Johnston Canyon Ice Walk: Your Winter Wonderland Experience
So, you are looking to see Johnston Canyon in winter, are you? Well, the Ice Walk definitely provides an unreal, wintry twist to an already magnificent spot. When the mercury drops and snow blankets the Canadian Rockies, this canyon near Banff transforms into something almost out of a fairy tale. Seriously, with frozen waterfalls glistening and views that are quite something, it’s no surprise the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk grabs visitors from near and far. Here, I’ll offer a rundown, with helpful insights and some recommendations to hopefully get the most out of your time there.
Getting There: Planning Your Route
Reaching Johnston Canyon is pretty simple, yet preparation is certainly important, like for most adventures. Most people start their travels in either Banff or Canmore, both are very charming mountain towns. Driving is probably the simplest method, with a well-kept road leading almost directly to the Johnston Canyon parking site. Now, during the off-season, it can get busy, especially on weekends, too. To ensure a worry-free start, think about coming earlier in the morning or perhaps on a weekday. That can often make things so much better, trust me! Also, remember that weather can be rather uncertain. Do confirm road conditions prior, you might need winter tires depending on weather conditions.
The Ice Walk Experience: What to Expect
Okay, so what is it like to take on the Ice Walk? The trail is just incredibly beautiful. It more or less snakes alongside Johnston Creek, moving you past some awesome icy falls and unique canyon walls. Depending on your own fitness level and schedule, you’ve got some choices for how far you travel. For quite a lot of people, the Lower Falls, about 1.1 km from the trailhead, are normally their first spot. With a cool tunnel that provides you with a really distinctive view of the icy falls, it’s a favorite photo op location. But don’t end your hike there! Put some effort in, it’s quite worth it! Move a bit more to the Upper Falls (about 2.7 km from the trailhead), it has more frozen waterfalls that are honestly magnificent and make the extra steps well worthwhile.
Must-Have Gear for the Ice Walk
The perfect equipment is essential to honestly make the most of the Ice Walk. For starters, sturdy winter footwear is a must. Find hiking boots that are water resistant, at the very least. Proper traction is super crucial because the route is quite slick in some spots. In the event that you don’t own boots ideal for ice, contemplate renting ice cleats. Shops around Banff provide rentals at a very good price. Aside from boots, layering is key! Dressing in layers really lets you accommodate for differing activity levels and weather. Start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating mid-layer like wool or fleece, and end with a water resistant outer layer.
Safety First: Important Considerations
While Johnston Canyon’s Ice Walk really can be a wondrous journey, safety is also definitely the number one thing. Start with examining the weather before heading out. The trail isn’t necessarily as fun during very strong snowstorms. Keep to marked pathways and keep an eye out for icy or slick areas. Plus, especially when hiking independently, informing someone of your arrangements and planned return is really advisable. As for equipment, be sure to carry necessary stuff like water, munchies, a small emergency treatment kit, and a completely charged cellphone. And don’t be afraid to turn back in case the weather gets nasty, or the trek ends up a lot harder than originally thought. Honestly, no view will ever be worth your life.
Beyond the Falls: Additional Activities
Ok, so finished with the Ice Walk? There’s still very lots to do nearby! In wintertime, Banff has things like snowboarding at Mount Norquay and the renowned Banff Hot Springs, which make for really terrific choices. Those looking for a peaceful time can discover spots like Lake Louise, where you may enjoy some very good skating, or you can wander all-around Banff’s adorable downtown district. And if you are curious about nature, possibly consider checking out Cave and Basin National Historic Site for a closer peek at Banff’s past. To summarize, there are so very many choices to stretch your wintry days into a very awesome experience.