Banff

Banff was today’s target. We started our day at the Instagram worthy Johnston Canyon. I founds IG reels on this stop a few months ago and it was just as beautiful in person as on social media. I’ll be honest and say the beauty would have been marred by crowds of people, so we made sure we were some of the first people to enter. The temp was 43 degrees, but the two mile hike up warmed you up fairly quickly. 

As the sun got higher in the sky, the lighting in the trees changed and in some places changed dramatically. The calcite powder is prevalent everywhere, so the beautiful blue can be seen in all bodies of water.

We stopped at lower falls and then continued the hike to upper falls. In total, this was a 3.5 mile hike. 

From here we stopped at The Cave and Basin, the origins of the Banff National Park, and once considered a must-visit destination for its healing properties. People soaked in the hot springs and were healed from various ailments. The descendants of the indigenous people still use this area for traditional ceremonies. Today swimming is not allowed due to a rapidly declining snail population that lives in these waters and only these waters.

Although the history is interesting, I could have skipped this and not lost any sleep. Someone could have told me about the snails for free and I would have been just as impressed. We left the historical swimming pool area and walked the Marsh Loop, an easy walk through the edge of the marsh. I was hoping to see a moose or even an elk but no luck. We saw a moose on Wednesday, but it was so far away. I wanted to see one closer - close like the zoo closeness but in the wild. 

I could have skipped this trail, too, and not lost any sleep. But just as I did, it would be the day the moose made its appearance. 

After lunch and a walk down Main Street, (my sweet potato and corn chowder was heavenly), we drove just outside of Banff to see Two Jack Lake. The locals were here sunbathing, kayaking, and picnicking. You know it’s good when the locals are there. We skipped the hike because, well my toes still hurt and Wes is tired, but the water was once again beautiful!

Just a little farther down the road was Lake Minnewanka, the largest, deepest lake in Banff National Park. The locals were here, too, picnicking and sunbathing on the limestone rocks. I walked around the perimeter of the lake while Wes took a nap in the car. 

In my opinion, it was more beautiful than Louise. The park officials do not allow any water sports here because the temp remains just above freezing - even in summer - and the threat of hypothermia is too great. 

We took a hour long guided boat tour to back country. The afternoon weather was so nice - perfect for the lake.