Johnston Creek (Alberta)

Course

Johnston Creek originates north of Castle Mountain in a glacial valley southwest of Badger Pass and south of Pulsatilla Pass, at an elevation of 2500 m. The creek flows southeast between Helena Ridge and the Sawback Range, and then south through a gorge known as Johnston Canyon. The stream empties into the Bow River, south of Castle Mountain, between Banff and Lake Louise, at an elevation of 1440 m.

Johnston Canyon

As Johnston Creek approaches the Bow River, it flows through a large canyon formed by erosion over thousands of years. The creek has cut through the limestone rock to form sheer canyon walls, as well as waterfalls, tunnels, and pools.

A popular hiking trail follows the canyon and leads to a meadow within the Johnston Valley above the canyon. The first part of the trail consists of a constructed walkway with safety rails and bridges, while the last part of the trail is natural and more rugged. Within the meadow are the Ink Pots, which are six blue-green spring-fed pools. In August 2018, a few of the "natural" trails near the falls were closed off, in an attempt to help recover the small nesting population of the American black swift.

Ice climbing is a popular activity on the frozen waterfalls in winter.

A tourist lodge and large parking area is located at the foot of the canyon, close to the creek mouth, along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).

Gallery

File:Johnston cascade.JPG|Cascade in Johnston Canyon File:Lower fall johnston Canyon.jpg|Lower Falls in Johnston Canyon File:Johnston-Canyon-Szmurlo.jpg|Frozen Lower Falls in Johnston Canyon File:Banff inkpots.jpg|Ink Pots File:Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park.jpg|Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park File:Ice climbers at Johnston Canyon Banff National Park Canada.jpg|Ice climbing in Johnston Canyon in December 2016 File:Johnson Canyon, Falls.jpg|The lower falls pre-1942 File:Johnston Canyon, Banff.jpg|A wooden staircase along the creek pre-1942 File:Johnson Creek Canyon.jpg|Two men standing on a wooden bridge over the creek pre-1942

References

• Patton, B and Robinson, B. The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide. Devil's Head Press Ltd. Canmore. 1978.

References

1. Staff writers. (2018-08-17). "Unofficial trail in 'secret cave' area of Johnston Canyon closed by Parks Canada to protect unique birds". [[CBC News]].