Banff National Park, B.C.
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Johnston Canyon Banff National Park, B.C. |
July 21, 2018
Today I already have walked to Wapta Falls, Takakkaw Falls, and the Peyto Lake viewpoint. Having some time remaining before I must head over to Calgary and meet with some hiker friends who are attending a bridge tourament there, I will try my luck on this park's most popular trail.
My serious reservations about this walk are confirmed when I am compelled to
park a good quarter-mile from the trailhead:
For what it's worth, however, this will enable me actually to hike in four
different national parks in just three days' time — a first for me.
There is a big store here for the tourists, which I ignore.
My worst fears are realized almost immediately, as I am hemmed in by bodies on the catwalk that runs nearly the entire length of the canyon.
Ugh
This is even worse than Yosemite's Mist Trail in mid-July
Sometimes there is a little breathing room, when I can get to it
Approaching the Lower Falls
This angle is no good, however. I must bite the bullet and join the hordes on the bridge below. By biding my time, I do finally get a turn at the railing:
The Lower Falls are beautiful...
...when you can see them
Doubtless the next segment of trail is less crowded; but I an sufficiently
turned off my this whole scene to forgo a continuance, and that's a first
for me as well. Perhaps the prospect of a hundred-mile drive to
Calgary is influencing me, but so be it.
Starting back
Looking back
Johnston Creek is pretty nice
§: Well, this one exemplifies the times in which we now live.
Here, a potentially exciting walk through a beautiful canyon to a pair of gorgeous
waterfalls has been all but destoyed by its popularity. Yes, I got a couple
of good photographs despite the crowding and the hassle, but at some effort.
The canyon is so inherently beautiful that I have upgraded the hike's rating
solely on that basis, yet there is no way that I ever would recommend this walk
to anyone. On the other hand, perhaps one could beat the crowds by showing
up at 6 a.m. or opting for a winter tour.
| Scenery |  |
| Crowding |  |
| Personality |  |
