 30 minutes northwest of Banff.

Lake Louise is magnificent, even frozen over – although, I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t see the complete mirrored mountains on the water. It’s also home to one of North America’s largest ski/snowboard resorts, Ski Lake Louise.

If you’re planning to stop by there, head to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. A quick walk behind the hotel, you’ll find a perfect chance to get a good photo.

Lake Louise Alberta Lake Louise Alberta Lake Louise Alberta Lake Louise Alberta Lake Louise Alberta Lake Louise Alberta

banff village

Western Canada Trip: Banff, Alberta (Pt. 4)

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I have been dreaming of the day I’d see Alberta. This trip was more than ten years in the making, and let me say, the Canadian Rockies were more than I ever expected.

During my 5-day trip to Alberta, I stayed in Calgary, which is about a 1.5 hour drive to Banff. Banff is a resort town, close to snowboarding and skiing, parks, trails, and a must-do gondola ride up the mountain – now, if you hike up the mountain yourself, you don’t need to pay for a ticket. But I had a bit of a cold, and didn’t have the energy for the climb. Plus, I really wanted some good non-obstructed photos.

The drive is also simple. Almost a straight shot up the Trans-Canada Highway, exiting at Banff Ave. Coming from Calgary, the mountain view creeps up on you, until your entire eyeshot is rockies: grand and magnificent.

banff
banff village banff canadian rockies, alberta canadian rockies, alberta banff banff gondola banff gondola

Did I mention I listened to “Alberta Bound” by Paul Brandt going down the gondola? I felt it was appropriate.

alberta bound
banff gondola